CONTACT:
B. Grant Yarber
President and Chief Executive Officer            
Phone: (919) 645-3494
Email: gyarber@capitabank-nc.com

Capital Awards Bring Aspiring Stars to the Stage

Awards honor high school musical theatre students in Wake County

Raleigh, NC - May 14, 2008 - Capital Bank and the North Carolina Theatre will present the second annual Capital Awards for High School Musical Excellence on Monday, May 19 to honor drama students from 20 Wake County high schools. As the North Carolina Theatre's version of the Tony Awards, the Capital Awards are designed to recognize outstanding high school musical productions and performances in 17 categories, including Outstanding Direction, Outstanding Choreography and Outstanding Scenic Design.

The black tie award ceremony will take place at 7 p.m. on Monday at Raleigh Memorial Auditorium at the Progress Energy Center for the Performing Arts in Raleigh. Triangle area judges critiqued the 20 participating schools during the fall and spring productions. Capital Bank President and CEO B. Grant Yarber will take the stage as a presenter, along with a prestigious list of local arts leaders and Broadway performers.

"Capital Bank's commitment to the arts and culture made them a ideal choice for the presenting sponsor of this event," said Wally Jones, executive director, North Carolina Theatre. "The bank supports the mission of the Capital Awards-to celebrate the work of aspiring young performers in our community, to elevate the importance of performing arts educations in our high schools, and to perpetuate the community's support and passion for the performing arts."

"Last year's inaugural ceremony surpassed our expectations and we are all eagerly anticipating the incredible talent we'll see at this year's event," said Yarber, who is a new member of the North Carolina Theatre's Board of Directors. "By showcasing the work of the next generation of performers, Capital Bank joins the North Carolina Theatre in supporting young people in the arts throughout Wake County."