Dobama Theatre was founded in 1959 by Donald and Marilyn Bianchi, Barry Silverman and Mark Silverberg. During those years, Dobama has worked consistently to professionally produce plays of consequence not previously offered at other area theaters. The Theatre is committed to innovative programming, professional performance standards, nurturing new playwrights, developing new audiences and educational outreach. In addition to offering a unique theater experience to Cleveland audiences, Dobama is dedicated to the nurturing and development of area theater artists. Dobama began employing equity artists in 1995 and the cultivation of new writers is a major focus of all Dobama’s programming.
Each year Dobama produces from five to six Mainstage plays. 98% percent of our Mainstage productions have been Cleveland, American or World premieres. Dobama’s reputation for being professional, innovative, and forward-thinking has led to numerous honors including 19 awards from the Cleveland Critics Circle, an Outstanding Achievement in Theatre Award from the Ohio Theatre Alliance, and two Theatre Excellence Awards from Northern Ohio Live magazine.
Notable plays that have seen their Cleveland premiere at Dobama Theatre are “The Pillowman”, “The Goat or Who is Sylvia?”, “The Last Five Years”, “The Larame Project”, “Closer”, “Wit”, “How I Learned to Drive”, “All in the Timing”, “Top Girls”, “Marvin’s Room”, “Speed the Plow”, “Cloud Nine”, “True West”, “Catch 22″, “Roots”, “On the Verge”, “Eastern Standard”, “God of Carnage”, and “4000 Miles” as well as the first locally produced production of “Angel’s in America”.
The Marilyn Bianchi Kids’ Playwriting Festival, the first event of its kind in the country, inspires the creation of plays by area first through twelfth graders. Created in 1977, the Festival encourages and rewards the creative expression of hundreds of area students. Award winning plays are published in an annual book and professionally produced by Dobama Theatre. As part of the Festival, Dobama offers a weekend of FREE theater to area families and provides teacher and student workshops.
PAST SEASONS
For information on Dobama’s 2011-2012 Season, click here.
For information on Dobama’s 2010-2011 Season, click here.
