West Forsyth High School’s production of “Hello Dolly” has garnered eight nominations for the Shuler Hensley Awards, the state’s official high school musical theater awards program.

The cast and crew were nominated for featured performer, ensemble, scenic design, lighting design, technical execution, music direction, direction and overall production.

The school won four awards last year for its production of “Oklahoma.”

South Forsyth High received three nominations this year for its production of “Sweeney Todd, the Demon Barber of Fleet Street.”

The school’s nominations were for ensemble performance, technical execution and lighting design.

The awards program is named for Shuler Hensley, a Marietta native and Tony Award winner. It’s in its fourth year as part of the Cobb Energy Centre Foundation educational outreach program ArtsBridge.

Winners will be announced April 17 during an awards ceremony at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre.

Much like the Tony Awards, the Shuler Hensley event will be televised, beginning with a red carpet event. It will showcase performances from the six schools, including West, nominated for best overall production, actor and actress.

Courtney Reed, director of education and community outreach for the foundation, described the evening as “about much more than awards.”

“On this occasion … high school theater students and teachers from across the state showcase their talents and receive a much deserved standing ovation from arts professionals, community leaders and adoring fans and families,” Reed said in a statement. “This program is about celebrating theater and the power behind arts in education. Everyone wins.”

The winning actor and actress will be eligible to compete in the National High School Musical Theater Awards in June in New York.