Sight and Sound Theatre Marks 50 Years of Biblical Storytelling
Sight and Sound Theatre, the Lancaster County, Pennsylvania production company known for large-scale biblical stage productions, is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2026. The company has drawn more than 36 million visitors since its founding.
Sight and Sound Theatre, based in Strasburg, Pennsylvania, is marking 50 years of producing large-scale biblical stage productions in 2026.
The company was founded in 1976 by Glenn and Shirley Eshelman, who began with outdoor productions before building a permanent theater. Today, Sight and Sound operates two venues: one in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, and one in Branson, Missouri.
The productions are known for their scale. Live animals, elaborate sets, and casts of dozens of performers bring stories from the Bible to life on stages that can span more than 300 feet. Past productions have included Moses, Jesus, Noah, and Samson.
The company says it has welcomed more than 36 million guests over five decades. It draws visitors from across the country and internationally, making it one of the most-attended live theater operations in the United States.
For its 50th anniversary season, Sight and Sound is staging a production of David, the story of the biblical king of Israel. The show opened in spring 2026 and is scheduled to run through the end of the year.
"We started with a simple desire to tell God's story in a way that would move people," said Matt Neff, the company's president and CEO. "Fifty years later, that mission has not changed."
Sight and Sound is a family-owned business. The Eshelman family remains involved in its leadership and creative direction.
The anniversary has prompted reflection among Christian arts advocates about the role of faith-based theater in American culture. Sight and Sound has long operated outside the mainstream entertainment industry, building its audience through church groups and word of mouth.
