One day in class, Grace Campbell discovered that there has never been a female president. “Where are the girls?” she asked, as her third-grade teacher rolls out a poster of all 44 U.S. presidents. Frustrated by the lack of female faces in the White House, Grace decides she wants to be president and inspires a school election.

She seems the likely winner until the most popular boy runs against her. Through the throes of campaigning and pep rallies, service projects and posters, Grace and her classmates discover what it takes to be the best candidate and find the fun and hilarity in the wonderful world of politics!

Based on the book by Kelly S. DiPucchio, book illustrations by LeUyen Pham
Book, music, and lyrics by Joan Cushing
Directed by Judy M. Dove

Come one hour before the show for a “Grace” inspired gallery hunt in the Museum, to create your own campaign button to take home, and pose for a selfie as a future North Carolina Hall of Fame-er!

Thanks to our show sponsor, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina

Presented in partnership with the North Carolina Museum of History

First Lady Kristin Cooper will join us for opening night of “Grace for President” on Friday, October 13. After the production, Mrs. Cooper will interview young women from here in Wake County about their leadership experiences.

TaMya Bland (who plays Grace) will interview Wake County Commissioner Jessica Holmes about leadership and public service. Jessica will share her experience as an elected official, respond to the show and also speak about her ambitions when she was Grace’s age. This post-show discussion will be on Saturday, October 14 following the 1 PM performance. 

Jessica Soffian (who plays Rose/Mrs. Phillips) and Emma Johnson (who plays Mrs. Barrington) will interview Mary-Ann Baldwin (Raleigh City Council; Executive Director, Holt Brothers Foundation / Vice President of Marketing and Business Development at Holt Brothers Inc.) and Billie Redmond (founder of TradeMark Properties; past chair of the Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce) about leadership and public service. They will share their experiences, respond to the show and also speak about their ambitions when they were Grace’s age. This post-show discussion will be on Friday, October 20 following the 7:30 PM performance.

Mary-Ann Baldwin

Billie Redmond