“The Old Theater” at the corner of Broad and Church Streets in Oriental first opened as a movie theater in 1945. It attracted patrons from throughout Pamlico County, many of them using the then-existent train service for their journey. It continued to serve as a social and entertainment center until the late 1950’s. After languishing for over thirty tears, the theater has returned to help fulfill the entertainment, cultural and civic needs of the County.

The Old Theater Corporation, a nonprofit organization, was formed on May 8, 1992. It’s responsible for the renovation of the Center and its management as a permanent home for theatrical productions, community affairs, business promotion and other civic uses. The controlling Board of Directors is composed of Pamlico County volunteers.

The Pamlico County Civic and Cultural Center Project began in the early 1990’s, bringing together the dream of a County Performing Arts and Civic Center and the reality of the then-dormant Old Theater. First priority was to again get the theater operational. The interior has been completely renovated to meet modern standards. This effort climaxed when the Center open to the public in 1995.

This transition continues to be made possible by the generous support of large institutions, community businesses and service organizations, and individual benefactors along with the hard work of many dedicated people and a variety of fundraising activities. The theater also has received grants from the North Carolina Arts Council.

The theater is used for a wide variety of activities and is home to the Pamlico Chorale, the Pamlico Musical Society, the Children’s Theater Workshop and the Oriental Repertory Company. An old fashioned night at the movies has also been introduced, returning the theater to its original purpose several nights during the year. Performances by other groups in the arts and uses for civic purposes also happen there, such as Oriental Free University (OFreeU) and the Neuse River Foundation’s annual filmfest.

Anyone with an interest in joining the group of volunteers necessary to keep this great community asset vital and thriving, or becoming a member of The Old Theater is encouraged to contact any board member of the Old Theater Corporation or email info@oldtheater.org.