The Houston Theater District is visited by about 2 million people a year from all over the world. On its territory of 17 blocks, 9 performing arts organizations, the Bayou Place entertainment complex, cafes, restaurants, cinemas, squares, and walking parks are open. All necessary conditions have been created here for cultural recreation of small and large companies.
History of creation
The Houston Theater District was built gradually, among the first facilities to open were the Sam Houston Coliseum and the Houston Music Hall. As expected, the institutions attracted attention, but the townspeople did not expect that one day the Houston Theater District would become the 2nd largest in the United States, second only to New York. The main stages of the district's development are 3 periods:
- In 1955, the Grand Opera was opened. "Salome" and "Madame Butterfly" could be seen during the first season.
- In 1987, the professional troupe moved to a modern building, where they began to hold performances and ballet shows.
- In 2002, the "Hobby" Performing Arts Center was opened, represented by 2 theaters that host various performances, including musical shows.
Houston is not considered the largest metropolitan area in the country – more than 2 million people live here. But this is 1 out of 5 American cities with their own professional groups of performers: orchestra, drama, opera, ballet troupes.
Short description
The Houston Theater District has more than 19,000 seats for live performances and 1,580 seats for film screenings. This highlights Houston's status, which is associated with a city that supports culture and the arts. Citizens are advised to visit the big four:
- ""The Houston Grand Opera" has gone down in history as the first opera company in the United States to win the prestigious "Grammy" and "Emmy" awards. There are usually 6 to 8 productions per year. There is a tradition: if the audience has arrived after the start of the performance, they enter the opera during a pause or break.
- The Symphony Orchestra has more than 200 works in its repertoire. The collective was formed in 1913, but permanent status was obtained only in 1971.
- The Alley Theater is open to fans of classical and modern productions in various genres, ranging from dramas to comedies. Mostly works by American authors are staged here.
- "Hobby" Performing Arts Center is showing the Broadway musical supplies. Residents and visitors of Houston come to listen to blues or reggae, and you can also sign up for theater workshops at this place.
In addition, there is a ballet in the center of Houston's cultural life, its history dates back to 1955. "Russian Seasons" dancer Tatiana Semenova was at the origin of the troupe. The ballet gained international recognition, becoming the first ballet organization in the United States to receive an invitation to tour China. Performances can be viewed in the Workshop Center with a glass arch at the entrance. Inside the building, viewers pay attention to the chandelier, which was brought to Houston in 1911 from New York. They say it's synonymous with luxury.
The Bayou Place entertainment complex with an area of 12,000 square meters and theaters, bars and restaurants can be crowded. People come here for dates, meetings with relatives and friends, or to be alone. The hallmark of the complex is the universal theater Bayou Music Center, designed for 2 4000 spectators. The cinema presents specialized film programs and materials from popular film festivals. Rock lovers and tourists love to come to the Hard Rock Cafe. You can also visit the Blue Fish Seafood Restaurant when visiting the Houston Theater District.
How to get
Houston's theater district is located in the center of downtown, and you can take the subway on the green or purple line. The nearest station is the Theatre District. If you travel by car, keep in mind that it is difficult to find an empty seat here during rush hour, weekends and holidays. You can park in the Theater District garage on the corner of Smith Street, Capitol Street. A taxi ride is considered as an alternative.
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