ABOUT DORSET

On July 2, 1929, The Dorset Playhouse officially opened. In typical Vermont style, the building of this lovely theatre was a true community effort and included the use of three local barns in its construction! Since the 1930's, The Playhouse has served as a home to many including members of Fred and Pat Carmichael's beloved Caravan Theatre, the wonderful year round community theatre The Dorset Players, and since the 1970's the Dorset Theatre Festival [DTF] founded by Jill Charles and John Nassivera.

Under the passionate and energetic artistic leadership of Jill and John, DTF flourished for many decades and served as a launching ground for new playwrights, a training ground for new talent, and home for a truly beloved group of theatre professionals who helped make DTF the fixture it has become for these past 35 years. There are many who stand out in this history, but we would be remiss if we did not mention in particular the late John Morrison whose contribution was invaluable.

Since 2001, and a $3 million restoration to the building, DTF has continued to thrive and prosper. John Nassivera took over the reigns after the death of the irreplaceable Jill Charles, and in 2007 he passed the baton to acclaimed Keen Company director Carl Forsman who continued the stellar tradition of producing top quality professional theatre in Southern Vermont for three seasons.

Summer 2010 the Dorset Theatre Festival marks its 35th year anniversary with an exciting new Artistic Director, Dina Janis. Dina would like to begin this new decade by giving a genuine thanks to all who have supported DTF through the years: the actors, directors, playwrights, designers, apprentices and interns, our dedicated and hardworking Board of Trustees, our incredibly generous donors, local businesses that have always supported us, and of course our loyal audience; for without you, DTF would not exist.

See links to the left for more information about
Our Board, Our Staff, and Internships at Dorset Theatre Festival

DTF's 2010 season is possible because of the generous sponsorship from the Dorset Inn, Homestead Landscaping, and The Vermont Country Store.