Historic Thunder Roll to echo through Thalian Hall at Community Day this weekend

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Thalian Hall will open its doors to the public Saturday for its annual Community Day, featuring tours, local arts organizations and demonstrations of a rare 19th-century sound effect machine known as the Thunder Roll.

The event is scheduled for 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 25, and will also include the public on-sale of the 2026–27 Main Attractions season.

A centerpiece of the day will be demonstrations of the Thunder Roll, a mechanical device dating to 1858 designed to simulate the sound of a thunderstorm in live theatrical productions. Organizers say it is one of only two known working examples in the world. Demonstrations are scheduled for 11:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m.

Attendees will also be able to tour the historic theater, explore its seating areas and upper levels, and participate in activities highlighting its history. A miniature model of the Thunder Roll will also be on display, along with raffles for tickets to the upcoming season.

Several local arts organizations are expected to participate, including Thalian Association Community Theatre, Forward Motion Dance, Panache Theatricals and Pineapple-Shaped Lamps.

Thalian Hall, which opened in 1858, is one of the oldest continuously operating theaters in the United States and a designated National Historic Landmark.