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The 85^th anniversary season of The Lost Colony commemorates the 435^th birthday of Virginia Dare, the first English child born in the New World to colonist Eleanor Dare on August 18, 1587. The Lost Colony is continuing its long-celebrated tradition of using real babies during the August 18 performance.

Being a “Virginia Dare Baby” is a coveted role in the community that many locals have had the opportunity to be a part of. For Virginia Dare Night only, the typical prop baby swaddled in blankets is replaced with these special guests.

To be considered for the honor of appearing on stage, all babies must attend an audition meeting on Saturday, July 24 at 10 a.m. in The Lost Colony administration building located next to The Elizabethan Gardens within Fort Raleigh National Historic Site. The casting is open to all cheerful boys and girls that are 15 pounds or less.

All Virginia Dare babies must be available for several hours on the evening of August 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.

More information is available at thelostcolony.org or by calling the ticket office at 252-473-2127. The Lost Colony runs nightly through August 20, Mondays through Saturdays.

Virginia Dare Night is sponsored by First National Bank.

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