In the small town of Levelland, Texas, the long-shuttered Wallace Theater is poised for a dramatic encore, with plans to transform the once-vibrant movie house into a hub for arts education. The historic theater, which has stood since 1928, aims to provide an accessible venue for Hockley County's youth to engage with the arts, as per the mission set forth by Alycyn Keeling, the theater's executive director.
Although the theater closed its doors in the mid-1980s, succumbing to competition from larger megaplexes, the recent resurgence marks a turn in fortunes for Levelland. According to The Texas Tribune, a sense of anticipation has taken root among the community as the once pigeon-occupied space prepares to resume its role as a cultural linchpin—a development celebrated by the Keeling family, who took ownership of the building in 2003 and now spearhead the restoration efforts. Keeling, in a statement obtained by The Texas Tribune, expressed her personal connection to the theater, "It’s going to be a place that serves all families and students in Hockley County and give people access to opportunities they haven’t had before."
The Wallace Theater's refurbishment signifies more than just the renovation of a building. It's a beacon of hope for rural towns grappling with the decline in population and the quest for youth retention. In an age where arts education and cultural engagement have become more crucial than ever, rural students find themselves at a disadvantage, as KSAT.com reports a critical access gap highlighted by the Texas Cultural Trust.
Keeling stressed the importance of local talent having a place to flourish, telling The Texas Tribune, "We have wonderful artists here in our community; they just need a platform and a place to share their talent." Representing a commitment to nourishing this creative spirit is the freshly hung historic marquee and the promise of an Art Deco-style lobby complete with a stairwell cascading in history and murals, echoing the space's storied past.
The capacity to adapt is intrinsic to the theater's new design, with 280 movable seats planned to accommodate an array of events, from live theater to wedding receptions. Despite these modernizations, the project remains intent on preserving the auditorium's original artistic features, including historic murals. Anna Hogan, the artistic director of the theater, has already witnessed a surge in community involvement, with auditions multiplying fivefold since their initial production in 2020, as mentioned in her interview with The Texas Tribune.
Financial backing from various community sources, including the Community Foundation of West Texas and the Hockley County Endowment, as well as a notable $1 million grant from the FMH Foundation, has bolstered the theater's revival. A testament to this local support was embodied in Iris Keeling's recounting to KSAT of two boys offering their pocket change to help reopen the theater, a heartfelt gesture that stoked the communal fire.
With a target completion date set for December 2024, the Wallace Theater is on its way to becoming a cultural oasis in Levelland, ensuring that its residents—especially the younger population—no longer need to venture far to immerse themselves in the arts and entertainment that once seemed the province of more urban settings.
