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2023 The Lost Colony Local Auditions Announced

Become a Cast Member for the 2023 Season

The Roanoke Island Historical Association (RIHA) has announced the dates for the local auditions for the 86th season of The Lost Colony.  Director and Choreographer Jeff Whiting and team will hold local auditions from 11 AM-5 PM on Saturday, February 25th, 2023.  

Auditions will take place at Manteo High School, 829 Wingina Ave, Manteo, NC. Registration opens at 10:30 AM and auditions will begin at 11:00 AM.  

To register for the auditions, visit thelostcolony.org/auditions. You will receive an audition time once you 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. 

The Lost Colony Welcomes The U.S. Capitol Tree

On November 13th, The U.S. Capitol Tree made a pit stop to the parking lot of The Lost Colony within Fort Raleigh National Historic Site, as part of its “From the Mountains to the Sea” journey. 

Governor John White (RIHA Executive Director Chuck Still) and Old Tom (RIHA Maintenance Supervisor Charlie Gravatte) were there to greet the tree as it arrived. 

It was a beautiful afternoon at Ft. Raleigh as people from all over the Outer Banks came to celebrate the Capitol Tree’s arrival, and it was a terrific start to the Holiday Season! 

U.S. Capital Tree at Fort Raleigh

Mark your calendars for November 13th, 2022! Fort Raleigh National Historic Site, in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service and the Town of Manteo, invites the community to view the 2022 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree when it makes a stop at Fort Raleigh National Historic Site, from 3-5 p.m. Sunday,
Nov. 13, 2022.

Each year, a different national forest provides a tree to light up the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol building for the holiday season. The National Forests in North Carolina will bring the 2022 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree from the Pisgah National Forest to Washington, D.C., including a short visit to Fort Raleigh National Historic Site, 1500 Fort Raleigh Rd., Manteo, N.C.

After the 78-foot-tall red spruce tree was harvested on November 2nd from the Pisgah National Forest, it will be loaded on a truck and driven nearly 1,000-miles, stopping along the way at a series of outdoor community celebrations before the final stop at the U.S. Capitol on Nov. 18.

Festivities during the tree’s visit to Fort Raleigh National Historic Site will include:
Remarks by public officials, a performance by the Manteo Elementary School Choir, activities and ornament making with over 15 local partner organizations and a special appearance by Santa and Mrs. Claus.

For U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree news and tour information, visit www.uscapitolchristmastree.com. Track the tree from the National Forests in North Carolina to the U.S. Capitol beginning Nov. 5 at www.capitoltreetracker.com.

2022 Company Awards

The Cora Mae Basnight Memorial Scholarship Award

Cora Mae was a gifted pianist-who was accepted at the prestigious Peabody Conservatory for Music in Baltimore.  Cora Mae performed in The The Lost Colony from 1957 to 1984, playing the role of Agona. She thrived in the role and has the distinct record of portraying the same role for longer than anyone else in American Theatre history. In honor of Cora Mae’s extraordinary achievements and contributions, we are proud to be able to offer a scholarship in her name. The Cora Mae Basnight Memorial Scholarship is awarded to a The Lost Colony company member who has shown distinction in music, be it vocal, instrumental, composition, or direction, dedication to excellence in theatrical musical performance, and commitment to The Lost Colony. This year, the scholarship will be shared by 2 company members who kept the musical integrity of The Lost Colony in tact, both on stage and off. The winners of the Cora Mae Basnight Memorial Scholarship Award are Kristina Brooke Swearingen and Ruthie Sangster.

The Bob Knowles Award

Bob Knowles is referred to as “our man at the top of the hill”, and everyone who knew him speaks nothing but niceties about him. The Bob Knowles Award is given to a Company Member who personifies the sense of professionalism in the Lost Colony company that Knowles set, both onstage and off. The awarded company member seeks to further the purpose and message of The Lost Colony, conducts themselves with dignity and respect, and sets an example for those around them. This year, we are pleased to offer the Bob Knowles Award to not one but 2 outstanding company members, Stuart Parks II and Ashleigh Ponder.

The Evelyn Russell Layton Award

Evelyn Russell Layton Award is named after Evelynn Russell Layton. The wife of Legendary The Lost Colony director Joe Layton, Evelynn Russell was a consummate professional and performer who believed that theatre was everything. This award is dedicated to her memory and to the level of professionalism that she brought to her work. The award is given to a company member who shows great promise in their theatrical career, and during their summer with us at The Lost Colony, has shown their dedication to both the show and the craft of theatre in general. This year, we are proud to present the Evelyn Russell Layton Award to Tyler Fox.

