Shaping a brighter future for Nebraska fine arts by equipping educators, empowering coaches, and elevating students.
From the President
Welcome to NSCTA and the 2026–2027 debate, play production, and speech seasons!
As your president, I am committed to ensuring that NSCTA—and especially our annual fall convention—continues to be a place where every member feels welcomed, valued, and inspired. While convention brings us together each fall, our mission extends far beyond a single weekend. Throughout the entire season, NSCTA must provide meaningful resources, relevant professional development, and genuine connections that help coaches and judges grow, thrive, and feel supported in the important work they do.
In part, I am so deeply committed to this mission precisely because of just how profoundly NSCTA has shaped my own journey as an educator, coach, and judge. Through this organization, I have found lifelong friends, strengthened my skills both inside and outside the classroom, and developed an even deeper passion for Nebraska’s fine arts and NSAA activities. I can say without hesitation that I would not be the coach, judge, or educator I am today without the training, encouragement, and sense of belonging NSCTA has given me.
During the remainder of my term, I want every member to experience that same connection, encouragement, and growth.
You—our members—will remain at the heart of every decision we make and every goal we pursue. You are dedicated educators who change students’ lives each day. You are compassionate coaches and thoughtful judges who create spaces where young people feel safe, welcomed, challenged, and empowered to succeed. You help students discover the confidence to stand before an audience, the courage to tell powerful stories, and the determination to keep growing and learning long after a performance or competition has ended.
NSCTA must continue to champion that extraordinary work while also caring for the people who make it possible. Your growth matters. Your voice matters. Your well-being matters. When we invest in one another, we strengthen not only our organization but also every classroom, rehearsal space, competition, and community in which our members serve all across Nebraska from Chadron to Columbus and from Gretna to Gering.
Here’s to a new year filled with opportunities to learn, connect, and grow. Together, we will continue helping Nebraska students find their voices, develop their talents, and discover a lifelong passion for the fine arts. The work we do matters—and it becomes even more powerful when we do it together.
Thank you for being part of NSCTA. Here’s to another unforgettable season—I’ll 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.