This documentary takes a deep dive into the life, creative work and social justice advocacy of the Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Paul Green. A native son of North Carolina and a champion for racial equality, Green went to Broadway and back with a dream that someday he could write a new ending for the Old South.
Native American cast members Ethan Oxendine and Noah Sage Anselmo joined the WITN News team this morning to discuss the 87th Season of The Lost Colony as well as this weekend’s 5000th performance.
July 27th, 2024 Marks the 5000th Performance of the Historic Drama
The Roanoke Island Historical Association (RIHA) is proud to celebrate the 5000th performance of The Lost Colony production on July 27th, 2024.
This milestone performance will include a special presentation from 87 years of the production, put together by Projection Designer Christopher Ash and Sound Designer Ashton Corey. In addition, all The Lost Colony alumni in attendance will receive a “Keeper of The Dream” Medallions in honor of their contribution to the outdoor drama.
The original script was written by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Paul Green and The Lost Colony made its debut on July 4th, 1937. Originally intended for one season, the drama was produced again the following year and has become the longest-running outdoor symphonic drama in the United States. During the 87 years, only five seasons have been canceled: 4 seasons due to WWII and the 2020 season was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The production received a special Honors for Excellence in Theatre Tony Award in 2013 and has become an Outer Banks and North Carolina tradition. Since opening, more than four million The Lost Colony attendees have visited Waterside Theatre, located within Fort Raleigh National Park, on Roanoke Island, NC.
“5000 performances of a single production don’t happen very often and this one is a testament to a town, a county and a people as well as thousands of actors, technicians and crew who made this Theatre the place to be for 87 years of Outer Banks evenings. We are excited to be able to celebrate this occasion.” – Chuck Still, Executive Director.
The 87th Anniversary Season of The Lost Colony commemorates the 437thbirthday of Virginia Dare, the first English child born in the New World to colonist Eleanor Dare on August 18th, 1587. The Lost Colony continues its long-celebrated tradition of using real babies during the performance on Virginia Dare’s birthday. As The Lost Colony is closed on Sundays, the Virginia Dare Night Celebration in 2024 will take place on Saturday, August 17th, 2024.
Being a “Virginia Dare Baby” is a coveted role in the community that many local citizens have had the opportunity of being a part of. For Virginia Dare Night only, the prop baby swaddled in blankets, is replaced with these special guests. Virginia Dare Night is generously sponsored by First National Bank.
To be considered for the honor of appearing on stage, all babies must attend an audition meeting on Saturday, July 27th at 9:30 AM in The Lost Colony Admin Building located beside the Elizabethan Gardens within Fort Raleigh National Historic Site. The address for The Lost Colony admin building is 1409 National Park Drive, Manteo, NC 27949.
The casting is open to all cheerful boys and girls that are 15 pounds or less. All Virginia Dare babies must be available for several hours on the evening of August 17th for pre-show preparation and for The Lost Colony performance. All selected Virginia Dare babies will be introduced from the stage prior to the performance at 8:30 PM.
For more information, contact Matt Gabbard, 252-473-2127 or mgabbard@thelostcolony.org.
The 2024 The Lost Colony Photo Contest is now open! Submit your best memories from your visit to Fort Raleigh and Waterside Theatre for your chance to win The Lost Colony swag bag containing The Lost Colony merchandise!
2024 The Lost Colony Photo Contest Details:
July 3rd-August 31st, 2024
Submissions can be emailed to: thelostcolonymarketing@gmail.com
All submissions agree to have their photos used in future marketing.
On Saturday, June 8th, the theatre world and The Lost Colony lost an amazing director when Jane McCulloch passed away after a short illness.
