Union Pines High School's theater company, UP Stage, has achieved an extraordinary milestone this year. This is a remarkable distinction, placing our students among the most talented young performers in the Southeast. Their recent production of Of Widows and Vegetables has earned them the award for 'Distinguished Play: Judge's Choice' at the North Carolina Theatre Conference.

This is a huge opportunity for our students, as they now get to represent the entire state of North Carolina as they advance and compete at the 2025 Southeastern Theatre Conference (SETC) National Festival in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

This advancement represents the highest achievement possible for high school theatre in our region. Only two high schools per state get to advance, and our students have worked so hard to earn this incredible opportunity!

Twenty-eight students and three adult chaperones will be traveling to Tennessee in March to compete on a regional stage.

We are asking for help from the community to make this trip accessible and possible for every student to attend. We must raise a minimum of $25,000 to cover transportation, hotel accommodations, meals, and other various expenses with travel.

Any donation large or small has a real impact, and we thank you for your consideration in supporting the arts. 100% of contributions will support our students.

This donation request is on behalf of Chase Coston, director of UP Stage.