KITTY HAWK - Theatre of Dare is giving audiences something new to look forward to beyond the stage: a better view from their seats.

The Kitty Hawk community theatre has launched “Elevate the Arts,” a $40,000 fundraising campaign to transform its auditorium with a new tiered seating system designed to improve sightlines, expand accessibility and create a safer, more comfortable experience for audiences.

 

The theatre's current flat-floor seating can create obstructed views for some patrons and offers limited options for accessible seating, while the existing layout can make navigating the auditorium challenging. The proposed system will create more than 10 tiered rows, elevating seats throughout the auditorium to reduce obstructed views and give patrons a clearer view of the stage. The project will also incorporate accessible seating areas, sturdy handrails and illuminated aisles and stairs to make the auditorium easier and safer to navigate.

 

The improvements address those challenges of Theatre of Dare’s existing auditorium while creating a more welcoming experience for the patrons who attend performances each year.

 

“Our audiences are such an important part of everything we do, and 'Elevate the Arts' is really about improving their experience from the moment they take their seats,” said Kelsey Thompson, Executive Director of Theatre of Dare. “We want everyone who walks through our doors to feel welcome, comfortable and able to fully enjoy what is happening on stage. This project is a major step toward creating the kind of theatre experience our community deserves.”

 

The campaign comes as Theatre of Dare begins its 36th season and represents a significant investment in the future of the organization’s Kitty Hawk home. For more than three decades, Theatre of Dare has brought live community theatre to the Outer Banks through the talents and dedication of local actors, directors, designers, technicians, volunteers and supporters.

 

“Theatre of Dare belongs to this community, and so much of what we have accomplished has happened because people here believe in the importance of having live theatre on the Outer Banks,” said Lara Parks, President of Theatre of Dare’s Board of Directors. “'Elevate the Arts' gives our community an opportunity to help us build the next chapter together. Whether someone gives $100, $1,000 or more, every contribution helps us create a better, safer and more welcoming space for the thousands of people who come through our doors.”

 

Theatre of Dare hopes to raise the full $40,000 during its 2026–27 season, with construction and installation of the new tiered seating system planned for summer 2027.

 

The campaign welcomes support from longtime Theatre of Dare patrons, local businesses, past performers and volunteers, and anyone who believes in the importance of accessible community arts on the Outer Banks. Every contribution, large or small, will help move the project toward its goal, while businesses and community partners are also invited to learn about campaign sponsorship opportunities.

 

As Theatre of Dare's 36th season gets underway with Happy Birthday, Wanda June, audiences have an opportunity to help shape the theatre experience for years to come. Every contribution moves Theatre of Dare one step closer to its goal, and one step higher.

 

Help Theatre of Dare "Elevate the Arts" and invest in the future of community theatre on the Outer Banks.