The Theater of Dare (TOD) has new digs. The local community theater company has just signed a three year lease for what the Paparazzi Theater in Kitty Hawk. Before that it was Jubilee Music and even before that it was a movie theater, but that’s going way back in time.
They’re already gearing up for “Arsenic and Old Lace” coming up this weekend and next weekend, February 18, 19, 25 and 26 with matinee performances on February 20 and 27.
Over the past five years the TOD has not had a permanent home. For years they staged their productions in Manteo at on the College of the Albemarle stage, but the building, 65 or 70 years old and suffering from mold and structural problems was torn down in 2017.
The TOD has been a part of Outer Banks life for 30 years. It’s first production was “California Suite.”
The theater is a much-needed move for the theater company. Over the past two years they have grown and now have some 250 season ticket holders. Their new home can seat 200 and it has the ability to offer beer, wine and snacks at was once the snack counter when it was movie theater.
The new location offers the TOD a lot off opportunities that simply did not exist at any other location they have been using. As an example, according to board president Stuart Parks, they would like to do something with children’s theater. Because they are now the lease holder on their theater, that is now a possibility.
Currently six production a year are presented. That will probably grow to seven and maybe even eight, although an eighth play would probably happen in the summer when it’s difficult for performers to find the time to rehearse.
The Outer Banks is filled with surprises in many places. The Theater of Dare is just one of many part to what makes life on a sandbar so wonderful. Plan your visit to the Outer Banks and make it the best that it can be with a week or two in a home.