The Dallas Children’s Theater frequently produces literary adaptations of classic children’s books. So it seems fitting to describe the state of things at DCT as this: If you can’t judge a book by its cover, you also shouldn’t judge a theater by its building’s exterior.
Meaning? Great things are going on inside the theater, despite the not-quite-done look on the outside.
DCT moved to Rosewood Center for Family Arts at Northwest Highway and Skillman a little more than a year ago. The move was a hurried one, and with tickets already sold for upcoming shows, stress levels were high.
“It was rough,” says Robyn Flatt, executive artistic director. “The building was far from complete, but the main safety issues had been taken care of, so we were able to host our first show.”
Just barely, that is. The theater received permission for partial, temporary occupancy on Valentine’s Day of last year, and staged the center’s first production, “Holes,” that same night.
The proverbial show has gone on ever since at the theater, despite construction continuing throughout most of the year. For all but one room, interior renovations are now complete. But Flatt says they still need funds to purchase theater equipment and spiff up the exterior.
“We still are hurting for a number of things,” she says. “We desperately need a counterweight system for the stage, and everybody can tell we need to transform the exterior. The drive up to the front needs signage, painting and pave stone, so I think a lot of people think the building’s not done yet. But once they come in, people are just amazed at the transformation inside the building.”
And with construction mostly done inside, the staff can concentrate on what they do best: producing children’s plays and teaching students. This month, DCT presents “Go, Dog, Go!” in the theater beginning April 23, and its teaching staff is gearing up for a busy summer season of classes and summer camp.
“We’ve had a wonderful response to our classes and are planning all kinds of excitement for summer,” Flatt says.
“It’s been a heck of a year. You don’t ever want to move into an unfinished building if you can help it, but we are so fortunate to have this building. It’s really one of a kind in our area.”
