Since 1985, summer visitors to Banner Elk have enjoyed top-quality, Broadway-style shows on the campus of Lees-McRae College in the heart of this resort town in the North Carolina mountains.
From those beginnings in the 1980s, Lees-McRae Summer Theatre has entertained more than a quarter million patrons.
Lees-McRae Summer Theatre charms audiences with a unique blend of professional, educational and community theater. The company includes aspiring performers and technicians working alongside award-winning industry professionals, mixed with a dash of local actors.
[Scroll down to see this year’s shows]
These talented folks descend on Banner Elk each summer to work with founder and artistic director Dr. Janet Barton Speer. It was Speer who, at the behest of the college, started the program in 1985 after successfully directing at regional theatres.
Each year, the theatre discovers and showcases local talents, both children and adults. Some locals have worked on dozens of shows, and many children return every year to take more challenging roles.
Once shows are selected and rights secured, a creative team is formed for each production. This includes music directors, choreographers and designers.
All shows take place at the well-appointed Broyhill Theatre inside Hayes Auditorium on the Lees-McRae College campus at 191 Main Street West in Banner Elk. Parking is free, with many restaurants within walking distance.
Funding for Lees-McRae Summer Theatre comes from ticket sales, grants and donations by individuals and businesses.
Lees-McRae Summer Theatre 2025
Lees-McRae Summer Theatre returns to the stage for its 40th season with a trio of great musicals. Details are below.
Nunsense:
A Musical Comedy
(June 1–4, 2025)
In this zany, wholesome, hilarious musical revue, the Little Sisters of Hoboken discover that their cook has accidentally poisoned 52 of the sisters. In dire need of funds for the burials, they put on a variety show to raise the money.
Featuring fantastic music, dancing and a few surprises, this hit has been an international phenomenon for 40 years.
Fittingly, this incarnation of the show is presented inside a church. No reservations needed. Admission is free, with donations benefiting Lees-McRae Summer Theatre.
Nunsense shows take place June 1 @ 2 p.m., June 3 @ 7 p.m. and June 4 @ 7 p.m. All shows are at Banner Elk Presbyterian Church, 420 College Drive SW, Banner Elk, NC. Additional details available here.
The Cottage
(June 22-28, 2025)
A hit on Broadway, this is Lees-McRae Summer Theatre’s first non-musical play in a decade.
When two cheating lovers secretly meet at their favorite countryside English cottage in 1923 for their yearly tryst, they expect nothing but bliss. Then, the doorbell starts ringing.
As their spouses arrive, a hilarious web of secrets unravels in this zany and ridiculous (and potentially murderous) PG-13 comedy. This Carol-Burnett-meets-Downton-Abbey comedy is perfect for a date night or girls’ night out, but is not suitable for children.
The Cottage is directed by Gabe Vanover. Shows take place June 22 @ 2 p.m., June 24 @ 7 p.m., June 25 @ 2 p.m., June 26 @ 7 p.m., June 27 @ 7 p.m. and June 28 @ 2 p.m.
1940! — A Musical
(July 18-24, 2025)
Details to come.
Ticket Information
Performances of The Cottage and 1940! take place in the Broyhill Theatre inside Hayes Auditorium on the Lees-McRae College campus. Adult and student tickets are available. More information about purchasing tickets is available here or by calling 828.898.8709.