Miller Outdoor Theatre
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Miller Outdoor Theatre is the premier outdoor theatre for the performing arts in Houston, Texas. Located on approximately 7.5 acres of land in Hermann Park, at 100 Concert Drive, the theatre offers a diverse range of professional entertainment, including classical music, jazz, ballet, Shakespeare, musical theater, and classic films, with free performances running from March through October, where the general public can relax in a covered seating area or enjoy a pre-performance picnic on an amphitheatre-style hillside.[1]
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[edit] The theatre building
Seating is provided for 1,582 patrons, with 27 wheel-chair spaces, plus an 80,000-square-foot sloping lawn that accommodates about 4,500 more.[2] The theatre building itself consists of a 64' x 41' stage; 54 line sets for hanging lights, curtains, and scenery; an orchestra pit which can be raised and lowered; dressing rooms; offices; a full complement of theatrical equipment; and a 110-ton air conditioning system for cooling the performance area.[3] In its 2006 season, the Miller Outdoor Theatre provided entertainment for more than 230,000 people at more than 136 performances.[4]
[edit] History
In 1922, the original theatre was designed by William Ward Watkin as an amphitheatre surrounded by twenty Corinthian-style limestone columns and built by Tom Tellepsen. The theatre’s dedication plaque reads:
- To the Arts of Music, Poetry, Drama and Oratory, by which the striving spirit of man seeks to interpret the words of god. This theatre of the City of Houston is permanently dedicated.[5]
"Miller’s Hill" was created in 1948 with dirt from the excavations of Fannin Street. In 1968, the city built a new theatre with bonds approved by public vote. The new theatre building, designed by Eugene Werlin and Associates, won several awards: the American Iron and Steel Institute’s Biannual Award (1969), the American Institute of Steel Construction’s Award of Excellence, and the James E. Lincoln Arc Welding Foundation Award.[6]
The 1968 Miller Theatre building was then refurbished starting in 1996, jointly funded by the city of Houston and Friends of Hermann Park. The roof and siding were replaced, and additional restrooms and office areas were installed. In addition, a small stage was added to the east end of the facility, playing to a newly incorporated open plaza area. The renovations were completed in 1998.[7]
[edit] References
- ^ "Performing Arts - Miller Outdoor Theatre," Houston - What to do (Greater Houston Convention and Visitors Bureau, 1996-2007).[1]
- ^ "Current Facts & Statistics," About Miller - History, Miller Outdoor Theatre.[2]
- ^ "Current Facts & Statistics," supra.
- ^ "Current Facts & Statistics," supra.
- ^ "Historical Highlights," About Miller - History, Miller Outdoor Theatre.[3]
- ^ "Historical Highlights," supra.
- ^ "Historical Highlights," supra.
