VISION |

Good people sharing great stories.

MISSION |

To tell stories wherever and whenever we can in ways which are uncompromisingly live and surprisingly unexpected.

To develop and produce plays rooted in mythic and epic storytelling, while remaining responsive to the world we live in right now.

To immerse ourselves in the act of sharing stories, where communities are both audiences to and participants in the creative process.

To welcome all people in the creation, performance, and exploration of the work.

VALUES |

Take risks. Champion inclusivity and celebrate friendship. Spark joy. Choose adventure. Respect our environment.

HISTORY |

In 2023, Driftwood Theatre launched a bold new artistic vision. Blending our history of touring Shakespeare’s works across the province, with our long-standing investment in the development of new plays and deep commitment to serving rural Ontarian communities since 1995, Driftwood Theatre is now an incubator for new plays by Ontario-based theatre creators, whose works respond to the world we live in today through epic and mythic storytelling.

TIMELINE |

1995 – 2023: The Bard’s Bus Tour. Over 30 years, the Bard’s Bus Tour performs outdoor, classical theatre for more than 115,000 people, in 45+ outdoor venues across Ontario.

2004 – 2020: Trafalgar 24. Driftwood’s 24-hour play-creation event, set in a 19th century castle in Whitby, Ontario, welcomes over 300 artists to write, create and perform 100+ short plays.

2011 – 2020: Beyond The Bard. Driftwood’s first New Play Development stream supports the creation of 10 full-length plays selected from creators at Trafalgar 24.

2022 – today: Gillespie House Playwrights Retreat and PATH programs. Driftwood embarks upon a bold new vision to support the development of new plays by Ontario-based creators.