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 1950s.

The theater languished for over 30 years until the “Pamlico County Civic and Cultural Center Project” began in the early 1990s with a dream of creating a performing arts center within the county. The first priority was to revive the dormant old building … a major undertaking that required a total renovation to bring the building up to modern specifications: Its interior was completely gutted and refurbished to include professional lighting and sound systems, stage curtains, seating and much more. This major undertaking climaxed when the center opened to the public on March 15, 1995 and became the permanent home of The Pelican Players.

The Old Theater Corporation, a nonprofit organization, was formed on May 8, 1992 to facilitate acquisition of the theater and responsibility for its renovation. It continues to manage the facility with a controlling Board of Directors that is comprised of Pamlico County volunteers.

Today, the Old Theater is used for a wide variety of events including performing arts, children’s programs and workshops and a variety of civic, business, club and charity events. An old fashioned night at the movies was introduced, returning the theater to its original purpose several times throughout the year.

Keeping this resource alive and strong requires the support and participation of individual contributors, community businesses and service organizations, public grants and folks who volunteer on stage and behind the scenes. Anyone with an interest in volunteering or becoming a member of the Old Theater is encouraged to call 252-249-0477 or email to oldtheater@gmail.com.