The Dorset Theatre Festival has, since 1976, produced entertaining and enlightening new plays as well as innovative staging of the classics. DTF is led by a creative and dedicated artistic team, staff, and Board. Our mission is to produce theatre that matters. We strive to produce challenging and innovative new plays as well as classics, to be a vital community resource by engaging the broadest audience in our work, and to develop the next generation of theatre artists and playwrights through our conservatory, new play development, and educational programs.
Each summer DTF creates a company comprised of talented Equity and non-Equity actors, aspiring theatre arts professionals, and local artists. Through our Conservatory Program, we help create the next generation of theatre artists by serving as a gateway to a professional theatre career. We also serve as a launching pad for new playwrights, both those seeking a professional career and young students from the region who seek mentors and play writing experience.
We believe that the theatre can and should be the center of the community, and support various giving back promotions which are intended to bring in those who might otherwise not have the opportunity to attend professional theatre: local volunteer firefighters, police officers and emergency medical workers; farmers; teachers; student graduates of the Refuse to Use program; youngsters under the age of 12; those with special needs; and both veterans and members of the National Guard and their families. DTF believes that theatre is a community venture, and is committed to being a long-term, contributing member of the larger Dorset community.
