One of Plano’s best-known arts organizations has found its next stage. After learning earlier this year that it would need to leave its longtime home at The Shops at Willow Bend, North Texas Performing Arts (NTPA) announced plans to relocate its headquarters to a new performing arts complex at 2819 W. 15th St. in central Plano.
The move ensures the nonprofit can continue serving the hundreds of thousands of students, performers and audience members who take part in its productions and educational programs each year.
A New Chapter For NTPA
The new NTPA Center of the Arts will feature four performance stages, six dance and rehearsal studios, private practice rooms, a set-building shop and dedicated spaces for classes, community programs and theatre education.
Located near Independence Parkway and the President George Bush Turnpike, the campus is expected to welcome more than 400,000 visitors annually while placing guests within walking distance of nearby restaurants and retail.
“This is an exciting and transformational moment for North Texas Performing Arts,” said Darrell Rodenbaugh, NTPA chief executive officer. “We have a vision that everyone should have the profound opportunity of taking the stage, and so it is critical that we preserve our mission for our youth, deaf, disabled and special needs, and community theatre participants and audiences.”
Construction is expected to begin in August, with the theater buildout scheduled for completion by Dec. 1. NTPA plans to raise the curtain on its first performances at the new venue in early January.
A separate nearby facility will also house the North Texas Performing Arts Academy.
Raising The Curtain On a Capital Campaign
To help fund the move, NTPA launched its “Save Our Stages” capital campaign with a goal of raising $2.5 million through donations, sponsorships and in-kind services.
The campaign will help pay for construction, equipment and the transition into the new facility. The organization is also seeking volunteers with professional expertise to assist with planning and buildout.
“We have an ambitious timeline, and making this new home possible will require the combined support of our donors, patrons, families, volunteers, and our broader community,” Rodenbaugh said. “We are grateful to our Willow Bend landlord, Centennial, and the city of Plano for their partnership and support of our mission through the years, and look forward to working with our partners and neighbors in our new home.”
Why The Move Matters
The relocation follows months of uncertainty after NTPA was informed in February that it would need to vacate its space at The Shops at Willow Bend.
The announcement came as redevelopment plans accelerated for the aging shopping center. In June, Plano City Council approved a non-binding letter of intent supporting a new Dallas Stars facility at the property, part of Centennial’s larger vision to transform the mall into a mixed-use district known as The Bend.
Photo: City of Plano
NTPA was among several tenants asked to leave, joining businesses such as The Movie Institute. Other longtime anchors have already exited the property, including Macy’s, Dillard’s and the Crayola Experience, while Neiman Marcus is expected to close in 2027 as redevelopment continues.
NTPA said it is working closely with Centennial and the city of Plano to ensure the transition is as seamless as possible for students, families and audiences.
Looking Ahead
For an organization that has become one of the regions largest youth theatre programs, the new facility provides room to continue expanding productions, educational offerings and community programming while remaining rooted in Plano.
“Act One was the founding of Plano Children’s Theatre. Act Two was the creation and growth of North Texas Performing Arts,” Rodenbaugh said. “Today, we invite our community to help us write Act Three — and to ensure that the show goes on for the tens of thousands of actors, families and audience members we serve.”
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