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North Carolina is the birthplace of the American outdoor drama, entertaining theatergoers under the stars since 1937. Since then, opportunities to step back in time surrounded by settings only Mother Nature could provide have expanded across our state and beyond.
1 'The Lost Colony'
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1 'The Lost Colony'
ManteoSee on map
Set on the legendary Outer Banks, "The Lost Colony" is the nation’s longest-running symphonic outdoor drama and tells the story of America’s first unsolved mystery. A full 22 years before Jamestown was settled, colonists from England tried to carve out a home on North Carolina’s Roanoke Island. Left to survive when their ship went back to England for supplies, the colony disappeared into the mists of history, becoming known as “The Lost Colony.” Performed in the Waterside Theatre, a cast of more than 130 people brings this 2013 winner of the Tony Honors for Excellence in Theatre to life.
See it: early June through late August
2 'Horn in the West'
2 'Horn in the West'
BooneSee on mapOne of North Carolina’s most famous sons takes center stage in "Horn in the West," the country’s oldest Revolutionary War drama. The story follows Daniel Boone as he migrates westward into the Blue Ridge Mountains. Under oaks as old as our nation, you’ll be swept away into the spirit and perseverance of Boone and like-minded settlers who sparked our westward expansion and fought to maintain their freedom against the British. Many people believe the magnificent Daniel Boone Park and Amphitheater is worth the price of admission alone. It sits amid 35 acres of rugged Watauga County terrain hidden among giant rhododendron.
See it: Late June through mid-August
3 'Unto These Hills'
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3 'Unto These Hills'
CherokeeSee on mapStaged in the sacred mountain land of the Cherokee, "Unto These Hills" paints a vivid portrait of the Eastern Band of Cherokee. The story unfolds as members of the Cherokee nation first encounter Spanish explorers in 1540. This tale of tragedy and triumph follows them through their tragic removal from their ancestral North Carolina home and forced march along the Trail of Tears to Oklahoma. Bring jackets or blankets to see this show at the Mountainside Theatre, as temperatures can drop as day turns to night during the two-hour performance.
See it: late May through mid-August
4 'From This Day Forward'
4 'From This Day Forward'
ValdeseSee on mapThe heroic tale of the Waldenses follows the emigrants from northern Italy to a new life in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. For more than 50 years, this outdoor drama has shown visitors the foundation of determination, faith and resilience that Waldenses laid for the small community of Valdese.
See it: mid-July through mid-August
5 Montford Park Players
5 Montford Park Players
AshevilleSee on mapFor more than 50 years, the Players have made it their mission to make Shakespeare accessible to everyone through both their performance style and by offering shows free of charge.
See it: mid-May through late October
6 Cape Fear Shakespeare
6 Cape Fear Shakespeare
WilmingtonSee on mapPack a picnic for these free-to-the-public performances, where local players bring to life selections from the bard every summer at the renovated Greenfield Lake Amphitheater.
See it: Throughout June
7 Snow Camp Outdoor Theatre
7 Snow Camp Outdoor Theatre
Snow CampSee on mapHistorical dramas star at this stage that puts on outdoor performances a few times per year. The community that puts on these productions also offers a number of indoor plays and concerts, as well.
See it: Select weekends throughout the year
