For the past four years, I have had the immense joy of partaking in the NCTC play festival in some way, shape or form. Be it baking cookies for fellow cast members, helping out as stage manager, acting as head costumer, or perfecting my skipping skills for my role as Little Red Riding Hood in my school’s production of Into the Woods, Jr. NCTC has played a pivotal part in my life, both shaping my entire high school experience, and equipping me with a professional outlet that has better prepared me for life as a musical theatre major in college. With my senior year coming to a close, I reflect on this past years NCTC experience with particular nostalgia.
This past fall, Charlotte Christian School took two shows to the Regional High School Play Festival. Both pieces were well received as well as challenged artistically by the amazing adjudicators. It was an encouraging festival in which I was made aware of new works, and befriended countless other passionate students (in person as well as via NCTC’s facebook page) who share my affinity for theatre. My school was privileged enough to be awarded a spot at the North Carolina State festival with our rendition of Into The Woods, Jr! Looking back at this huge privilege, I still get goose bumps thinking of all the fantastic art produced at the state festival. After a weekend filled with Shakespeare, Greek tragedy, classic American musicals, and even some original works, the NCTC State festival ended up yielding an additional trip to SETC for my cast! SETC allowed me not only to see what performers from all over the United States are working on, but also to have first hand training during the enlightening workshops that take place there. I feel that all the exposure and guidance provided by NCTC helped me to both excel at SETC, as well as go on past the realm of theatre festivals to be accepted into college for musical theatre.
As I recently hung up my red cape for the last time, I was filled with the fondest memories of my four years participating in the NCTC High School Play Festivals. I encourage any and every high school student I come in contact with to be a part of this wonderful and enriching organization. As I walk forward into new “stages” of my life, I truly have been shaped by my time spent at NCTC, and am excited to reach for more dreams in the artistic community.
--Polly Hilton, Little Red Riding Hood in Into The Woods, Jr., Charlotte Christian School

Recent Comments