formal and generally include local VIP award presenters, along with performances of songs or scenes from nominated shows. They usually run from two-and-a-half to three hours, and some are televised. Cappie Awards Critic (based on gender or year in school) Critic Team Marketing and Publicity Sound Make-Up Props Special Effects and/or Technology Lighting Sets Costumes Stage Crew Stage Management* Orchestra Choreography Creativity Ensemble in a Play Ensemble in a Musical Featured Actor Featured Actress Female Dancer Male Dancer Female Vocalist Male Vocalist Comic Actress in a Play Comic Actor in a Play Comic Actress in a Musical Comic Actor in a Musical Supporting Actress in a Play Supporting Actor in a Play Supporting Actress in a Musical Supporting Actor in a Musical Lead Actress in a Play Lead Actor in a Play Lead Actress in a Musical Lead Actor in a Musical Song Play Musical * The Stage Management category is only featured in the Orange County, California chapter of Cappies. Awards rules At the end of the school year, within each program, critics who review the required minimum number of shows (usually five) become judges for Cappie nominations and awards. Except for critic awards (determined by a digital formula), all Cappie nominations and awards are decided by student critics. The student critics gather at a central computer site to vote. This process is carefully supervised by adult proctors, and reviewed for accuracy by a trustee and auditor. Depending on the program, there can be anywhere from three to five nominees per award category. The nominees are announced shortly after the voting. The outcome of all awards is determined by unique software developed in 2002 by two high school students from Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology in Alexandria, Virginia. Awards are only given to high school students in grades 9–12. The amount of adult involvement in offstage work (building sets, sewing costumes, playing in orchestras, etc.) is strictly established in the rules. A Cappies show that has adults exceeding the allowed level of involvement is not eligible for that category, but is eligible for all other awards. A steering committee of a regional Cappies program can, if it chooses, give a Special Award for Service to a high school student who gave exceptional help, either to the Cappies or to high school theater throughout his or her region. Cappies International Theater Every summer, winners of Lead Actor