Circle History

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.