​​Carson Theatre began at Jesse C. Carson High School in the Fall of 2007. The program began with a half-time position held by Mr. Alex Reynolds, who also served as a half-time theatre teacher at Salisbury High School. At the start of 2007, roughly fifty students were enrolled in the program. By the start of the 2008-2009 school year, our program had grown to 100 students. Today, our classes regularly serve over 100 students each semester. Approximately 10% of Carson High School's student population participate in our programs during or after school each year.

​​​Mr. Reynolds was awarded Teacher of the Year in May 2013, County Teacher of the Year in September 2013, and became the 2013-2014 Regional Teacher of the Year in December 2013.

​​At the start of the 2013-2014 School Year, Bristol Glass, Catawba College graduate, joined our Carson Theatre family. She began her time at Carson with the direction of Hairepy Sessions, written by one of our very own Carson students, alumni Savannah Deal. We are proud to recognize the growth of our Drama I classes by 30%, with the addition of Ms. Glass to the theatre department. She is also Carson's Yearbook advisor, and shares her intense love of Sea Otters with her students. 

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​Our program has continued to grow & change. At the start of the program we produced a single Fall Semester production, and a student-led drama night. We have since produced a variety of events including student-led Cabarets, NCTC competition One Acts, Winter Shows, ITS Competition Individual Events, and a Spring Musical produced in conjunction with the AMAZING Fine Arts Faculty & classes here at JCHS. 

​At Carson, we truly believe in ensemble. It is the group dynamic and trust that builds up not only our shows but also our students. Ensemble allows students to see other perspectives for the first time and grow the future citizens of our world.