see also : Past Productions
Virginia Premiere Theatre was originally founded in 2002 by Mary Wadkins and Robert Ruffin (under the name Playwrights Premiere Theatre) as a not-for-profit company dedicated to enriching Virginia through live performing arts. Specializing in new play development and world premieres, the company has hosted Broadway, national and international performing artists as well as award-winning playwrights and best-selling authors at the 410 seat Kimball Theatre where it is the professional company in residence. In 2008, VPT announced a second venue of residence at Christopher Newport University’s 290 seat Yoder Barn Theatre in Newport News.
VPT has also performed dozens of smaller shows throughout regional and rural Virginia and has an arts-in-education program that has reached into schools, universities and community centers across the Commonwealth. The Company serves six cities and 18 counties in Eastern and Central Virginia and hosts visitors from across the nation and throughout the world.
For America's 400th Anniversary in 2007, VPT Producing Artistic Director Robert Ruffin, in Association with Prosody Creative Services, scripted three major events: "Ba-baaah and the Windigo", a children's show that toured major cities on the East Coast in 2006; "We Salute You, An American Symphony", that was presented during the 225th Victory at Yorktown Celebration; and "Visions of Democracy", presented at Jamestown's Anniversary Weekend in May of 2007. Also for America's 400th Anniversary VPT assisted in scripting a CBS television special shown on 56 affiliates nationwide. For the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation's participation in America's 400th Anniversary, VPT created "Winning Liberty Land", an original musical comedy about historic events at Jamestown, Williamsburg and Yorktown.
VPT is comprised of working theatre professionals, community volunteers, business and civic leaders and student interns. Over 60 business partners and community organizations in the greater Eastern Virginia area have joined VPT in its efforts. The Company is supported by grants, corporate sponsorships and private donations.
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| “Virginia Premiere Theatre with its exceptional productions is a major addition to our artistic environment… our region will be greatly enriched” |
| – Jeanne Zeidler, Mayor of Williamsburg |
| “The audience rewarded the production with a deserved standing ovation.” |
| – Portfolio Magazine |
| “An extraordinary life, on stage…well done…” |
| – David Nicholson, The Daily Press |
| “Peter Moore’s direction is just right all the time. Lausanne Davis-Carpenter’s sets and Todd Cooke’s lighting are most effective. Don’t miss this one.” |
| – Edgar Loessin, WHRO Public Radio |