Millions have seen the compelling story that celebrates the 117 English men, women, and children whose dream still lives on in this American original.

Come see epic battles and Indian dances. Experience the sorrow and heartbreak of tragedy and loss. Witness the pageantry of the Queen and her court and celebrate the birth of Virginia Dare, the first English child born in America. There is music, laughter, romance and dance.

Over 100 actors, technicians, singers, dancers, designers and volunteers gather each spring to begin rehearsals to bring The Lost Colony to life for another summer season. The production is enormous. The stage itself is over three times larger than most Broadway stages in New York City. You are seated in our open-air theatre, located on the Roanoke Sound, with the stars above and live action happening on three sides of you.

The Lost Colony outdoor drama is the “grandfather” of all outdoor dramas and is produced by the Roanoke Island Historical Association (RIHA), a non-profit whose mission is to celebrate the history of the first English colonies on Roanoke Island, North Carolina, and to honor the founders of The Lost Colony symphonic drama through drama, education and literature.

First staged in 1937, The Lost Colony is the nation’s premier and longest-running outdoor symphonic drama. Written by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Paul Green, The Lost Colony’s 87TH anniversary season opens May 30 and plays through Aug. 24, 2024 at Roanoke Island’s Waterside Theatre, on North Carolina’s Outer Banks.