This February, Ash will travel with the Theatre Raleigh Act (TRACT) to Sacramento, California, for the 2027 Junior Theatre Festival West, where young performers from across the country come together to learn, perform, grow, and celebrate theatre arts. Between now and then, the troupe has a demanding rehearsal schedule designed to strengthen each artist's craft, encourage intentional storytelling, build leadership, and help them work as a cohesive team.

Winton and I always said that Ash was our little Lisa Bonet; quietly creative, deeply thoughtful, but a ham and true light when given the chance to shine. This is the kid who was drawing on walls at 3, so we let them do it. Watching that light grow through the theatre has been one of my greatest gifts as Ash's mom.

I grew up dancing ballet, hip hop, jazz, modern, and tap, so when Ash discovered theatre, I was ecstatic. That first improv performance Ash did with Moonlight Studios, I knew I was watching a creative thread carrying forward to the next generation. And now Ash has three shows in their repertoire performing with TRACT, a handful of voice lessons from Allie Carnes Studios, and a goal to watch every Tony-nominated show we can get to.

So when TRACT opened auditions for its Junior Theatre Festival competition troupe, we called Auntie Michelle for audition prep, and we worked all night for their first competitive audition. And then we got the call!

Along with the time and artistic investment, there is a financial one as well. And that's where you come in. This opportunity includes 4-day conference registration, acting instruction and classes, apparel fees, and airfare, lodging, and meals for Ash and me (as parent chaperone) to attend the 4-day event in February 2027. Ash would be so grateful for your support.

Donation Suggestions:

• $25 Helps cover snacks or travel incidentals.
• $50 Supports meals or part of the apparel cost.
• $100 Contributes to instruction or conference fees.
• $250 Helps with airfare, hotel, or major trip expenses.
• $385 Sponsors one conference fee.
• $750+ Underwrites a major milestone.

Major Milestones

• August 1: Initial conference registration fees due
• September: Instruction and apparel Costs
• December: Flight and hotel reservations
• February 2027: Final trip costs and incidentals

Every human deserves a space to feel seen, heard, and celebrated in the fullness of their most expressed self. Our family is grateful to be in community with others who support and celebrate how that shows up in the world.

THANK YOU! Your support helps make this artistic and educational opportunity possible for Ash and our family.

(more pics and updates to come).