As we bring this beloved classic to life, I am filled with gratitude and pride. Our community has come together to support Royal Theater Academy’s first year as a non-profit, and the results are nothing short of magical. We’ve achieved incredible milestones, including the largest cast to date with 110 talented performers, over $50,000 raised to upgrade our technology and establish a brand-new home studio space, and the launch of our Academy programs to nurture the artist in everyone. Our team has grown, our events have flourished, and our spirit has soared.

When I founded RTA three years ago, I dreamed of reaching this point, but I thought it would take five years. Yet, here we are, midway through year four, and I’m beaming with pride. This community has embraced our mission, and I’m honored to be a part of it.

The Wizard of Oz reminds us that home is where the heart is, that friendship can conquer adversity, and that courage can transform us. We all strive to change and grow, and this show teaches us that embracing our true selves can lead to extraordinary adventures.

I’m grateful for the dedication, passion, and heart that our talented cast has brought to this production. They’ve worked tirelessly for five months to bring this classic tale to life. I’m also deeply thankful for the unwavering support of my loving wife, whose guidance and encouragement mean the world to me. I’d like to thank my family for their continued support, and our incredible RTA staff and Board of Directors who have worked tirelessly behind the scenes to bring this show to life.

Special thanks to Dave Werner for his stunning projection work, Bill Brandt for his exceptional organizational skills and technical wizardry, and every individual who contributed to this production’s magic. To our donors, whose belief in our mission fuels our growth, deserve special recognition- thank you for your trust in us.

As we conclude year three, I’m eager to continue exploring themes of belonging, home, and self-acceptance with our upcoming production of Shrek the Musical. I hope you’ll join us for that! Thank you for joining us on this journey. May the magic of The Wizard of Oz remind you that there’s no place like home – and my hope is that for us, RTA is one of those homes.

With heartfelt appreciation,

Coach Trent