Lynn Minges, executive director, North Carolina Division of Tourism, Film and Sports Development (Raleigh, NC): "Outdoor dramas help to cultivate an appreciation of the music, heritage, history and culture of our state. The dramas are located in unique venues, in quaint towns and villages all across the state and enhance the travel experience of visitors to North Carolina."

Larry Gutske, professor of tourism at N.C. State University (Raleigh, NC): "Seventy-eight percent of 2002’s economic impact, $49.8 million, comes directly from out-of-state tourists These dramas help bring in people from all over the country who eat in local restaurants, sleep in hotels and visit other tourist attractions during their stay."

Scott J. Parker, former director, Institute of Outdoor Drama (Chapel Hill, NC): "Outdoor dramas play a major role in helping attract these kinds of tourists (out-of-state) to North Carolina, and it's important to remember what that means to the economies in those local communities."

"These dramas are delightful family entertainment and at the same time teach us about our heritage. We hear from public school teachers all the time, and from their students as well, about how much they've learned about North Carolina history through the dramas. They reinforce what students learn in class; they make history come alive."

Betsy Buford, director, North Carolina Division of State History Museums (Raleigh, NC): "What's exciting is that people learn something and go away entertained - it's a terrific combination."