The Robert Midgette Alumni Association Award

Robert Midgette is nothing short of a The Lost Colony legend. A native to Roanoke Island, Robert and almost his entire family have been involved with The Lost Colonythroughout the years. Bob was involved with the show for 48 seasons, and during these seasons he played Manteo for 26 years and served as The Lost Colony’s Fight Director for 14 years. This award, which is graciously funded by The Lost Colony Alumni Association, is given to a returning company member who is chosen by their peers. This person shows great enthusiasm, professionalism, and dedication to The Lost Colony, and this year we are proud to present the Robert Midgette Alumni Association Award to Nakya Leviner.

The Bradford Fearing Producers Award

This award is given to either a The Lost Colony Company Member or full-time Roanoke Island Historical Association employee, who contributed to the success and continuation of our annual production, and signifies their contributions and merit. It is named after Bradford Fearing, one of the founding members of the Roanoke Island Historical Association, who has been called “the guiding genius of The Lost Colony”. This year, we are proud to present this award to Matt Gabbard.

Laura Long Chat

A Chat with Ms. Laura

Laura Long, who served as a member of the Lost Colony Choir from 1984-2021, will be hosting a Zoom Chat in lieu of her traditional reception, this Sunday, August 14th, at 4pm. For many years, this reception is the highlight of the summer for the congregation of Mt. Olivet Methodist Church and members of the Lost Colony Company.

Please, come celebrate Ms. Laura as summer comes to a close on the Outer Banks.

The Zoom link is pasted below:

Join Zoom Meeting:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/6416420867?pwd=ZUFJcU1penFzT3BGOXRaZmVPVjlqZz09

Meeting ID: 641 642 0867

Virginia Dare Night Local Baby Auditions

VIRGINIA DARE NIGHT BABY AUDITIONS TO BE
HELD AT THE LOST COLONY

The 85thAnniversary Season of The Lost Colony commemorates the 435thbirthday 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 August 18thperformance. 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 23rd at 10:00 AM in The Lost Colony Admin Building located by the Elizabethan Gardens within Fort Raleigh National Historic Site. 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 18thfor 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.

Additional Dare Night to Benefit SPCA July 8th

The Lost Colony Additional Dare Night Announced for July 8th, 2022
Dare Night To Benefit the Outer Banks SPCA

The Roanoke Island Historical Association (RIHA) has announced an additional Dare Night after the June 17th show was cancelled due to dangerous weather conditions. The July 8th Dare Night will benefit the Outer Banks SPCA.

Dare Nights, sponsored by Midgett Insurance, are historically the first three Fridays in June and offer free admission to all Dare and Currituck residents. Donations to the local food pantries are required to redeem the free tickets. For the July 8th Dare Night, residents will be required to bring their local ID’s as well as a minimum of one donation per household to the Outer Banks SPCA. Cash donations will be accepted as well. Suggested items to donate include; peanut butter, dog treats, dog/cat toys, dry, dye-free dog food (i.e, Purina One), dawn dish soap, paper towels and dishwasher pods.

“I haven’t been here long, but I’ve been on duty every night we have had to cancel a show. I hate cancelling shows, particularly Dare County Night shows. To ameliorate this disappointment, we decided to add another Dare County Night and we found a really good cause for it to benefit. Please join us for the fourth and final (we hope) Dare County Night of 2022.”-Chuck Still, Executive Director of The Lost Colony.

For July 8th Dare Night admission, the show begins at 8:30pm. Gates open at 7:30, please come early and bring your local ID, SPCA donation item and you will receive your ticket at the box office.

Tickets to the 85th Anniversary Season of The Lost Colony can be purchased at www.thelostcolony.org.  The show begins at 8:30 pm Mondays through Saturdays. The Native American Pre-Show begins at 8pm every Friday and Saturday and is included with all The Lost Colony tickets.

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Opening Night of The 85th Season of the Lost Colony

The 85th Anniversary Season of The Lost Colony Opens Friday, May 27th   America’s Longest-Running Outdoor Symphonic Drama Celebrates its 85th Season

The Roanoke Island Historical Association (RIHA) is proud to announce that the 85th Season of The Lost Colony, presented by PNC, opens May 27th, 2022.

New Executive Director Chuck Still and returning Director/Choreographer Jeff Whiting are at the helm for the 2022 season. Another record-breaking season is on the horizon, with early ticket sales on track to exceed 2021 sales. Many new additions and upgrades took place over the past year including new seats installed by the National Park Service.

In addition to new seating, the show will feature upgraded lighting, scene designs and spectacular special effects with the introduction of new projection equipment. The 85th season will also feature more musical compositions, a newly constructed ship, and beautiful choreography.

“We are so thrilled to introduce some brand new-technical elements to the show this year, which really enhances the impact of this important story and bring this mystery to life in a whole new way. “-Jeff Whiting, Director/Choreographer.