Contributions to her memory may be mailed to :
The Jane McCulloch Memorial Fund
Towne Bank
2 Juniper Trail
Southern Shores, NC 27949
In 2006 and 2007, Jane McCulloch directed The Lost Colony. As our first English director, Lady Jane McCulloch brought not only a fresh perspective to the show but also introduced an evening of Shakespeare with her original production, Shakespeare and Love. Jane, a brilliant director and playwright, was especially focused on developing the skills and potential of the cast. She spent long hours working with cast members on interpretation, diction, and presentation. She was also focused on coordinating the rhythm of the script with the music of the show.
In honor of Jane’s achievements and contributions, we are proud to announce the creation of the Jane McCulloch Award in her memory. It will be presented by the Director to The Lost Colony company member who has demonstrated outstanding artistic skill in the theatre arts. This cash award is to be used to further training and development as the recipient works to become a professional performer in theatrical venues in America and England. Its cash value will be matched in training opportunities available through Open Jar Studios in New York City.
The opening weekend of The Lost Colony was a huge success! With close to 3000 people in attendance, over the first three nights, the 87 Anniversary season is off to an incredible start.
Dare Nights
Dare Nights, hosted by Midgett Insurance, were held May 30th and May 31st, 2024 and collected more than 3800 pounds of food. Dare Nights are historically nights when locals may come to the show and bring at least (3) non-perishable food item donations for the local food pantries, in lieu of purchasing a ticket. May 30th benefitted the Roanoke Island Food Pantry and May 31st benefitted The Beach Food Pantry. These events were open to the general public as well.
The 87th season of The Lost Colony runs May 30-August 24, 2024.
Purchase tickets
Local’s Discount Announced
Outer Banks, NC-The Roanoke Island Historical Association is proud to announce Dare Nights at The Lost Colony for the 2024 season. On Dare Nights, residents from Dare, Tyrrell, Currituck, and Hyde counties can attend The Lost Colony for free with the donation of 3 canned foods or non-perishable food items per person. Dare Nights, sponsored by Midgett Insurance, will take place on May 30th and May 31st, 2024 and are also open to the general public.
This year, the food pantries supported are the Roanoke Island Food Pantry (May 30th) and Beach Food Pantry (May 31st). A list of needed items from each pantry can be found at www.thelostcolony.org closer to the event dates. Please check your canned goods before bringing them to The Lost Colony and refrain from bringing expired food items. Residents are encouraged to arrive early with their canned goods and local ID.
Tickets can be reserved online now for Dare Nights at www.thelostcolony.org. Local residents may enter in their zip code to receive their free tickets.
Residents from Dare, Tyrrell, Currituck, and Hyde counties will also receive a Local’s Discount for the 2024 season of The Lost Colony. When purchasing tickets online, local residents may enter in their zip code to receive a $10 discount on adult tickets.
“We’re excited to get 2024 underway and happy to continue the tradition of Dare Nights and our support of local food pantries. We like to help the community but more than anything, we want all our neighbors to see The Lost Colony every year. Dare Nights make that easy and affordable. And this year, if you can’t make it in May, we’re pleased to be offering a Locals Only discount all season long. It’s a good year to come back to The Lost Colony”-Chuck Still, Executive Director.
The Lost Colony begins at 8:30pm nightly. The gates to the Waterside Theatre open at 7:30pm. On Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays the free Native American Pre-Show begins at 8pm
On Saturday, March 9th, The Roanoke Island Historical Association held Local Auditions for the 2024 season of The Lost Colony at Manteo High School. In attendance at these auditions from the creative team of The Lost Colony was Jeff Whiting (Director/Choreographer) Jason Paul Tate (Fight Director), Chelsea Langevin (Associate Choreographer), and Joey Cassella (Associate Director). We were fortunate to be joined by a large group of auditonees, some local and some not! Two auditionees made the trip all the way from Atlanta just to attend these auditions. It was also great to see a few familiar faces from season’s past.
Local Auditions is the first sign that a new season is upon us, and after more auditions this week in Pembroke, North Carolina and Mobile, Alabama, the hiring process for the 2024 season of The Lost Colony is officially upon us!
