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STATE FAIR
Dear Parents and Guardians,
This is a reminder and important information for our upcoming performance at the Florida State Fair. Just announced to us-- NEW this year-- PARKING Fees. See below
Performance Details
Date: Saturday, February 14, 2026. *Call time 3:45
Performance Time: 4:45 PM – 5:15 PM
*YOU MUST ARRIVE BY 3:45 in order to perform- each performer is checked in by the Fairgrounds stage manager
Location: Community Stage – Entertainment Hall (inside the Fairgrounds)
Fairgrounds Address:
4800 U.S. Highway 301 North
Tampa, FL 33610
Arrival Instructions
All performers must arrive one hour prior to performance time.
Please plan to be at the Community Stage area by 3:45 PM.
When you arrive at the Entertainment Hall, you will see us gathering on one side of the sound booth. If you have never been to this venue before, please allow plenty of extra time to park and locate the stage.
Parking & Entry – Please Read Carefully
Please do not regret your parking choice — this is a long walk, and it is difficult to find if you do not park correctly.
Access:
Use the U.S. Highway 301 Entrance – Gate 1.
When you enter Gate 1, Go Left, and you will walk directly into the Entertainment Hall- you will see the stage. If you enter the Expo part of the building, you will need to go all the way to the far end, then turn left before you exit the building —walk until you see the stage.
If you are unsure, ask any staff member at the entrance:
“Where is the Entertainment Hall or Community Stage?”
They will direct you straight to it.
Parking Fees (New This Year)
Parking is not free this year.
Online / Advance Purchase (Recommended):
• $8 per vehicle if purchased early (through February 4)
Online During the Fair:
• $10 per vehicle
Onsite / Gate Purchase:
• $15 per vehicle (credit card only)
Purchasing parking in advance allows you to skip long payment lines at the gate.
All parking sales are final; no refunds or exchanges.
Advance 2026 Fair Parking
Admission Tickets- *I will try to get tickets for you prior to the performance date. If anyone works nearby or passes by the state fairgrounds and would be willing to pick up our complimentary tickets, please let me know.
Each performer will receive:
One free performer ticket
One free adult or family member ticket
Any additional family members will need to purchase fair admission tickets separately.
Costume / Dress Code (Mandatory)
All performers must wear:
Colors: Red, pink, and black only (any combo or just red or just pink- no black only)
Style: Dressy, same expectations as the Christmas Showcase
Shoes: Closed-toe shoes only
A low heel or Mary Jane is appropriate
No tennis shoes
No boots
Thank you for planning ahead and arriving early. This is a wonderful opportunity for our students to perform in a professional, high-visibility venue, and your cooperation helps the day run smoothly.
Please reach out if you have any questions.
Warmly,
Nancy Sears
KENTUCKY COMPETITION
Dear Parents,Please see below for a recap of our meeting for the National Youth Theater Experience Conference in Louisville, KY, March 5–8, 2026. Please read carefully so you can begin making your plans. We have discussed various accommodation ideas. The conference recommends the Brown Hotel, which is the most convenient option, as it is directly connected to the conference itself; however, it is not very cost-efficient. *I have found an Airbnb option with eight rooms- I am going to try to grab it asap- To be fair, as I possibly can, I am going to give the first option to those at the parent meeting, as I know the interest was there, and I will open that up as first-come, first-served. Please feel free to continue to share ideas.General InformationParents are responsible for their child’s transportation, housing, and meals, and the conference has asked that we expect an early Friday morning start- in other words, travel Thursday to be there Friday morning, if needed.Most events will be at the Brown Theater and Bomhard Theater, with the Brown Hotel conveniently connected to the Hotel.Fees & RegistrationInitial student registration ( $285 should already be paid- if not, please do so immediately): This fee covered the $500 group fee, student registration, and group performance.Solo/Monologue auditions (optional): $55 feeAuditions in class: Tuesday, November 3Deadline to register/pay for an additional solo or monologue: November 10Length: 1–2 minutes- any Broadway song or monologue from any play that is age-appropriate. Additional parent/family badges: $170 each (badges may be shared among adults).TravelFamilies may travel however they choose.I am flying Allegiant Airlines:Departure: March 5 at 6:06 PMReturn: March 8 at 9:06 PMCost: about $368 (note: Allegiant only flies Thursdays & Mondays).If you plan to attend the Sunday Awards (2–5 PM) AND the Broadway Star Concert (7–9 PM), you may prefer to drive or book an airline with Monday return options.HotelsFamilies may book their own lodging based on budget and convenience. Recommended by the conference:Brown Hotel (connected to theaters): $190–$210/nightHilton Garden Inn: $200–$220/nightIf not booked through the group, the Brown Hotel is about $270/night.Less expensive hotels are available if you have a car.I can request discounted rooms through the conference registration, but they are not accepting requests until December, and there is no guarantee that we will get all the rooms we request.MealsAll meals are at your own expense, but meal times will be included in the schedule.Important DatesNovember 3 – Auditions for solos/monologuesNovember 10 – Deadline to register and pay solo/monologue feeMarch 5–8, 2026 – Conference in Louisville, KY