The Union Pines High School Stage Theatre program is headed to the “state championship” of high school drama — and now the community is stepping up to help make it happen.
The school’s production of Of Widows and Vegetables was named a Judges’ Choice winner at the North Carolina Theatre Conference State High School Play Festival, earning the troupe an invitation to represent North Carolina at the Southeastern Theatre Conference (SETC) Convention this March in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
Only two schools in the state were selected for this honor, placing Union Pines among the top high school theatre programs in the Southeast. In addition, theatre director Chase Coston received a directing award for his work on the production.
SETC is one of the largest theatre conferences in the United States, giving students the chance to perform in front of college recruiters, industry professionals, and regional judges — a major opportunity for students interested in pursuing the arts.
To make the trip possible, the Union Pines Theatre program is working to raise $25,000 to cover travel, lodging, meals, and competition fees for nearly 30 students and chaperones.
The community has already begun showing strong support. A benefit performance in Southport sold out, and more fundraisers are coming up — including a Char Bar benefit night on January 29, featuring music from Julia Golden and performances by members of the cast. Char Bar will also donate 10 percent of the evening’s proceeds to the theatre program.
Those who would like to support the students can also donate through the program’s online GoFundMe, helping these talented performers take their “Road to SETC” all the way to nationals.
Union Pines isn’t just going to nationals — they’re taking Moore County with them.
