Community theater now has a stage of its own

Theatre of Dare has found a permanent place to call home.

Built in 1984 the site is the former Kitty Hawk Twin Cinema at 3848 N. Croatan Highway in Kitty Hawk Plaza, which then became Outer Banks Jubilee Theater and then Paparazzi OBX.

With its own history of transitions, Theatre of Dare started in the Port O’Call Restaurant dining room in 1990. Over the next 30 years the production company wandered through a number of different places around the county, among them Manteo Elementary and Middle schools, the Wanchese Community Center, Days Inn, College of The Albemarle Auditorium, Lost Colony Soundstage, The Elizabethan Gardens gazebo and Roanoke Island Festival Park.

Although each move required adapting to a new environment, production company members say they’ve had some great shows and great hosts.

With a place located for the local theater community to put down roots, some site renovations were needed.

Performing a labor of love, board members and other volunteers diligently worked to successfully move into and remodel the new location.

In order to accommodate an audience of 200, seats had to be installed to replace the ones removed by a previous tenant. Other upgrades included light fixtures, spackling, painting, lights, sound equipment, signage and staging.

The new home also has a sizable stage, the capacity for selling tickets, a lobby where refreshments can be served, spacious restrooms and both office and storage areas.

According to a Theatre of Dare media release, the new home is intended to be a place where all performing arts can be shared and celebrated. Plans include musical acts, classes in performing arts, summer camps and much more.

During a festive gathering of sponsors and patrons, the shows Mousetrap, The Man Who Came To Dinner, Urinetown, Exit Pursued By A Bear and Wizard of Wonderland were announced as the

Courtesy Theatre of Dare

Theatre of Dare’s new permanent home, located at 3848 N. Croatan Highway in Kitty Hawk.

Courtesy Theatre of Dare

Christina Jamieson and Betsy Head painting during the renovation of the Theatre of Dare.

slated shows for the 32nd season, which begins in October.

In addition, by partnering with Porkchop Productions, Theatre of Dare is able to expand its activities to be able to offer five week-long summer theater camp sessions for kids ages 6-11 and ages 12-17. Each week will feature its own unique theme and conclude with a performance.

Scheduled camps begin the week of June 13-17 and conclude the week of August 8-12. Participation is limited and details are available on the registration form at theatreofdareobx.com/ summer-camps.

For more information about Theatre of Dare, visit theatreofdareobx.com/, email info@theatreofdareobx.com or call 252-715-1155. 

Courtesy Theatre of Dare

The cast of Theatre of Dare’s production of Five Women Wearing the Same Dress: Missy Eppard, Kim Plyler, Chelsea Jenkins, Alexis Leuzzi Narron and Emmi Frankum