In 1976, a group of women in Fraserburg initiated an arts competition. Through vision and dedication, Jeanette Lombard, Nicoleen Van Wyk, Jeanne Biesenbach, Ida Cloete, Paula Calitz, and Desiré Reitz established the Logan Drama Festival as the premier drama event in the then Cape Province. Initially accommodating various art forms, plays became the sole focus after 1978. 

Over the first decade, Pieter Fourie and Merwe Scholtz led adjudication, fostering the festival’s growth. Apart from delivering quality productions to rural areas, the festival aimed to provide performance opportunities for nearby schools in Sutherland, Williston, Carnarvon, Loxton, Merweville, and Beaufort West, many of which remain participants to date.

Since its inception, the festival has had four chairpersons: Jeanette Lombard (1976-1980), Nicoleen Van Wyk (1981-1997), Elsabé Visagie (1997-2007), and Gerhard Visagie (2008-present). It has also spawned several other youth drama festivals, including those in Montagu, Springbok, Stellenbosch, and Durbanville.

The festival’s primary aim is to introduce students to the captivating realm of acting and theater. It offers a platform where participating schools not only showcase their productions but also receive valuable feedback from adjudicators, aiding in the refinement process as they gear up for the ATKV final. Remarkably, it remains the sole national festival featuring performances from kindergarten, primary, and high schools on a unified stage.

With a broad and inclusive approach, the festival predominantly features Afrikaans one-act plays but is not limited to the language. Each year sees a few English entries as well. Emphasizing development and encouragement, the festival provides a stage for schools to present their amateur productions.

Schools from across the nation, spanning Kimberley, Bloemfontein, the Cape Metropolis, Namakwaland, Ceres, and Port Elizabeth, actively participate. The Pionierskool in Worcester is also a regular contender. In total, the festival showcases over 30 productions during its week-long duration. Pedro Kruger, a former adjudicator, likened the Logan Drama Festival to the Craven Week of theater in South Africa.

A core objective of the festival is to bring quality plays to rural areas, hence efforts are made to keep it financially accessible for the economically disadvantaged community. Morning performances are made freely available to ensure theater is within reach for everyone.

Over the years, this festival has provided more stage opportunities for children than many other youth drama events combined. It remains a dynamic force, continuing to evolve while preserving its status as the oldest Afrikaans festival in the isolated Karoo region. In addition to celebrating Afrikaans, the festival champions inclusivity, creativity, and nation-building through the performing arts. Its track record solidifies its position as the leading drama festival in the country.

The festival committee comprises local residents who volunteer their support. Operating as an independent entity with its own bank account, the Logan Drama Festival manages entries, marketing, and festival arrangements. Each performance attracts around 450 attendees, with tickets selling out annually.