The venue hosted the first performance of First of Freedom in 1976.
Since the state returned the lease of the building to the county in 2015, the county has spearheaded the effort to rebuild it.
The plans are, said Halifax County Commissioner Rives Manning, chair of the amphitheater committee, to rebuild the facility “to its former glory. The goal is to return North Carolina’s second longest running outdoor drama to its original home and to provide a facility for other performances throughout the year.”

Manning and Barbee.

Each bench at the amphitheater will be sponsored. An engraved plaque, with the name of sponsor or honoree, will be at the end of each row.
There are a limited number of seat-naming opportunities.
Naming opportunities are $400 per bench.
There is also the opportunity to buy bricks engraved with contributor names for $100. The bricks will be used for the pathways leading into the amphitheater.
Contribution forms may be picked up at the Halifax County Visitors Center in Roanoke Rapids or at the Historic Halifax County Court House in Halifax.
“The funding will come from a variety of sources, including grants from private foundations and from community contributors,” said Judy Barbee, fundraising chair. “We want you to be a part of this effort and take a seat at the new Joseph Montfort Amphitheater.”