Page 26 - July 2018 inLeague with Conference Program

ConferenCe TheaTre Tours

pre-ConferenCe historiC theatre ramBle
sunDay, July 15, 2018
sponsoreD By:

Austin Scottish Rite Theater
Austin, TX
Excerpted from the Austin Scottish Rite Theater
website...
Austin Scottish Rite Theater is an Austin gem – a
fully operational modern theater thriving within
a stunning historic landmark. SRT is Austin’s oldest
theater, erected in 1871, the same year Austin
became the capitol of Texas. For forty years
it was a German opera house; then in 1914 it
became the home of the Scottish Rite Masons
who treasured the site and remain watchful
tenants of the building. In 2004 the Masons
created the non-profit theater organization that
exists today; nestled amid the State Capitol,
University of Texas, and Austin’s museum district,
we at Scottish Rite are dedicated to building
Photo courtesy of the Austin Scottish Rite Theater
community through the arts. We provide quality
shows for all ages, with enriching programming for children. For almost a century and a half, innumerable artists
and events of all kinds have graced our venue, from the operas and circus trapeze acts that wowed crowds
during the 19th Century to the live world music and multimedia children’s programming that delight Austinites
today.
Our excellent programming is created by experienced professionals and purposefully designed to meet the
needs of diverse cultural communities in Austin. In our dedication to diversity we amend or avoid programming
that perpetuates non-inclusive values. Our strategies include cross-casting, adaptation, new works, and
community-based collaboration to meet the needs of all.

Gaslight Baker Theatre
Lockhart, TX

Excerpted from the Gaslight Baker Theatre website...
Groundbreaking took place during the first week of July 1920. Apparently work
progressed rapidly, for in its October 21st edition the Post-Register reported
that the theater would open on October 29th. A crowd of “fifteen hundred or
two thousand people” jammed into the Baker Theater on opening night to see
two performances of In Old Kentucky, starring Anita Stewart. Prior to the main
performance, the image of consummate showman Col. Baker was flashed
on the screen which “brought forth uproarious applause” from the grateful
audience. Two “traveling men” who attended the opening night performance
proclaimed the theater the “most modern in the state, with appointments the
equal of those of theatres in much larger cities”.
The most significant improvement and expenditure was the addition of air
conditioning. Johnson Air Conditioning of San Antonio installed the chilled
water system. A glass-walled cry room was also provided in the area currently
occupied by the concession stand. One can easily imagine the wonder and
PAGE 24 | INLEAGUE League of Historic American Theatres