DORSET, V.T.: Dorset Theatre Festival has announced their summer season, featuring live outdoor performances and the inaugural StageFree Audio Play Series.

“Our season will look very different from what you’ve seen in the past, but we hope folks will join us on this journey as we navigate this exciting new adventure,” artistic director Dina Janis said in a statement. “In a dark time for live theatre, we are grateful to have an opportunity to evolve and continue honoring our mission with a hybrid season of world premiere audio plays and socially distant live performances.”

The season will begin in June with the debut of the StageFree Audio series. The festival has commissioned Theresa Rebeck and Chris Hutchinson to write the first two-part plays in the series. Rebeck is currently the festival’s resident playwright. The audio plays will be available for free wherever podcasts are available.

The festival is currently designing an outdoor stage that will be home to mainstage productions and special events at the Southern Vermont Arts Center throughout July and August. The season will also include also include special performances and audience talks. The festival will be following guidelines from the Vermont Department of Health, and will offer audiences a touch-free and paperless box office and digital programs. Face masks and social distancing will be required.

Dorset Theatre Festival’s mission is to create bold, innovative, and authentic theatre that engages a diverse, multi-generational community.