Page 29 - July 2018 inLeague with Conference Program

Brauntex Performing Arts Theatre
New Braunfels, TX

Excerpted from the Brauntex Performing Arts Theatre
website...

On the evening of January 6, 1942, just a month after
the bombing of Pearl Harbor, the Brauntex Movie
Theatre opened its doors as the “modern theatre in
the beauty spot of Texas.” The theatre initially shut
down at the start of the war, but reopened to serve
as a means for updates on America’s involvement in
the war through weekly news reels. On that opening
night, however, projectionist Walter Braune sparked
up the rectifiers in the projector to screen “BIRTH OF
THE BLUES,” starring Bing Crosby and Mary Martin for Photo courtesy of the Brauntex Performing Arts Theatre
30 cents admission. The Brauntex remained open
for 56 years before it was expanded in 1972 when the balcony was sealed off and the Brauntex “Mini” was
created upstairs. Florie Busch sold tickets, worked the concession stand and was interim manager during her 44
years of service. Sadly, the Brauntex Theatre could not compete with the new state of the art mega-plex/multi-
screen theatres that were becoming the trend. The movie theatre steadily declined from its beauty and smartly
dressed ushers to smoke-filled air, dirty and broken seats which resulted in a drastically diminished audience. The
Brauntex Movie Theatre was destined for the wrecking ball.
In 1998, a group of concerned citizens recognized that the historic Brauntex Theatre could fulfill the need for
a performing arts theatre for the growing community of New Braunfels. Several community leaders, including
representatives of various arts groups, formed the Brauntex Performing Arts Theatre Association, purchased
the closed theatre on December 10, 1999 and were granted their 501 (c)3 non-profit status. The Association
identified and targeted the community’s cultural and educational needs, which then led the way for the
Brauntex Theatre to rise up and meet the many challenges for success.

Money was raised, drawings were completed and work began. One of the first tasks was to enlarge the stage,
followed by the restoration of the previously closed off balcony. The screen and walls were removed to provide
the view of the stage from all areas of the theatre and dressing rooms were added behind the stage. The Box
Office and larger lobby bathrooms were also added. The leaky roof was replaced and the auditorium ceiling,
walls and lights were renovated. The Association had a great deal of local assistance in the demolition, cleanup
and reconstruction. In 2008, the Texas Historical Commission awarded the Brauntex a spot in the National
Register of Historic Places.

ConferenCe historiC theatre tours
weDnesDay, July 18, 2018

Paramount Theatre
Austin, TX

Excerpted from the Paramount Theatre’s website...
Very few places in Austin can make this claim! With all of the new development
happening around Austin, and specifically right here on Congress Avenue,
it’s truly remarkable that Austin’s original performing arts venue has stood the
test of time. As one of the first – and few remaining – examples of early and
distinctive theatrical architecture, the Paramount stands as a testament to
how important the venue is to the community and the cultural landscape that
makes Austin unique. Once you’re here, you can’t help but feel you’ve entered
a special place that wraps itself around you, making you feel welcome, timeless
and inclusive, both with other members of the audience and the performance
itself. From Houdini to Katharine Hepburn, to current artists like Bonnie Raitt, Lyle
Photo by Tim Babiak
42nd National Conference & Theatre Tour July 2018 INLEAGUE | PAGE 27