When you think of the arts and culture in Texas, you might gravitate toward the bigger cities of Dallas, Houston, or San Antonio. But don’t discredit some of the smaller locations, including Lewisville, which has many places where you can catch a play, watch professional ballerinas perform, or gaze upon one-of-a-kind works of art. The next time you’re in the area, check out any of these Lewisville-area locations.
Actors Conservatory Theatre
Established in 1999 by Joe Ann Brooks, the non-profit Actors Conservatory Theatre brings classic literature to children through plays and musicals. Over the years, the group performed at churches, empty office spaces, and a library until 2015, when it found its home at 359 Lake Park Road.
Children are encouraged to participate in plays, musicals, group activities, classes, and camps throughout the season. Some performances that the group has done over the years include “Pinocchio,” “Puss in Boots,” “The King and I,” “A Christmas Carol,” and “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever.”
Cross Timbers Artists Guild
In 2001, a group of local visual artists joined to create the Cross Timbers Artists Studio Tour, where members would open their studios to display their works of art. Held every second weekend in November, these artists would allow the public to showcase local artistry. Six years later, the group became the nonprofit Cross Timbers Artists’ Guild to encourage others to appreciate the creative process and ideas relating to the visual arts. The group maintained an art gallery for several years where members could showcase their works.
Greater Lewisville Community Theater
To stimulate and promote education within the theater and performing arts community, the Greater Lewisville Community Theater showcases plays and unique musical productions year-round. Found at 160 W. Main Street, the theater sits in the heart of historic Old Town and is the oldest building in Lewisville, dating back to 1885, with the theater taking up residence in 1983. Since its inception, it has produced almost 200 productions.
LakeCities Ballet Theater
The Lake City’s Ballet Theater began in 1984 to preserve classical ballet in Lewisville. Located at 1400 Justin Road, the ballet presents full-length classical ballet performances to local audiences. It also allows student dancers to perform and train with professional dancers and choreographers. Dancers from this company have gone on to dance professionally nationwide and receive accolades and awards for their training at this theater.
Lakeside Community Theatre
Although not located directly in Lewisville, the nonprofit Lakeside Community Theatre is another ideal spot to check out the arts and culture scene. Head to 6303 Main St. near The Colony to watch local talent shine in theater and performing arts. People of all ages and skill levels are welcome to participate.
Formed in 1985 by a group of local thespians known as The Lakeside Players, the group put on its first performance of “You Can’t Take It With You” at a local church. After performing for several years, the group went dormant in 1992 when it couldn’t find an affordable performance facility. It wasn’t until 2001 that the group was revived and found its current residence in the Lakeside Arts Center.
Medical City Lewisville Grand Theater
Located at 100 N. Charles, Medical City Lewisville Grand Theater provides a spacious home for performers to showcase their visual artistry. It also hosts regional and national shows and exhibits and many classes and meetings.
The multipurpose facility houses a 296-seat auditorium with acoustics for speech and music, a 2,200-square-foot gallery, 1,750 square feet of classrooms, a 2,400-square-foot dance recital hall, a 3,000-square-foot black box theater, and a courtyard perfect for outdoor entertainment. The facility hosts Broadway-style musicals, concerts, and plays presented by local and traveling troupes throughout the year. During the summer, enjoy free outdoor concerts.
The Visual Art League of Lewisville is housed within the gallery, which aims to promote the visual arts through education and exhibitions. This group began 1978 in gallery space at a shopping center and then moved to the theater in 2012. In addition to enhancing visual arts, the group’s members participate in performance activities, including Acoustic Friday Jams each Friday evening from 7 until 10 p.m. Open to the public, this event is also available to all levels of skill who play any type of acoustic instrument.
Studio B Performing Arts Center
Since it began in 1999, the Studio B Performing Arts Center has provided live theater, workshops, and acting classes for those in the area. At 2400 FM in nearby Highland Village, the center encourages participation and appreciation of the arts, music, and theater. It also strives to foster independent thinking and creativity through performing arts. Not only does it offer annual performances, but there are workshops and camps available throughout the year.
For the past twenty-plus years, the center has performed acts such as “The Odd Couple,” “Farce of Habit,” “Don’t Dress for Dinner,” and “Nutty Nutcracker.”
Theatre Coppell
Head to nearby Coppell at 157 S. Moore Road to the Theatre Coppell, which has entertained audiences with musicals, dramas, and comedies for over 25 years. The all-volunteer theatre remains a vital part of the community, as it presents six shows each season, several of which are family-friendly options. It also puts on a musical and at least one performance highlighting young cast members.
All performances occur at the intimate 124-seat black box theatre, which has seating on three sides of the stage. Previous performances have included “Little Shop of Horrors,” “Bus Stop,” “The Foreigner,” and “Dr. Cook’s Kitchen.”
What do you think of this list provided by Huffines Chevrolet Lewisville? Did we find all the arts and culture scenes in the area, or did we miss a few? If there’s a spot that you think we should add, make sure you drop us a line so we can add it.