City

Woodlawn Theater relocating to “The Bijou” at Wonderland of the Americas

July 13, 2022 • 
Ivan Briones
WoodlawnTheatre_Hairspray-WP Resize

Wishing you a “Good Morning Baltimore” (er, San Antonio). | Courtesy of The Woodlawn Theater

Table of Contents
A new home 🏛️
The beginning of an era 🎭
A look back in time 🕰️

After a decade of award-winning productions, the historic Woodlawn Theatre has announced relocation plans to celebrate the start of a new chapter (or should we say script).

A new home 🏛️

The nonprofit performing arts organization will make the move to Wonderland of the Americas beginning early next year.

What does that mean for the theater’s future?

  • Programming and outreach broadening will be made possible following the change.
  • Musicals will continue to be produced in-house at its new home.
  • Educational programs are here to stay with year-long opportunities.
  • The nonprofit will continue its mission to sustain performing arts + musical theater education in the community.
the-bijou-square

The Bijou closed in April after 35 years of operation. 📸 : @SATXtoday team

The beginning of an era 🎭

The location change will also come with a rebranding of the organization + new name to be announced soon.

Why? Well, the Woodlawn Theatre’s Deco District building has housed a variety of entertainment companies in its 77 years of existence.

The name change for the organization is intended to allow the building to continue its rich history + minimize confusion with any future tenants looking to move into Woodlawn Theatre’s former home.

woodlawn-sign-square

The historic theatre was designed by American architect John Eberson. | 📸 : @woodlawntheatre

A look back in time 🕰️

While the Woodlawn Theatre’s announcement might come as a shock, it’s important to note the organization has only been a tenant for 10 years in the building of the same name. Here’s a bit of history on the historic venue:

  • The Woodlawn Theatre first opened its doors in 1945.
  • In 1960, Academy Award winner John Wayne hosted the world premiere of “The Alamo” at the venue.
  • In 1986, the Woodlawn premiered a laser-show tribute to Pink Floyd.
  • 2005 marked the last year of temporary tenants before undergoing major renovations into the live performance community theatre we know today.

In 2013, The City of San Antonio honored the Woodlawn Theatre building as a historic structure, donning it as a historical landmark. We can’t wait to see what’s in store for the future of the performing arts in SATX.