We have a Hearing Loop system which works with hearing aids or provided headphones to improve the experience for everyone.
Edmonds Driftwood Players is a volunteer-based, 501(c)3 non-profit community theater that has been entertaining and educating the community since 1958, making us one of the oldest continually operating community theaters in Washington State. Our season consists of mainstage productions which include musicals, non-musicals, comedies, dramas, and more. In addition, we produce an annual Festival of Shorts, which consists of short plays centered around a different theme each year. Eight plays are selected from hundreds of submissions.
EDP’s education program has included camps for students to learn the ins and outs of putting on a production as well as classes and workshops. Additionally, Take a Kid to the Theatre is our outreach program that allows us to share the joy and wonder of live theatre with families in shelters and transitional housing. We also provide scholarships for students interested in pursuing theatre arts.
Edmonds Driftwood Players was the recipient of the 2018 People’s Choice Gregory Award for “Best Theatre” hosted by Theatre Puget Sound, the 2019 Broadway World Awards/Nominations, the 2019 WSCTA Kaleidoscope Awards (Silent Sky), and multiple 2023 & 2024 Broadway World Seattle award nominations. In 2023, 2024, and 2025, EDP won the “Best of Edmonds: Live Theatre” category. EDP was a nominee for 2025 People’s Choice Gregory Award for “Best Theatre” hosted by Theatre Puget Sound, as well as nominated for multiple categories of the 2025 Sound on Stage Awards.
In November 2018, ARTSWA selected the downtown area of the City of Edmonds as Washington State’s first Certified Creative District. Edmonds Driftwood Players is proud to be included in the Edmonds Creative District and their continued certification.
EDP provides quality live theatre that feeds the soul, reflects our community, and is accessible.
EDP produces entertaining and engaging live theatre, connects the community through volunteerism, and fosters learning and growth through education.
It all began over a cup of coffee…
In 1957, a very keen and talented group of local actors who were tired of having to commute to Everett in order to perform, decided to start a community theatre company in Edmonds. So, in 1958 they founded The Driftwood Players (later updated to Edmonds Driftwood Players, or EDP). Before the theatre was built, they performed 1-2 shows a year in different locations such as Firdale Village, Legion Hall (former Post Office on Main street) and other small locations in the area. Their first play was George Washington Slept Here.
Season after season, they enriched the community with captivating performances, presenting several productions each year. As a volunteer-driven, non-profit organization, EDP thrived on the dedication of their members and volunteers. From designing sound and lighting to building sets, acting, directing, and even selling tickets, the board directors have always been hands-on, ensuring every aspect of each production runs smoothly. This unwavering commitment cemented EDP’s place as one of Washington state’s oldest continuously operating community theatres, and an indispensable part of the Edmonds, Washington community. Going into our 67th season, the legacy of bringing live theatre to Edmonds continues to inspire.
In 1968, EDP embarked on an ambitious project in partnership with the City of Edmonds, building the Wade James Theatre. The City of Edmonds was later designated the state’s first Certified Creative District, which includes the Wade James Theatre. This 215-seat venue, nestled on Main Street minutes from the heart of Edmonds, remains the home of EDP and a cornerstone of Edmonds.
The home of Edmonds Driftwood Players is situated on the edge of lovely Yost Park near historic downtown, with Shell Creek and many walking trails nearby. Originally built in 1968 as The Driftwood Theatre, with the assistance of many volunteers and the City of Edmonds, it was renamed during the 1970s in memory of its architect and founding member, Wade James.
Our intimate theatre boasts 219 seats; 4 removable seats to accommodate those who need special seating in our back row and 215 seats in nine rows for our patrons. Due to the raked seating, there is an unobstructed view of the stage from all locations.
We have a Hearing Loop system which works with hearing aids or provided headphones to improve the experience for everyone.