Returning to The Lost Colony company for the 85th season are members of several Native American tribes, including North Carolina’s Lumbee Tribe, with principal as well as supporting and directorial roles.  New for 2022, there will be a Native American Pre-Show Powwow performance on Friday and Saturday nights.

“If you’ve been to the Outer Banks, you’ve probably seen The Lost Colony at least once, but I promise you, you’ve never seen this Lost Colony. If you haven’t been in a while, it’s time to come back to the Waterside Theatre.”-Chuck Still, Executive Director.

Dare Nights for the 2022 season will be held on June 3rd, June 10th and June 17th .  Dare Nights admission is free to Dare and Currituck residents with donations to the local food pantries. For more information visit www.thelostcolony.org.

 The Lost Colony’s 85th season begins May 27th and runs through August 20th, 2022. The show begins at 8:30 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Tickets start at $25.

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Pre-Show Native American Cultural Presentation

Pre-Show: Native American Cultural Presentation

Don’t miss our Native American Cultural Presentation, beginning at 8pm (pre-show) on Fridays and Saturdays, performed by Indigenous members of The Lost Colony production.

This will be a Native American cultural showcase of stories, songs, and dances ranging from plains powwow style intertribal dances all the way to dances of the Eastern woodland. This will all be performed by the members of the Native American The Lost Colony cast to educate and enrich the overall experience for the audience regarding native culture.

The Lost Colony Sponsorship

 Reserve your tickets on either Friday or Saturday nights through August 20th.

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KEEPER OF THE DREAM AWARD

KEEPER OF THE DREAM AWARD Celebrates Lost Colony Alumni on 85th Anniversary Production

May 6th, 2022

To help commemorate the 85th Anniversary of the longest running outdoor symphonic drama, The Lost Colony, the Roanoke Island Historical Association (RIHA) announced today the Keeper of the Dream Medallion, which will be presented to revered Alumni of the production throughout the 85th Season of the Tony Award-winning production.

Inspired by Paul Green’s iconic speech, who refers to the struggling colonists as “the keepers of a dream,” the medallion honors the “devotion to the dream that brought us here,” as proclaimed by, John Borden, one of the leading characters of the play.

Over the past 85 years, thousands of actors, technicians, musicians and staff have continued keeping the dream of this powerful story alive through the annual production of The Lost Colony. Many notable alumni include TV Hall of Fame’s Andy Griffith, Oscar-nominee Lynn Redgrave, Tony-winner Colleen Dewhurst, Rory O’Malley (Book of Mormon), Tony-Nominee Terrence Mann (Beauty & The Beast), Tony-winner Steve Kazee (Once) and many others.

Many alumni will return to the production during the 85th Anniversary season. On the evening they attend, those who participate will receive the Keeper of a Dream medallion in a pre-show ceremony and will also appear in a featured role in the production, to help commemorate this significant season.

“We are so grateful for the enormous The Lost Colony family,” said show director Jeff Whiting, “and humbled by the opportunity we have each night to share this story with the world through the production.”

“We owe our alumni so much for their devotion to the production each year,” said Kevin Bradley, Chair of the RIHA Board, “and this medallion represents a small portion of that gratitude.”

Alumni are invited to sign up if they plan to attend and receive the Keeper of the Dream medallion, through the link below.

SIGN UP HERE

 

The 85th Anniversary production of The Lost Colony opens on May 27th, adapted from the original script, written by Paul Green, directed by Jeff Whiting, Native choreography by Nakya Leviner, additional music by Sam Davis, scenic design by Skipper Bell/C de La Cruz, puppet design by Nicholas Mahon, fight choreography by Jason Paul Tate, costume design by Hannah J. Davis, lighting design by Keith A. Truax, cultural advisement by Kaya Littleturtle, sound design by Shannon Slaton, projection design by Christopher Ash, music direction by Jesse Kissel, technical direction by David Boyd, stage management by Nick Alteri, and production management by Bryant Cyr.

New Executive Director of The Lost Colony Announced

Experienced Theatre Manager Appointed As Executive Director for The Lost Colony

Chuck Still, a 30-year veteran in theatre management, has been appointed Executive Director of the Roanoke Island Historical Association, which produces the outdoor symphonic drama The Lost Colony on Roanoke Island each summer.

Chuck Still Named Executive Director for The Lost ColonyThe Executive Committee of the RIHA Board of Directors made the appointment Saturday, March 12th, 2022.

“Chuck Still has the skills, experience and personality that we wanted in our Executive Director as we prepare for our show’s 85th year,” said Kevin Bradley, chairman of the board. “We are excited that we were able to recruit him, and we believe he will help our team take The Lost Colony to a new level in the years ahead.”

