Image by L. Terrell Gould, III featuring winner Jessi Waugh receiving the Haunted Doll Award from CCT actress Kennedy Brooks.
Winter Hauntings, the second annual evening of ghost stories with EPIC Carteret, cast an unforgettable spell on more than 100 attendees on January 29, 2025, raising more than $2,400 in revenue to support Carteret Community Theatre’s ongoing renovation campaign. The event, held at the theater’s temporary venue in Atlantic Beach, was a celebration of regional storytelling, introducing emerging local writers to an enthusiastic audience of literature lovers.
“Hearing the words of local writers performed by local actors was a great way to spend an evening. I loved the original songs written and performed by local artists too. The collaboration of so many talented people made for an extra special evening in Carteret County,” said Mary Ann Yauger, a returning attendee.
At the heart of the evening were the top three finalists in the 2024 Winter Hauntings Ghost Story Contest, whose chilling tales were brought to life by CCT actors in dramatic readings that captivated listeners. The grand prize—$100 and the dubious “Haunted Doll” Award—was awarded to Jessi Waugh for her story “Taste of Robins,” a suspenseful and atmospheric tale that left the audience with a newfound respect for coastal wildlife. The other finalists, Mike Barton (“The ‘Stacks”) and Heidi Skinner (“A Different Perspective on Silhouettes”), were also honored for their outstanding contributions.
"My favorite part of Winter Hauntings is knowing that our top writers can sit back and just enjoy their own stories—brought to life so eloquently by a professional actor," said event producer Autumn Ware. "It’s a rare treat. Even better, this event introduces them to a local audience that’s going to want more, and I have no doubt we’ll be seeing their names again in the future."
Rebekah Brooks, business manager of Carteret Community Theatre, expressed appreciation for the event’s impact: “CCT is grateful for the collaboration with our friends at EPIC Carteret and Carteret Writers. We hope to continue these efforts in bringing varied options of the arts to this community for all to enjoy!”
With its blend of eerie tales, immersive performances, and literary camaraderie, Winter Hauntings has solidified itself as a must-attend annual event in Carteret County. Whether guests came for the ghost stories, the music, or the community spirit, they left with something more—a shared experience of storytelling magic that will linger long after the final tale was told.
To get more details and see photos of the event, visit www.epic-carteret.com.
