Benedict Pittman

Stephenville Theatre Festival (STF) is a not-for-profit charitable organization, registered through the Canada Revenue Agency. It is run by an extremely motivated volunteer Board of Directors who are respected professionals in our community. Helmed by our passionate Artistic Director and General Manager, under the guidance of our esteemed board, and with the tireless work of theatre professionals from our province and across Canada, STF continues to provide meaningful and delightful theatrical experiences for all in attendance. STF is the longest-running professional theatre company in the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador. The festival was established in 1979 by Maxim Mazumdar. A well-known Canadian actor and director, Maxim toured Newfoundland and Labrador between 1976 and 1978 as an adjudicator for the Provincial Drama Festival, a showcase for amateur acting groups in the province. He returned in the spring of 1979 to once again adjudicate the festival, taking place that year in the Town of Stephenville. He was impressed by the calibre of the performers who had gathered for the festival and recognized the potential that this culturally rich area had to offer. He was also impressed with a committee that was interested in starting a summer acting school for local youth. Maxim Mazumdar started the Provincial Drama Academy as a place to learn about theatre while working with accomplished theatre professionals. From this Academy, the Stephenville Theatre Festival was born. STF quickly became known throughout the province and beyond, for its high-quality theatre presentations with an emphasis on programming riveting music theatre productions During its decades of operation, many of this province’s best-known actors, musicians, directors, and production personnel have received their start or honed their craft at STF. The Festival has provided training opportunities as well as a hands-on experience for hundreds of artists, many of whom are now counted among Canada’s top professionals.