Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Community Theater Productions in Paris, Texas
Paris Community Theatre has been a cornerstone of cultural enrichment in Northeast Texas since its founding in 1974. Our organization produces high-quality theatrical productions that engage, inspire, and educate diverse audiences through both classic and contemporary works. With a dedicated team of professional staff and community volunteers, we present over 40 performances annually across multiple stages, including the historic Plaza Theatre. Our educational programs serve thousands of students each year through workshops, youth productions, and mentorship opportunities. We maintain rigorous artistic standards while prioritizing accessibility, offering discounted tickets for students and seniors. Through partnerships with local schools and cultural organizations, we've become a vital hub for creative expression and community engagement.Our facility hosts everything from Broadway-style musicals to experimental works, ensuring a dynamic cultural landscape for residents and visitors alike. With 50 years of continuous operation, we've cultivated generations of theater enthusiasts and emerging artists. Our commitment to artistic excellence has been recognized through numerous regional awards and grants. We maintain transparent operations through annual public financial reporting and community advisory boards. Every production reflects our core values of integrity, inclusiveness, and creative growth.
Services
Theatrical Productions
Youth Theater Programs
Arts Education Workshops
Venue Rentals
Community Outreach
Details
- Year established: 1974
Highlights and features
- 50 years of continuous theatrical excellence in Northeast Texas
- Present over 40 annual performances across multiple venues
- Offer educational programs for all age groups and skill levels
- Maintain historic Plaza Theatre for community cultural events
- Provide accessible pricing with student/senior discounts available
What people say
Exceptional talent
Family-friendly atmosphere
Historic charm
Educational value
Community-focused
Services
Theatrical Productions
We produce professional theatrical performances ranging from classic dramas to contemporary musicals. Our mainstage season includes 6-8 productions annually at the historic Plaza Theatre. Each show features local talent alongside professional directors and designers, with special matinee performances for school groups.
Youth Theater Programs
Our educational initiatives serve students through after-school classes, summer camps, and youth-specific productions. Programs develop acting skills, stagecraft, and confidence for ages 5-18. Participants perform in dedicated children's shows and share stages with adults in major productions.
Arts Education Workshops
We offer skill-building workshops in acting, directing, and technical theater for all experience levels. Seasoned professionals lead masterclasses covering voice projection, character development, and stage design. Special programs partner with schools to enhance arts curriculum.
Venue Rentals
The historic Plaza Theatre hosts community events, weddings, and corporate functions. Our 300-seat auditorium features professional lighting and sound systems. Rental packages include technical support and event coordination services for private and public functions.
Community Outreach
We extend access through discounted tickets, school partnerships, and free community performances. Outreach initiatives bring theater to underserved populations through touring productions and collaborative projects with local organizations.
People
William Walker
Artistic Director
William has directed over 50 productions at Paris Community Theatre since joining in 2001. He specializes in classic works and musical theater, holding a Master of Fine Arts degree from Southern Methodist University. His leadership shapes our mainstage programming and artistic vision.
Laura Hutchings
Education Director
Laura oversees all educational programs with 18 years of theater teaching experience. She developed our youth mentorship initiative that connects students with professional artists. Holds a BA in Theater Education from University of North Texas.
Questions
What types of productions do you present?
We produce a diverse season including classic dramas, musicals, comedies, and youth shows. Recent seasons featured works from Shakespeare to contemporary musicals like 'The Marvelous Wonderettes'.
Are there educational opportunities for children?
Yes! Our Children's Theatre program offers classes, workshops, and three annual youth productions. Students work alongside professionals to develop acting, singing, and stagecraft skills.
Can I rent your theater for private events?
The Plaza Theatre hosts weddings, corporate events, and community gatherings. Contact our box office for availability and rental packages including technical support.
How can I get involved as a volunteer?
We welcome volunteers for ushering, set construction, costume assistance, and administrative support. Visit our 'Get Involved' page to complete a volunteer application.
Do you offer group ticket discounts?
Groups of 10+ receive discounted rates for most performances. Season ticket packages also provide cost savings and priority seating for our mainstage productions.
Is the theater accessible for patrons with disabilities?
Our Plaza Theatre facility includes wheelchair-accessible seating, assistive listening devices, and accessible restrooms. Contact staff for specific accommodation requests.
Reviews (6)
Ride With Us
Feb 06, 2020
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I took my wife here on a date night on our 18th anniversary. Small theater very nice acoustics were okay could use some amplification concessions were nice and the parking was easy to find.
Paula Welch
Nov 23, 2019
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What a wonderful way to spend a Sunday afternoon. We have some very talented people in Paris, Texas. The Wizard of Oz was fabulous!
Rhonda Rolf
Oct 24, 2019
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Good show, it was full house and chairs were placed in the isles to seat everyone. Other than the safety hazard it was great.
Veronica Bryant
Jun 29, 2019
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My most recent experience at PCT was stressful and discouraging on what would have otherwise been an enjoyable night. I've seen four shows at PCT and travel with friends over 200 miles to see them (we live in Oklahoma and go to see a friend.) Because of this, we bought our tickets online to reserve seats. Arriving at the box office, I was told that I hadn't bought tickets at all! Eventually, the employee running the office looked at the receipts and saw I had indeed bought two seats (my friends bought two next to us.) I was told to wait aside while other customers got tickets until they found
Kathryn Neil
Dec 26, 2018
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Went to see Dracula with my hubby. Its was FANTASTIC!! Seating was a bit tight but encourages you to meet your neighbor during the intermission. They have a snack bar where you can purchase items. No acholic beverages. Bathrooms were clean. We will be going to every show possible. Great job yall!!!
Mac Broadway
Nov 21, 2018
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The Plaza Theatre opened July 30, 1926, is home of Paris Community Theatre (PCT) which was formed in the spring of 1976. The first production, Up the Down Staircase was performed in July, 1976, but not until May, 1986 did PCT start performing at the Plaza. 100s of productions since then. The Paris Community Choir rehearses-n-performs at The Plaza along w/classes given in Musical Theater, Art, Theater Skills & more - weekly (Mon - Thurs.). Fri - Sat are reserved for PCT performances. Musicals have been favored productions. Elegant, ornate arches, elaborate ironwork & other 1920s architecture