Charleston's Dock Street Theatre was the first theater building designed solely for theatrical performances in America. Its rich history reflects the theatrical tradition and cultural history of
Charleston and America in the 1700s.
The present Dock Street Theatre is built on the site of the original theater building.
On November 26, 1937, the restored Dock Street Theatre opened with a reprise of the original Farqhuar play, performed by the theater's new resident company, the Footlight Players. Members of the Charleston Symphony, who performed as the theater's orchestra, wore 18th century costumes.
The theater is owned and now managed by the City of Charleston. Each year, more than 600 events are performed at the Dock Street Theatre for about 100,000 theater patrons.
Tours of the theater are free to the public Monday-Friday from noon to 6:00 p.m.