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Texas Theatre re-opens in Seguin
posted by
Michael Zoldessy
on
March 24, 2011 at 8:00 am
SEGUIN, TX — After 13 years of fundraising and two million dollars of restoration, the Stephen and Mary Birch Texas Theatre opened its doors for public viewing on Sunday, March 6, 2011. The restoration of the 1929 theater has recreated the domed, star-studded ceiling, gilded lanterns and romantic murals in the 350-seat main auditorium of the theatre. Expansion into an adjacent building has created new restroom, rehearsal and reception areas.
Nearly 200 funders, corporations and private supporters from all over the region have sponsored elements in the elaborate atmospheric movie palace. A cornerstone gift from the Stephen and Mary Birch Foundation brought in one million dollars. The San Antonio Area Foundation sponsored the stage and the San Antonio Conservation Society sponsored the restoration of the box office exterior.
Raising funds for the restoration and expansion of this historic landmark has taken 13 years since the Seguin Conservation Society purchased the theatre in 1996. Now re-opened, the group expects an annual attendance of 24,600 for performances such as live music, folkloric dances, community recitals, university stage productions, film festivals, and dinner theater shows, all to be accommodated in the 350-seat facility.
During the grand opening month, the theatre has hosted a donor dinner for 120, public tours, a Chamber of Commerce reception, a high school stage production, a poetry reading and sculpture exhibit, a country western show, a dance recital and a Conjunto accordion competition.
Please visit the Stephen and Mary Birch Texas Theatre on Facebook for more information on events at the theatre.
The Seguin Conservation Society, a 501©3 organization, is dedicated to preserving historic buildings, objects and places in Seguin and Guadalupe County. Founded in 1952, the Conservation Society acquires and renovates threatened buildings, celebrates historical events, and engages the community in remembering, understanding and advancing its shared heritage. The organization currently owns and manages six historic properties, and generates financial and community support through monthly luncheons, educational book tours, an annual celebration of the city’s founding, and tours of heritage homes.
Comments (1)
I learned how to run projectors at this theatre in 1971. I am delighted it is again open. It was a bit run down then, but was very elegant anyway. It had a very nice operable red curtain in front of the screen.
Back in 1971, the Texas ran R rated pitures, and the Palace down the street ran G and GP (PG) rated fare.