The original Dock Street Theatre opened in 1736 and was the first building designed for theatrical use in the Americas. The Theatre opened in Charleston on February 12, 1736 with the play “The Recruiting Officer”. One month after the theatre was opened the name of Dock Street was officially changed to Queen Street, but the theatre retained its original name. The building and its uses were numerous during the next 200 years. In the 1930's, the derelict building, a shell of the former Planters Hotel, was restored by the Works Progress Administration. Then Mayor Burnet R. Maybank secured the necessary federal funds for the restoration. The current theatre seats 464 patrons. The Charleston Stage Company creates a series of annual performances at the theatre and perform from September until the end of April. The Spoleto Chamber Series is also housed at this historic theatre. Dock Street Theatre Management Office Temporarily Located at the Gaillard Municipal Auditorium 77 Calhoun Street, Charleston, SC 29403 (843) 720-3968
Christopher G. ParhamTheatre Manager 135 Church StreetCharleston, SC 29401Phone (843) 720-3968Fax (843) 720-3847ParhamC@ci.charleston.sc.us