Introduction to Houston’s Performing Arts Scene
Before the Theater District, Houston’s performing arts scene was housed in historic locations that showcased the city’s rich cultural heritage. The city’s earliest days saw the establishment of theaters, proving that the performing arts have been a cornerstone of city life since its founding. Musical entertainment delighted audiences in traditions imported by European immigrants, with opera halls and small stage theaters lining Houston’s dirt roads.
The Founding of the Houston Symphony
Ima Hogg, the daughter of former Texas Governor James Hogg, is arguably the most significant cultural figure and driving force behind Houston’s arts history. As a child of privilege, Ima began her music education in New York City and later moved to Berlin, Germany, to continue her studies following her father’s death. After concluding that a career in performing music was not for her, Ima returned to Houston to join her brothers and began teaching music. There, a larger destiny awaited. In 1913, Ima founded what would become the Houston Symphony Orchestra, debuting with a concert at the Majestic Theatre.
The City Auditorium: A Hub for Performing Arts
In the early years of Houston’s performing arts scene, assembled musicians performed in movie theaters until an arrangement was made with the City Auditorium, now the site of the current Jones Hall. The auditorium attracted audience members from all walks of life who came in search of culture, art, and entertainment. Even though burgeoning performing arts collectives, such as symphonies and fine arts museums, benefited from both old money and new money, high-brow culture struggled to find its audience. The City Auditorium, which hosted posh classical music performances and Friday night wrestling matches, highlighted this dilemma. Elvis Presley performed there twice in the early stages of his career.
The Establishment of the Alley Theatre
In 1946, Houston actress and high school drama teacher Nina Vance realized Houston needed a permanent repertory theater acting company. The following year, Vance mailed hundreds of postcards looking for donors and volunteers to open a new theater. More than 100 people joined Vance in her first meeting at a small dance studio located at 3614 Main, which was accessible through an alley. That unique entry served as the basis of the new theater company’s name: the Alley Theatre. The Alley Theatre held its grand opening in 1968, with then-Houston Mayor Louie Welch and 37 astronauts in attendance at the inaugural production of Bertolt Brecht’s Life of Galileo.
The Development of the Theater District
The 1960s and 1970s saw significant developments in Houston’s performing arts scene. The Jesse H. Jones Hall for the Performing Arts opened in 1966, thanks to the Jesse and Mary Gibbs Jones’ Houston Endowment. The 3,000-seat venue became a home for Houston’s arts, starting with the Houston Symphony Orchestra, and later, the Houston Grand Opera Association and the Houston Ballet Foundation. The 1980s were marked by a transformative oil boom, followed by a notorious oil bust that lasted until the mid-1980s. Despite the lean financial times, organizers behind the Wortham Theater Center were able to raise enough funds to open in 1987, primarily due to the community’s commitment to the arts.
Modern Developments in the Theater District
In 2002, the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts opened on the former site of the Music Hall and Coliseum. Houston’s distinct two-stage theater model is still apparent here—Sarofim Hall, the larger space designed to attract musicals, boasts a ceiling that stuns with twinkling LED "stars." At the same time, the balcony over the Bagby Street entrance provides breathtaking views of the Downtown skyline over Tranquility Park. With the addition of Wortham, Houston now had a bona fide theater district, boasting nine professional performing arts organizations and over 10,000 seats.
Conclusion
Houston’s performing arts scene is entrenched in its history, with a rich cultural heritage that showcases the city’s dedication to the arts. From the founding of the Houston Symphony to the establishment of the Alley Theatre, the city’s performing arts scene has evolved significantly over the years. Today, Houston is home to a thriving theater and community arts scene, with a variety of venues and organizations that cater to different tastes and preferences. The city’s commitment to the arts is evident in its stunning architecture, world-class performances, and vibrant cultural events, making Houston a must-visit destination for art lovers and enthusiasts alike.
