Founded in 1997 by playwright Paul Wells, THE DYSFUNCTIONAL THEATRE COMPANY is a collective dedicated to producing ensemble works that challenge the status quo without taking themselves too seriously. The company officially incorporated in 1998, achieved non-profit status in 1999, and has produced over 20 shows in its short history, most of them original works.

Some early Dysfunctional highlights include Alien Sex Cult Clones Madonna!, a late-night satire of tabloid journalism, which ran successfully for almost a year in various downtown venues; its sequel, Princess Di's Brain Kept Alive in Graceland!, which ran for nearly six months; Vampire Stewardesses from Hell!!, which played to sold-out houses at Under St. Mark's Theater; and How To Have The Ultimate Orgasm Each and Every Time, featuring articles staged verbatim from Glamour and Maxim magazines.

In 2000, the company returned to the NYC International Fringe Festival (where it previously staged Sodom, by Sir John Wilmot) with its hit comedy I Am Star Trek, written by playwright Rick Vorndran. With its satirical yet wistful look at the famed television show and its colorful creator, Gene Roddenberry, I Am Star Trek was later optioned and produced at the 2001 and 2005 Edinburgh Fringe Festivals to strong critical acclaim and huge audiences.

Since then, Dysfunctional's notable shows include: