Casting call: The Lost Colony auditions for role of first English baby in the New World

The Lost Colony is once again looking for a few cute babies.

Every year, the long-running outdoor drama on Roanoke Island commemorates the birthday of the first English child born in the New World with a special appearance during the Aug. 18 show.

The play, in its 86th year, is once again auditioning for babies to portray Virginia Dare, who was born to colonist Eleanor Dare on Aug. 18, 1587, near what is now the town of Manteo.

“Being a Virginia Dare baby is a coveted role in the community that many local citizens have had the opportunity of being a part of,” The Lost Colony said in a news release.

For “Virginia Dare Night” only, the usual prop baby used in performances is replaced by real babies.

To be considered, interested families must attend an audition meeting on July 22 at 10:30 a.m. in The Lost Colony Administration Building beside the Elizabethan Gardens within Fort Raleigh National Historic Site.

The casting is open to all cheerful boys and girls weighing 15 pounds or less. All Virginia Dare babies must be available for several hours on the evening of Aug. 18 for pre-show preparation and for The Lost Colony performance. All selected Virginia Dare babies will be introduced from the stage prior to the performance at 8:30 p.m.

For more information, contact Matt Gabbard, 252-473-2127 or mgabbard@thelostcolony.org.

The Lost Colony, first staged in 1937, is the nation’s longest-running outdoor symphonic drama. Adapted from the original script written by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Paul Green, The Lost Colony’s 86th season runs through Aug. 26 at Manteo’s Waterside Theatre. For tickets and more information, see www.thelostcolony.org or call 252-473-6000.

Kari Pugh, kari.pugh@virginiamedia.com