RED BANK — The Count Basie Theatre is inaugurating awards that will recognize outstanding student achievement in dramatic and musical theater.

The Basie Awards “will recognize the highest levels of individual and ensemble achievement in high school musical and dramatic theater in Monmouth County,” an announcement from the theater said.

The annual awards are aimed at encouraging student involvement in the arts, whether as a career path or a rewarding lifelong activity.

By establishing the awards, the nonprofit Count Basie Theatre is aiming to give student achievements in the arts “the same recognition as those already given to athletic and academic pursuits,” the announcement said.

“Through this innovative program, the months of preparation and hard work that students devote to producing and presenting musical or dramatic productions will be rewarded, not only through their participation in the production, but by the opportunity for their efforts and accomplishments to be recognized by their peers and the community.”

To participate, schools must submit an application and the theater will schedule an evaluation panel of professional actors, choreographers and directors to attend and evaluate the performance of each production entered into the competition.

In late spring of 2006 the first annual Basie Award Ceremony will take place on the stage of the Count Basie Theatre, with the theater donating a technical crew and rehearsal space. Each nominated school will present an excerpt from its production. Local dignitaries, celebrities and members of the media will present the awards.

High schools that have already agreed to participate include, Red Bank Regional, Neptune, Red Bank Catholic, Long Branch, Rumson-Fair Haven Regional, Raritan, Monmouth Regional, Middletown, and Ranney School.

A preliminary planning meeting is scheduled for April.

Basie Awards will be presented in each of the following categories, with levels of awards reflecting budgetary constraints: Drama and Musical Theatre; Best Performance by a Lead Actor; Best Performance by a Featured Actor; Best Scenic and Set Design; Best Lighting Design; Best Costume Design; Best Technical Crew; Best Direction; Best Musical Direction; Best Choreography; Best All Student Orchestra; Best Vocal Chorus; Best Overall Musical; Outstanding Teacher Arts Advocate.