About Us

Francis Wilson Playhouse is a beloved Clearwater institution, presenting quality live theater at 302 Seminole St. since 1935.

Starting in 1930 as the Little Theatre of Clearwater, the group performed at local venues was part of the nationwide Little Theatre Movement. The Playhouse built a home five years later. In the 1990's it was renamed  for acclaimed stage star Francis Wilson, the first president of Actors’ Equity, the founder with the foresight to see the need for theatre in Clearwater.

The venue carries a proud legacy of performance in a charming, intimate setting near Clearwater Harbor. Fans come for the warm community vibe, polished productions, and an easygoing Gulf Coast night at the theater.

Inside, the playhouse offers close-to-the-stage seating that puts you in the heart of the story, with clear sightlines and excellent acoustics that suit comedies, dramas, and musicals alike. The location is convenient to downtown and the waterfront, making pre-show dining and post-show strolls simple. Friendly staff and accessible amenities round out a comfortable experience for first-time visitors and longtime subscribers.

Each season features audience favorites, from classic musical revivals to contemporary plays, plus special events that spotlight talented local performers. Our roster of talent features up and coming performers, local favorites and often, retired performers who have been featured on Broadway, Tours and Regional productions. 

From 1930 to 1991 the Playhouse performed comedies, dramas and mystery plays but no musicals.  That changed in 1991 when we presented Very Good Eddie, a classic Jerome Kern musical.  Since that historic event the Playhouse has presented a wide arrange of musicals including such diverse selections as  Oklahoma, The Music Man, Mamma Mia,  Good News,  A Little Night Music, Gypsy, The Drowsy Chaperone, Titanic, It Shoulda Been You, Lucky Stiff, Pippin, Man of La Mancha, Damn Yankees, 42nd Street, Hello Dolly and many more. Non musical hits include Barefoot In The Park, The Diary of Anne Frank, Our Town, The Glass Menagerie, A Flea In Her Ear, Brighton Beach Memoirs, The Elephant Man, and dozens more. 

Additionally we have presented many original shows including A Little Off Broadway And A Few Blocks South, Broadway Babies, In The Good Old Summertime, Six Guns and Sasparilla, Charley's Aunt  the Musical and Francis Wilson the Musical! Add to this over 70 concerts, hundreds of classes and workshops, Kids Theatre Camps and more and you'll understand the colorful history of the Playhouse, an important part of local entertainment!