Rather than see the historic, atmospheric theatres bulldozed to make way for parking lots in the late 80s, the non-profit spearheaded the restoration of both historic theatres — raising the funds and overseeing years of work to bring the theatres back to life. This effort gifted San Antonio with two remarkable venues where audiences can relish music, musical theatre, comedy, drama and more. Surrounded by the beauty of these historic atmospheric theatres, patrons can immerse themselves in unforgettable cultural experiences.

The Majestic Empire Foundation’s transformative journey also focuses on arts education and building the future of performing arts. One of the foundation’s flagship initiatives is its scholarship program — the single largest performing arts scholarship program in the country. Scholarships are awarded through the Joci Awards Performing Arts Scholarship Competition, to recognize and assist hopeful college-bound high school students who excel in the performing arts.

Named for the late Jocelyn L. “Joci” Straus, founding chairperson of Las Casas Foundation, the competition is open to students attending Texas public and private high schools, and home-schooled students. 2024’s record-breaking 333 applicants are offered numerous educational opportunities, including workshops, master classes and a preliminary audition process. The applicants audition before an adjudication team of premier performance standard judges. The top 25 performers are chosen, along with two technical theatre students, one theatre journalist, and two students are chosen to go on to study at Texas State University’s prestigious summer program — free of charge. These students then participate in the Joci Awards, a whirlwind, one-of-a-kind Broadway-caliber performance. All of these students are guaranteed scholarships to pursue their dreams of higher education, with top awards going to acting, singing, dancing, best lead actor and actress, and one best overall.

Since the 2009 inception of the scholarship program, The Majestic Empire Foundation has awarded over $1.5 million in scholarship funds to deserving student performers. The 2024 competition will award over $120,000 to help 28 students pursue their college dreams. 

The Jocis also serve as a regional award program for the National High School Musical Theatre Awards, a national celebration of outstanding student achievement recognizing individual artistry in vocal, dance and acting, known as the “Jimmy Awards” in recognition of the program’s founder, Jimmy Nederlander. The students who win the Joci Awards’ best lead actor in a musical and best lead actress in a musical are awarded the opportunity to participate in the National High School Musical Theatre Awards in New York City, where they may win additional scholarship funds.

If you want to catch a glimpse of terrific young talent, don’t miss the Joci Awards at the Charline McCombs Empire Theatre on May 5, 2024. Ticket sales benefit the competition’s scholarship fund, so in addition to seeing a great show, you’ll also help the scholarship fund reach more students.