Union Pines Stage Theatre places in nationals, begins fundraising

January 12, 2026

The Union Pines High School theatre department is headed to the “state championship” of drama after securing a top spot at the North Carolina Theatre Conference (NCTC) State High School Play Festival.

The school’s production of “Of Widows and Vegetables” was named a Judges’ Choice winner at the festival, hosted by Greensboro College. The honor earns the troupe an invitation to represent North Carolina at the Southeastern Theatre Conference (SETC) Convention in Chattanooga, Tennessee, this March.

“This is a tremendous honor for these kids, as this is compared to a state football championship, but of theatre,” says Heather Smith, proud parent of a student involved in the Union Pines High School theatre program. “Union Pines is one of the two schools that is moving on to compete in nationals! This is a remarkable distinction, placing our students among the most talented young performers in the Southeast.”

West Henderson High School, from Hendersonville, will also attend to perform its production, “The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane,” which received the Audience Choice award.

The SETC Convention is the largest theater conference in the United Kingdom and United States, serving as a massive stage for high school performers to showcase their talents in front of regional adjudicators and college recruiters.

All photos of “Of Widows and Vegetables” by Union Pines student Cadence Loomis. She is a senior in the show, and she also takes photographs for the school’s yearbook.

The Union Pines success comes alongside individual accolades for the program. Union Pines theater director Chase Coston received a directing award from the NCTC for his work on the production.

The advancement to the five-day competition does, however, pose a financial challenge. The program aims to raise approximately $25,000 to cover travel, lodging, meals, and competition fees for nearly 30 students and their chaperones.

The community has already begun rallying behind the “Vikings” cast and crew. A benefit performance scheduled for Jan. 18 at the Brunswick Little Theatre in Southport—Coston’s hometown theater—has already sold out.

Local supporters have several other opportunities to contribute to the “Road to SETC” fund:

• Char Bar Fundraiser: On Jan. 29, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., Char Bar will host a benefit night featuring a performance by Julia Golden. Golden will donate her earnings from the evening to the theater program, and Char Bar has pledged 10% of the night’s proceeds to the cause. Members of the “Of Widows and Vegetables” cast will be present to perform and meet with guests.

• Online Giving: The school district has launched an official page to accept digital donations.

Abegail Murphy | Assistant Editor
Article by Sandhills Sentinel Assistant Editor Abegail Murphy. Abegail has been writing for Sandhills Sentinel since 2021.
Photos by Union Pines student Cadence Loomis.
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