Each year, I have the privilege of watching my students take the stage at the North Carolina Theatre Conference (NCTC) High School Play Festival. And each year, I see something remarkable happen. I see a student who doubted their abilities step forward with confidence, delivering a performance that leaves the audience breathless. I see a cast and crew, who may have started as classmates, become an ensemble—lifting each other up, solving problems under pressure, and celebrating every moment together. I see young artists discover the power of their own voices and the magic of storytelling. The NCTC Play Festival is more than a competition. It’s a transformative experience that teaches resilience, teamwork, and creative expression. It provides our students with professional feedback, exposes them to other talented theatre programs across the state, and gives them the opportunity to share their hard work with a wider audience. Your generosity directly impacts the students who pour their hearts into this art form and carry its lessons far beyond the stage. Thank you for being part of their journey!