On April 25, 2026 guests arrived at Nashville Children’s Theatre ready to explore the world! The evening began with VIP guests pursing the silent auction, followed by dinner catered by The Clean Plate Club. During dinner, guests received their Boarding Passes to adventures around the globe without ever leaving the theatre.
Guests were able to make their own Bingata Postcard and learn the history of Bingata textile, an Okinawan traditional craft, with Erina Toyama; taste different spirits and alcohols popular around the world with Pam Howard; unpack the details, elements, and lives behind your everyday cup of coffee with The Well, and learn Latin dancing from Ausin Jauregui.
After the excursions, guests were treated to a performance showcasing the theme of “All the World’s a Stage” to celebrate and honor the beautiful tapestry of international arts and culture that make up this wonderful city. Emceed by Executive Artistic Director Jenilee Houghton, performances included a traditional Lion Dance from the Chinese Arts Alliance, Anitha Manoharan performing Bharatanatyam, Upasana Performing Arts Center presenting a traditional Kathak dance, salsa dancing with Austin and Alyssa, and West African drumming from AfricaNashville’s Yeli Ensemble. The finale featured members of the incredible cast of Seussical The Musical, joined by students from our Drama School. Guests were able to hear testimonials from students sharing what NCT means to them, in their own words.
Chair of the event, Dr. Trish Holliday, shared her passion and inspired the audience to get ready to make a donation to continue the 94 year old legacy of a child seeing their very first play, finding their voice for the first time, and discovering a sense of belonging they didn’t know they were missing. After a lively paddle raise, guests celebrated with their own dancing skills. NCT was able to raise more than $55,000 to ensure NCT continues to be a place where every child, no matter their background, has a place where their imagination is valued and their story is heard.
Many thanks to NCT’s Board of Trustees, Grand Night Committee, staff, artists, Excursion Sponsor Ingram Charities and Ingram Content Group and Performance Sponsor, NES that made the night grand!
Guests were able to make their own Bingata Postcard and learn the history of Bingata textile, an Okinawan traditional craft, with Erina Toyama; taste different spirits and alcohols popular around the world with Pam Howard; unpack the details, elements, and lives behind your everyday cup of coffee with The Well, and learn Latin dancing from Ausin Jauregui.
After the excursions, guests were treated to a performance showcasing the theme of “All the World’s a Stage” to celebrate and honor the beautiful tapestry of international arts and culture that make up this wonderful city. Emceed by Executive Artistic Director Jenilee Houghton, performances included a traditional Lion Dance from the Chinese Arts Alliance, Anitha Manoharan performing Bharatanatyam, Upasana Performing Arts Center presenting a traditional Kathak dance, salsa dancing with Austin and Alyssa, and West African drumming from AfricaNashville’s Yeli Ensemble. The finale featured members of the incredible cast of Seussical The Musical, joined by students from our Drama School. Guests were able to hear testimonials from students sharing what NCT means to them, in their own words.
Chair of the event, Dr. Trish Holliday, shared her passion and inspired the audience to get ready to make a donation to continue the 94 year old legacy of a child seeing their very first play, finding their voice for the first time, and discovering a sense of belonging they didn’t know they were missing. After a lively paddle raise, guests celebrated with their own dancing skills. NCT was able to raise more than $55,000 to ensure NCT continues to be a place where every child, no matter their background, has a place where their imagination is valued and their story is heard.
Many thanks to NCT’s Board of Trustees, Grand Night Committee, staff, artists, Excursion Sponsor Ingram Charities and Ingram Content Group and Performance Sponsor, NES that made the night grand!
