Shaping a brighter future for Nebraska fine arts by equipping educators, empowering coaches, and elevating students.
From the President
Welcome to NSCTA and the 2025-2026 debate, play production, and speech seasons!
As your president, I am making it my mission to have NSCTA and its convention be as welcoming, fun, and, above all, useful as they can be. Ultimately, it is my goal that all members receive the resources that they need to realize their full potential as coaches and judges. NSCTA, especially convention, allowed me to meet lifelong friends, and this special organization has deepened my commitment to Nebraska fine arts and NSAA activities. Undoubtedly, I wouldn't be the coach and judge that I am today without the beneficial training, professional development opportunities, and the positive relationships afforded by NSCTA. And I want to ensure the same transformative experience for each of you.
As I discharge the responsibilities of president, my North Star will always be YOU, our members: what makes YOU dynamic educators who impact their students in positive ways each day, what makes YOU the best coaches and judges who make our activities inclusive and welcoming for every student, and, finally, what makes YOU the best version of yourselves both in and out of the classroom (teachers and coaches have personal lives that shouldn’t be neglected, too).
So here’s to another exciting and action-packed year of helping our students (and each other) find their voices and passion for fine arts through NSAA activities! See you on the circuit!
Our mission
The Nebraska Speech, Communication, and Theatre Association champions the power of speech, debate, and theatre to inspire, educate, and transform lives. Serving Nebraska’s elementary and secondary schools, colleges, and universities, NSCTA fosters a community of collaboration and support among its members, uplifts fine arts activities through shared growth, and advances the craft of teaching, coaching, and judging for the benefit of Nebraska students.
As members, teachers, coaches, and judges, you matter. Because at NSCTA, our members are our mission.
Uplifting teachers, coaches, judges, and students. Uplifting one another.
At NSCTA, we believe communication changes lives when every voice is heard and every story is valued. We celebrate diversity because we believe it is our greatest strength—welcoming people of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences into speech, debate, and theatre makes those activities better for everyone. Because when one of us is heard, we all grow.
Guided by these values, NSCTA strives for continual growth through honest reflection about both our successes and our areas for improvement. That's why we are dedicated to:
- Working together to break down barriers and overcome bias.
- Welcoming and uplifting leaders and coaches from every background.
- Opening doors for all students through transparency, respect, and equal opportunity.
- Learning from our community by gathering information that helps us to better understand our teachers, coaches, judges, and students.
Our work
Discover how NSCTA empowers educators and students across our state. From leadership to scholarship, and from awards to convention, NSCTA is here for you. Click the links to learn how!
Leadership
Every member of our executive committee—the group elected to oversee NSCTA—is a current or retired educator with years of service to Nebraska fine arts and NSAA activities. Our board members represent schools of every size from all corners of the state, and their backgrounds are as varied as the activities they coach and judge. Their shared goal is to provide members with the tools they need to excel. Click below to meet them.
Scholarships
In addition to purposeful professional development—especially at convention—NSCTA offers scholarships and grants for both graduating seniors and active teachers pursuing career advancement. These opportunities strengthen the teaching community, support the growth of fine arts across Nebraska, and prepare the next generation of leaders. Our investment ensures that homegrown talent, passion, and opportunity continue to flourish in Nebraska for years to come. Click below to explore our financial aid opportunities.
Convention
Our annual fall convention in Kearney at the beautiful Crowne Plaza is a highlight for members, offering a chance to network, collaborate, and gather new ideas for the upcoming seasons in play production, speech, and debate. Professional development sessions are tailored to member needs and designed to inspire success. This event connects educators, builds close relationships among coaches and judges, and equips members for a strong year ahead. Click below to learn more about our convention.
Awards
NSCTA members are exceptional educators, coaches, and judges—many with decades of service to Nebraska fine arts activities. To honor these contributions, NSCTA offers awards that celebrate professional excellence at every stage of a member’s career. These recognitions highlight the dedication, expertise, and leadership from members that inspire growth and achievement across our all of our programs. Click below to see how we celebrate our members' accomplishments.
Membership
One of the greatest benefits of membership is access to an extensive collection of exclusive resources. From curriculum tools like ACT prep to details on workshops offered during the year, NSCTA supports members in ways they can’t find anywhere else. The members area is a hub for connecting, collaborating, and sharing the expertise members have gained over their time doing Nebraska play production, speech, and debate. Click below to join the conversation and to become a member today.