Dreams

First Impressions

While I was building our home in Sneads Ferry and before I moved here full time, I made a point to attend our Community Council meetings to get a feel for my new town. There I met some of the most interesting, passionate and driven locals ... some that I've lost touch with ... others who remain my close friends.

One that I am so proud of and take inspiration from is Kristina Spackman who at that time was part of the local theater group in the midst of dissolution. Kristina was very hurt and upset about the collapsing of the theater group because she had been planning on and was about to add a children's component to the group.

I remember telling her not to let that stop her, just to lean in and move forward with her dreams - not to let what was happening around her affect her plans. Five years later I am happy to report that her original day-dream has grown beyond a wonderful real-world manifestation and continues to provide an ever-growing stage for young performers. I take no credit for the success that this group has experienced due to their hard work and tenacity - but I do bask in knowing where they started and watching them continually grow. Below is the Ferry Tales Youth Theater story - in Kristina's own words.    

FTYT Story

"Ferry Tales Youth Theater began in 2021 with a simple but powerful idea: to give local children more opportunities to experience the performing arts close to home. After a local all-ages community theater production wrapped up, many of the parents of children who had participated found themselves asking: “What’s next for our kids?”

In response, a small but mighty team launched a summer theater camp, welcoming 17 children ages 5–14. In just one week, those young performers came together to stage Charlotte’s Web, The

Musical. What started as a single camp quickly revealed a deep enthusiasm for youth theater in our community.

As the program grew, so did our identity. We chose the name Ferry Tales Youth Theater as a playful nod to our hometown of Sneads Ferry, a place rich in stories, tradition, and close-knit community. The name reflects both where we come from and the imaginative tales we help bring to life on stage.

To keep the momentum going, we formed a weekly theater club, creating a consistent space for children to learn, grow, and build confidence through performance. From there, our presence expanded beyond the stage. We participated in trunk-or-treats, parades, community events, and were soon invited to take part in celebrations throughout the area.

With growing support, we officially secured our 501(c)(3) nonprofit status, allowing us to broaden our reach and impact. Since that first summer, we’ve proudly produced a wide range of shows, showcases, and camps through the years including:

2021

• Charlotte’s Web, the Musical

• North Pole’s Got Talent

2022

• Seussical Jr.

• The Tale of Snow White

• Christmas Shorts

2023

• Annie Jr.

• The Hallmarks of Horror (July & October)

• Dinner at Eight, Dead by Nine

• The Best Christmas Pageant Ever (JV)

2024

• The Actor Games

• Peter Pan Jr.

• Disney Family & Friends Summer Showcase

• You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown

• Spooky Spectacular Showcase

• A Christmas Chaos

2025

• Simply Cinderella

• Finding Nemo Jr.

• Honk!

• Welcome to Candy Kingdom

• Footloose: Youth Edition

• 10 Ways to Survive the Holidays

FTYT Mission

Our mission is to bring together young people of all ages to connect, create, and inspire through the power of the performing arts. With a focus on collaboration, education, and artistic excellence, we foster a safe and supportive community where actors, singers, dancers, and crew can unleash their creativity and express themselves with love, acceptance, and courage.

FTYT Looking Ahead

We are currently hard at work on Junie B. Jones Jr., with three additional musicals, two plays, and multiple camps already scheduled for 2026. What began as a single summer camp has grown into a vibrant youth theater dedicated to creativity, confidence, and community—right here in Sneads Ferry."

OSF & FTYT

Our Sneads Ferry Congratulates FTYT on their 5th Year!

And we look forward to attending all their 2026 productions.

They are a powerful force for good and a shining example of community coming together to make a beautiful dream come true. It is our wish and our blessing that they continue to thrive.

You can enjoy FTYT by attending their productions - which are always listed on the Events page of OurSneadsFerry.com.

And you can be a part of their powerful force for good by supporting them via sponsorships and donations at:

FerryTalesYouthTheater.org

May All Thrive in the Province,

Dottie