About NCTC - History

The North Carolina Theatre Conference (NCTC) is a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) organization, founded in 1970 by Marian Smith, Herman Middleton, and Maynard G. French. For many years the organization existed as a purely voluntary association with no paid staff. The first Executive Director was Martha Keravuori, who served until 1998. NCTC was led by Executive Directors David zum Brunnen from 1998-2002 and Terry Milner from 2002-2007. The organization is currently under the direction of Angie Hays, who joined NCTC as Executive Director on July 1, 2007.

For most of its history, NCTC operated on a model not unlike that of the Southeastern Theatre Conference (SETC). This was not coincidental, as NCTC and SETC were founded by the same individuals. The original organizational structure consisted of an Executive Committee made up of representatives of various "divisions" within the theatre field. In 1997-1998, the membership of NCTC voted to restructure the organization, eliminating "divisions" and encouraging collaboration across the various sectors of the field.

The mission of NCTC is to improve and enhance the environment for quality theatre in North Carolina through service, leadership and advocacy. NCTC's leadership works to fulfill this mission through a variety of programs and events. The organization is passionate about arts advocacy and education and works to encourage the growth of the artists and audiences of tomorrow. The NCTC staff and board communicates with the greater field, on the national and international level, to bring the latest trends to North Carolina - the new, the innovative, the future of our craft.

NCTC continues to work to build relationships, introduce new generations to theatre, advocate for the united mission of the field, and provide an environment for theatre arts to thrive. The future of NCTC depends on the continued support and vision of the organization's many members.