Become a Cast Member for the 2024 Season
The Roanoke Island Historical Association (RIHA) has announced the dates for local auditions for the 87th season of The Lost Colony. Director and Choreographer Jeff Whiting and team will hold local auditions from 10am-5pm on Saturday, March 9th, 2024.
Auditions will take place at Manteo High School, 829 Wingina Ave, Manteo, NC. Registration opens at 9:30am and auditions will begin at 10:00am.
“Telling this epic historic tale is no small task and bringing it to life requires incredibly dedicated actors each season. It’s been thrilling to see so many passionate performers join the company and work together to share this important story with our audiences each night”-Jeff Whiting.
To register for the auditions, visit thelostcolony.org/auditions. Registrants will receive an audition time once they have registered. Everyone attending the auditions is requested to bring a recent photograph and resume. Additional information will be collected at the time of registration.
$100K In 100 Days Challenge
The Lost Colony has recently announced a fundraising goal, created by members of The Roanoke Island Association’s Anonymous Trust. If the organization can raise $100,000 in new donations by March 31, 2024, they will receive an additional $100,000 from the Trust. New donations, increased donations or new sponsorships will all count toward the goal of $100,000.
“The Roanoke Island Historical Association is, of course, honored by this generous gift from the Anonymous Trust, but we are also energized. This is a do-or-don’t challenge. Nothing fires up an organization and its supporters like a big money deadline. We call on all the Lost Colony’s friends and supporters to join us in giving a little extra to meet this generous challenge.”-Chuck Still, Executive Director.
This challenge is meant to help increase donations to The Roanoke Island Historical Association in support of The Lost Colony annual production. For 86 years, the Roanoke Island Historical Association has met the challenge of producing The Lost Colony. Despite storm, fire, burning sands and stinging insects, this important story has been told, night after night to millions of inspired patrons. This spring, support this legacy with a gift to the Roanoke Island Historical Association and the Anonymous Challenge.
Become part of the Anonymous Challenge and Help Us Reach Our Goal of…$100K in 100 Days.
All donations are requested and appreciated. View more information at www.lostcolonychallenge.com.
PNC Bank Returns as Presenting Sponsor
The Roanoke Island Historical Association (RIHA) is proud to announce tickets for the 87th season of The Lost Colony are now on sale. The season will begin May 30 and run through Aug. 24, 2024. For the seventh year, PNC Bank returns as the presenting sponsor of The Lost Colony.
“Every arts organization is dependent on the philanthropy of those that love it, and it is the steadfast supporters who carry the most weight, for they are the bedrock of the institution,” said Chuck Still, executive director of the Roanoke Island Historical Association. We thank PNC Bank for its continued generosity, and we look forward to the 2024 season with its support as our bedrock.” .
The popular Native Pre-Show, a Native American cultural presentation, will also return for 2024. This free performance by Indigenous members of The Lost Colony cast takes place at 8:00 p.m., Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays.
“For 87 years, The Lost Colony has helped tell the story of our region’s history and culture, while attracting generations of visitors and creating economic impact for the Outer Banks and our state,” said Jim Hansen, PNC regional president for Eastern Carolinas. “All of us at PNC look forward to helping Roanoke Island Historical Association continue its legacy of helping inform and inspire audiences with this celebrated outdoor drama of local and national acclaim.”
Tickets for the 87th season of The Lost Colony can be purchased by visiting the website: www.thelostcolonyorg.
About PNC Bank
PNC Bank, National Association, is a member of The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. (NYSE: PNC). PNC is one of the largest diversified financial services institutions in the United States, organized around its customers and communities for strong relationships and local delivery of retail and business banking including a full range of lending products; specialized services for corporations and government entities, including corporate banking, real estate finance and asset-based lending; wealth management and asset management. For information about PNC, visit www.pnc.com.
About The Lost Colony…the proud recipient of the Tony Honor for Excellence in Theatre.
