Circle Theatre

Mission  
Our mission is the advocacy of contemporary plays rarely seen in this community. We are committed to presenting professional, innovative theatre in an intimate setting.

Founded in 1981, Circle Theatre is a non-profit arts organization that presents a year-round season of comedies and dramas. The Theatre derives its name from its original location on Bluebonnet Circle, near Texas Christian University, in Fort Worth, Texas.

In 1987, Circle Theatre made an interim move to Fort Worth's historic south side , at the request of civic leaders wishing to encourage a better quality of night life in that neighborhood. In March 1994, Circle renovated and moved into the basement space of the Sanger Building in downtown, Fort Worth.

Patrons enjoy Circle's comfortably intimate atmosphere and often comment on the added benefit of being close to the action on-stage. The auditorium seats 125 audience members - arena style - around an open thrust stage. A 1200 square foot lobby provides ample space for display of visual arts and a concessions area.

As a recognized Equity Theatre, Circle provides work for professional artists wishing to remain in Texas while pursuing their careers as actors, directors and designers for the theatre. Circle Theatre celebrates Texas' unique and colorful cultural diversity. The Theatre produces works by Texas playwrights such as Robert Schenkaan, Larry L. King, Oliver Hailey, Del Shores, and Horton Foote. It also encourages and produces works by developing playwrights from our region. Patrons and critics applaud Circle's spirit of adventure in presenting many premieres of contemporary plays.

Circle strongly supports the role education plays in the future of all arts organizations. In recent years, the Theatre collaborated with local university theatre departments to give students the experience of working in a professional theatre environment. Circle also employs college interns. Our staff works closely with the Kennedy Center's Imagination Celebration project and the Arts Council's Neighborhood Arts Program, presenting plays for young people who rarely have an opportunity to visit live theatre.

Message from our Executive Director

It is my pleasure to welcome you to Circle Theatre's renovated web page. Thanks to the assistance of a grant from the Community Foundation of North Texas and the talents of Anchor Marketing & Design, you are now able to visit us on a friendlier, more informative website. 

It seems fitting to introduce our "new look" as Circle Theatre steps forward into its fourth decade of producing live theatre in Fort Worth, Texas. 

Some of you may remember back to 1979, when I directed Who's Happy Now? at Garber Hall in the Scott Theater Building. Scott Theater's Executive Director, Bill Garber, generously gave me my first shot at directing by letting us use the Hall at no charge. Little did he, or I, know that this artistic venture would lead to the formation of a professional regional theatre, officially incorporated in June 1981.

Part of our mission is to "pay Bill's gift forward" by offering Circle's space, at no charge, to other folks embarking on their theatre career. If you are looking for your first chance to direct, design, or produce a play or staged reading, send a message via our contact us page.

Those who wish to join us in encouraging today's younger generation to appreciate live theatre, can read about High School Playwriting Project.

We are proud to present a full menu of comedy, music, and drama throughout Circle Theatre's main stage season of five shows each year.

People often ask, "What kind of theatre is Circle?" Frankly, the only common thread I can point out is that Circle has established a well-respected record for providing a high caliber of artistic work. As far as the type of shows is concerned, we are basically like a theatre buffet, offering all types of tasty selections. Some are frothy or sweet, others are a little heavier and more "meaty," but most will be something you are trying for the first time! 

Thank you for visiting us on "the net." I hope to see you at Circle Theatre soon!