NPS - National Park Service

01/18/2022 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 01/18/2022 10:39

Waterside Theatre at Fort Raleigh National Historic Site to receive new seating before 2022 performance season

News Release Date:
January 18, 2022

Contact:Michael Barber, 252-270-5398

MANTEO, N.C. - Fort Raleigh National Historic Site awarded a $236,000 contract to Irwin Seating (Grand Rapids, Mich.) on Dec. 30, 2021 to fabricate and install new seating in the park's Waterside Theatre, home of "The Lost Colony" outdoor symphonic drama.

Per the contract, Irwin Seating will fabricate approximately 1,600 outdoor theater seats with cupholders and install them by May 1, 2022. More than a dozen seats will be wheelchair accessible.

"We thank the Roanoke Island Historical Association for their longstanding partnership and assistance with removing the old, weathered seats," said David Hallac, superintendent, National Parks of Eastern North Carolina. "We are so pleased to provide new, high quality seating for the tens of thousands of visitors that enjoy "The Lost Colony" performance each summer."

The last time the Waterside Theatre received a full replacement of seats occurred in 1998. Since that time, individual seats have been replaced as needed.