First staged in 1937, The Lost Colony is the nation’s premier and longest-running outdoor symphonic drama. Adapted from the original script written by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Paul Green, The Lost Colony’s 87th season will run from May 30-Aug. 24, 2024, at Manteo’s Waterside Theatre, on North Carolina’s Outer Banks. For tickets and more information, go to www.thelostcolony.org or call (252) 473-6000.
The Roanoke Island Historical Association (RIHA), producers of The Lost Colony, will be in Raleigh this weekend, November 18th, at the North Carolina Museum of History to participate in the 28th Annual American Indian Heritage Celebration (AIHC).
With a Virtual Education Day on Friday, November 17th and an in-person festival on Saturday, November 18th, multiple demonstrations, presentations, and performances highlight the traditional and contemporary artistic, scientific, historic, and cultural contributions of American Indians in North Carolina.
The consistent theme and message of AIHC, as expressed by its Advisory Board, is visibility: Indigenous people are still here!
Several The Lost Colony alumni will be participating in the event, and The Roanoke Island Historical Association will be at the event to show support for the alumni and also to audition Native American performers for the upcoming 2024 season.
The Roanoke Island Historical Association will have an informational table inside the museum from 10am-4pm, followed by auditions for The Lost Colony at 4pm in the Museum Auditorium.
To register for these auditions, please visit the informational table at the event to register. No prior registration is required.
“We look forward to returning to the American Indian Heritage Celebration. We want to cast as wide a net as possible for the 2024 Native Ensemble and that process starts with auditions in Raleigh at the Celebration”, says Chuck Still, Executive Director of the Roanoke Island Historical Association.
“Everyone here at the NC museum of history and the American Indian tribal communities across the state are looking forward to the American Indian Heritage Month celebration this weekend! We are particularly excited about partnering with The Lost Colony outdoor drama to provide a space for auditions for Native roles in the production and we encourage tribal member participation from throughout the state”, says Kaya Littleturtle, Community Programs Coordinator for the North Carolina Museum of History and Cultural Coordinator for The Lost Colony.
For more information about the auditions, please email info@thelostcolony.org or call 252-473-2127. For information about the American Indian Heritage Celebration, view here.
In collaboration with The Outer Banks Visitors Bureau, writer Laura Nelles visited the Outer Banks in August of 2023 and did a feature story on the barrier islands.
“If your dream job is “beach” and sun, salt and sand are your jam, you don’t have to look far to find a spot to stretch out on”-Laura Nelles, The Toronto Sun.
During Laura’s visit, she traveled up and down the Outer Banks via HWY NC12. She mentioned it was her first time to the Outer Banks and she was getting the “full experience!”
NC Coast Grill & Bar-Ms. Nelles visited Duck, NC and enjoyed a waterfront lunch at NC Coast. Her meal included their fresh-caught tuna tacos.
Goombays-Cajun crab soup and fish & chips were on the menu for her late dinner at Goombays Raw Bar & Grill!
As she made her way down HWY NC12, Ms. Nelles visited Outer Banks landmarks such as the Wright Brothers National Monument, Bodie Island Lighthouse, Pea Island and more.
During Ms. Nelles final night, she enjoyed an evening at Waterside Theatre and experienced The Lost Colony.
“The production is excellent-lighting, sound, music, and choreography are all top-notch,”-Laura Nelles The Lost Colony experience.
We are so thankful for the opportunity to host Ms. Nelles and the article featured in The Toronto Sun!
Read the full article here.
The 2023 The Lost Colony Photo Contest is now open! Submit your best memories from your visit to Fort Raleigh and Waterside Theatre for your chance to win The Lost Colony swag bag containing The Lost Colony merchandise!
2023 The Lost Colony Photo Contest Details:
September 21-October 1st, 2023
Submissions can be emailed to: thelostcolonymarketing@gmail.com
All submissions agree to have their photos used in future marketing.
