Old Colony Players raising funds to restore amphitheater

Valdese’s Old Colony Players (OCP) is launching a fundraising campaign to restore the Fred B. Cranford Amphitheater, where the group’s flagship show “From This Day Forward” is performed every year during the summer.

The goal is to raise $500,000 total to repair or replace various parts of the amphitheater, including the light towers for $75,000, the turntable stage for $25,000, and electrical wiring for $50,000.

A dream project, according to OCP leadership, would be a $100,000 waterproof canopy to prevent performance cancellations when it rains.

Valdese Director of Community Affairs & Tourism Morrissa Angi said $175,000 has already been raised for the project, leaving $325,000 until OCP reaches its goal.

The fundraising campaign comes ahead of OCP’s 60th anniversary of “From This Day Forward,” a drama unique to Valdese that tells the story of the town’s Waldensian ancestors.

During the first half of the show, the Waldensians endure religious persecution from the Catholic church in the 1600s. The second half shows the challenges Waldensians faced as they settled in the area that would become Valdese.

The amphitheater was built in 1968 and has served as a stage, event venue, and cultural landmark, Angi said.

After almost 60 years, Angi said the venue needs significant renovations to ensure it remains safe, structurally sound, and accessible.

“By investing in the amphitheater, OCP hopes to strengthen an important cultural tourism asset while continuing to provide quality community theater for local residents and visitors,” Angi said. “As a nonprofit organization, OCP depends on the generosity of individuals, businesses, and community partners to produce its annual programming and undertake significant capital improvements.”

The fundraising campaign ends on Jan. 15, 2027, and renovations will be completed before the 60th production of “From This Day Forward.”

Those who wish to contribute can do so using a credit card at oldcolonyplayers.com. OCP also accepts checks payable to Old Colony Players at P.O. Box 112, Valdese, NC 28690.