This is a weird idea.

I agree.

It's also the best idea I've ever had.

Hey, Charlotte! I'm Sally Stokes, the founder of Play More Charlotte, and I believe that you--the grown adult humans of the 704--deserve to play more. Our society accepts that children need play to learn, grow, connect, and heal, but increasingly, the research (The Research! Check out the National Institute of Play!) has proven that grown-@$$ adults benefit from play as well. Play builds empathy, communication skills, and creative problem-solving skills. Plus, it's really difficult to be an effective, responsible adult human when you're stuck in the cycle of stress and despair. Play is not avoiding responsibility. Play is recharging, especially when we do it together. You NEED play, and you deserve it.

"What makes you the expert?!"

Everyone is a play expert, boo.

I also just happen to be an experienced enthusiast!

Qualifications:
17 years of professional experience as a playmaker (elementary school teacher). 5 years of professional experience as an ADVANCED playmaker (elementary school STEM teacher/professional Ms. Frizzle). 20+ years of throwing truly excellent theme parties and being that friend who’s always in costume. Four entire decades of being silly.

I've also been entrusted as a Professional Playful Person by organizations like Blumenthal Arts (I'm their Minister of Play, friends, and that is my real-for-real title!), Charlotte Is Creative, Char-Meck Public Library, Levine Children's Hospital, TAOH Outdoor Gallery, Hope Haven, Diva Dance Charlotte, Black Gamer League, T4T, Residency Music Experience, and so, so many more. As of May 2026, Play More Charlotte has organized four beautiful Grown-Up Play Days in our community and hosted, cohosted, produced, or popped up at over 80 events. Our monthly Sticker Club for Grown-@$$ adults, cohosted with Salisbury artist Erika Rose, has a beloved cult following, and our Kandi for Dinner: Rave-ish Craft Club has highlighted some of the best DJs in the area. I'm also a proud graduate of Charlotte Is Creative's Creative Entrepreneur Initiative. Your girl loves Charlotte and is proud to be a small but growing creative force in our amazing community.

Special skills:
Effervescent Muppet energy, but also like, very, very organized.

I am a delight to work with.

Owns more LEGOs than your nephew. Local art enthusiast. Immersive art devotee. Twilight Zone super-fan. Antique mall connoisseur and curator of fine junk. V v interested in discussing space, sharks, dinosaurs, or birds (and how they’re totally dinosaurs). Discerning collector of stickers and kandi beads. Always has a tutu you can borrow. Much better dancer than you expect. Magnetically attracted to anything that glows, bounces, or changes color. Super friendly but will 100% speak up if someone’s being a jerk. Proficient in Microsoft Word, AIM away messages, and Print Shop Deluxe circa 1999.

Want to work together?

We live for a collab.

Click here to schedule a time to meet online or IRL.