Between shows by University Theatre, reviews of films and features, the cultural and performing arts scene on our campus has been more alive than ever this year. 

This semester, Technician compiled its own Culture wrapped to take a look back into the section’s coverage and on-campus highlights.

“Peter and the Starcatcher,” University Theatre’s first large production of the year, told the story of Peter Pan before he became the mischievous and free-spirited boy we grew up hearing stories about. 

The production proved to be an impactful experience for those who worked to bring it to the stage. 

Lola Byers-Ogle, a fourth-year studying English literature who played the titular role in the production, said the play changed their mindset about what leaving college and entering the outside world entailed. 

“For me, it’s just been about getting in touch with the things that make me happy, the things that bring me joy and getting to let go of all the things that I feel like are really scary about the outside world,” Byers-Ogle said. 

The NC State Symphonic Band also brought student talent to the stage for its fall concert. 

The concert, which was themed “From the Sky to the Stars,” featured several renditions of songs from space-themed popular franchises. The performance served to highlight the open nature of the Symphonic Band and the group’s talent.

MJ Brewer, a first-year studying human biology who watched the Symphonic Band for the first time at the concert, said the passion of the players makes the band well-balanced.

“For a band you didn’t have to audition for, it’s really well-balanced in my opinion,” Brewer said. “It was obviously people who cared and enjoyed what they were doing.”

University Theatre and NC State bands aren’t the only ones that brought the arts and student talent to campus this semester. University Activities Board hosted “Battle of the Bands,” a multi-setlist event featuring bands composed of NC State students. 

This year, four bands competed for the audience’s vote to win the competition and a LEGO Fender Stratocaster. The Layaways won over the audience and took home the prize, but band members said the experience of getting to play against their fellow student musicians was most impactful. 

Mac Boland, guitarist for The Layaways, said he appreciated the opportunity to play alongside other student bands on campus.

“I got to play and battle with my friends,” Boland said. “It was a lot of fun, knowing the bands and being able to do this.”

The arts have had a prominent space on campus with several events, many of which were organized by NC State University Libraries. 

The Libraries hosted the Library Staff Art Show, an event intended to highlight the talent of the organization’s staff.

Jordan Booth, a support service associate for the Operations, Logistics and Environment department, said the event was meaningful because it brought light to staff talent.

“The one thing that brings us together is we are super creative and we all like to learn,” Booth said. “We have a lot of people in the library that are super creative, and in their professional line of work, they don’t really have the means to express that.” 

The Libraries also hosted an author event with Henry Winkler, best known for his role as “the Fonz” on “Happy Days.”

Marian Fragola, director of community and engagement of the Libraries, said author events are a great free opportunity for NC State students. 

Fragola also said the Libraries offer other interactive events, such as faculty talks and journaling events.

“We know you’re in classes; we know you’re working jobs, you’ve got clubs, you’ve got other opportunities, but if you can just put all that aside for a couple of hours, you’ll learn something new, get a new experience that maybe you haven’t had or maybe find somebody with common interests that you didn’t know before,” Fragola said. “You’ve got to grab these opportunities while you can.” 

Student groups and Raleigh organizations have also stepped into the spotlight, highlighting each of their impacts on our community. 

From club organizations, such as “Sube Ritmo” and “Accapology” to several bands composed by NC State students and alumni — The Layaways, Truth Club, Stan & Denghy and Harvey Street Co., to name a few — the arts have maintained a prominent space within the campus community. 

As the semester comes to an end, reminiscing on previews, highlights and events, promises more excitement to come for the spring semester.