Theatre Profile

A Commitment To Excellence

Charleston Stage, founded by Playwright Julian Wiles in 1978, is South Carolina’s largest professional theatre company. At the Historic Dock Street Theatre, which has just recently undergone a $19 million renovation, Charleston Stage has presented over 150 productions and played to a collective audience of over one million strong. Charleston Stage employs 10 full-time staff members, guest artists, and scores of actors, dancers, singers and musicians and TheatreWings High School Apprentices.

A Commitment To Education

Bringing great drama, literature and history to over 20,000 young people in the Lowcountry each year, arts education has always been a cornerstone of Charleston Stage's mission. Education programs include special low price performances for over 20,000 school students each season, an after school Theatre School program which provides theatre training for over 200 students each year, our TheatreWings Apprenticeship Program, a pre-professional theatre training program for outstanding high school students, and ArtReach Workshops, led by members of Charleston Stage's Professional Resident Acting Company, bringing the magic of theatre to schools throughout the state.

A Commitment To New Works

Charleston Stage has premiered more than 30 new plays and musicals. Since 1978, Charleston Stage has always had a commitment to new works, especially shows that celebrate the rich culture and history of Charleston and South Carolina. Recent world premieres include Gershwin at Folly, which told the story of the genesis of Porgy and Bess and The Seat of Justice, which explored South Carolina's pivotal role in the landmark Brown v Board of Education Supreme Court decision.