Cindy McGann, chair of the board search committee that recommended Still, said, “We received 40 applications for the position, and we were impressed by their quality. Chuck emerged as the most promising and best qualified candidate. He met with our committee in Manteo last week, and he toured the Waterside Theatre and Morrison Grove. After the visit, our committee unanimously and enthusiastically recommended his appointment.”

Still said, “My first professional theatre experience, my first theatre experience of any kind, took place in North Carolina, and many of my closest friends still live in the state. Taking this position feels a lot like coming home and I am looking forward to getting to work.”

Still has extensive experience in theatre management:

He is a native of Chattanooga and a graduate of Davidson College. He has an MFA from the North Carolina School of the Arts. He began his professional theatre career as Production Manager of the North Carolina Shakespeare Festival in High Point.

He will begin in late March.

 

 

 

The Lost Colony Wine & Culinary Festival | April 9th, 2022

The Lost Colony Wine & Culinary Festival Is Set For April 9th, 2022

Presented by TowneBank, celebrate Roanoke Island’s history, while sampling 100 wines , local fare, craft beers, live music & an art show.

Manteo, NC- The Roanoke Island Historical Association is pleased to present the 4th Annual Lost Colony Wine and Culinary Festival. The festival celebrates Roanoke Island’s history with local and regional wines, beers, delicious food parings as well as an art show. This “don’t miss” event is a fundraiser to benefit The Lost Colony. 2022 marks the 85th Anniversary of Paul Green’s original symphonic drama.

Attendees will taste over 100 wines, discover local craft beers, sample savory local fare and enjoy live entertainment, surrounded by breathtaking views of the Roanoke and Pamlico Sounds.

In addition to wine, the popular Beer Garden will feature local and regional craft beers, some of which are found only on the Outer Banks. Paired with delicious fare from local restaurants and live entertainment-the Beer Garden is a great addition to the wine festival.

New for 2022, local and regional artists will display original pieces for display and purchase. Enjoy a glass of wine or cold beer while you peruse the fabulous art show at this year’s festival.

The Lost Colony Wine & Culinary Festival, held on the grounds of The Lost Colony. This annual event sells out quickly, with tickets increasing by $10 on April 2nd. The festival will be held Saturday, April 9th, doors open at 1PM for VIP ($95) ticket holders and at 2PM for General Admission ($75). Tickets are now on sale at www.TLCwinefest.com.

The festival is generously funded by the Outer Banks Visitors Bureau and Presenting Sponsor TowneBank. For a full listing of the festival’s generous supporters, event details and tickets please see our website,www.TLCwinefest.com. For more information, please call (252) 473-2127.

Covid 19 Cancels Remainder of The Season

**IMPORTANT ANNOUCEMENT**
–
Unfortunately, one of The Lost Colony members has tested positive for Covid-19. As a result, the remainder of the season has been cancelled.
–
Any ticket holders should contact the box office at 252.473.6000 for a full refund.
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We are saddened that an incredible season has come to an end abruptly however, the safety and health of the company is our top priority.

Virginia Dare Night Wednesday August 18, 2021

THE LOST COLONY  TO CELEBRATE THE BIRTH OF VIRGINIA DARE AT VIRGINIA DARE NIGHT
SPONSORED BY FIRST NATIONAL BANK


When:
8:10 pm
Wednesday August 18th, 2021

Where:
Waterside Theatre, Fort Raleigh National Historic Site
Home of The Lost Colony

What:
The Lost Colony is proud to announce their annual Virginia Dare Night, which will be celebrating the 434th anniversary of the birth of Virginia Dare tomorrow, August 18th. There will be an awards ceremony starting at 8:10, which will begin with the presentation of the 2021 Virginia Dare Babies and their families. Tomorrow evenings performance of The Lost Colony will begin shortly after the awards ceremony concludes. Virginia Dare Night is graciously sponsored by First National Bank. For information on tickets, please call The Lost Colony box office at 252-473-6000.

More information is available on the website at thelostcolony.org or by calling the Ticket Office at (252) 473-2127.  The Lost Colony runs nightly through August 21st, Mondays through Saturdays.

 

The Lost Colony In The Media

The Roanoke Island Historical Association and The Lost Colony company members are thrilled with the overwhelming support of the reimagined 2021 The Lost Colony production.

Below are links to several earned media mentions and articles.

The Lost Colony in the Media:

The Coastland Times-read here.

Broadway World-read here.

Coastal Review-read here.

The Outer Banks Voice-read here.

Laurinburge Exchange-read here.

Obxtoday.com-read here.

Beach104.com-read here.

Pilotonline.com-read here.

WRAL-read here.

Walter Magazine-read here.

Indy Week-read here.

WRBL-read here.

Robesonian-read here.

Dance Magazine-read here.

Wavy.com-read here.