The AT&T Performing Arts Center plans to combine operations with the Dallas Theater Center. [Photo: Kathy Tran]
The AT&T Performing Arts Center (AT&T PAC) and Dallas Theater Center (DTC) announced plans to combine their operations. The goal is to strengthen the future of the performing arts in Dallas while preserving each organization’s distinct artistic identity and mission.
By joining together, the organizations said, they can grow programming and audiences, expand education opportunities for students and provide ongoing support for local artists. Doing so will ensure that “Dallas continues to thrive as one of America’s great performing arts cities,” they said.
The combined organization will bring finance, marketing, human resources, fundraising and ticketing under the AT&T PAC umbrella.
“By coming together, we are able to achieve much more than either of us could do on our own,” Dallas Theater Center Executive Director Kevin Moriarty said in a statement. “Not only will this innovative model benefit our audiences, artists, students and our city, it also strengthens and expands our combined ability to meet the opportunities and challenges of the future.”
AT&T PAC President and CEO Warren Tranquada said in the statement that the performing arts industry is experiencing “profound systemic change nationwide.”
“Stagnation is not an option,” Tranquada said. “Two major Dallas institutions are coming together in a proactive way to write our future, creating a new artistic and business model that can set the stage for strength and sustainability in North Texas and beyond.”
More on the agreement and benefits to Dallas
The planned collaboration is subject to approval by each organization’s board. The two groups are now entering a due diligence and capital fundraising phase that runs through the summer and fall. Official approval and combined operations are expected at the beginning of 2027.
Under the agreement, Tranquada would lead a unified AT&T PAC organization. DTC would continue to produce theater under Enloe/Rose Artistic Director Jaime Castañeda, building on a history of national recognition that includes the 2017 Regional Theatre Tony Award. AT&T PAC would continue to present world-class performances, touring Broadway and its Elevator Project.
Together, the organizations said, they will be able to mount more ambitious productions and offer audiences a broader range theatrical experiences.
Dallas Theater Center Production of Ragtime. [Photo: Karen Almond]
“Dallas Theater Center will keep creating the bold, adventurous theatre that defines us while expanding the kinds of stories we can tell, the artists we can collaborate with, and the audiences we can serve,” Castañeda said.
Leaders said the partnership also strengthens the long-term vision for the Dallas Arts District and its contributions to downtown Dallas.
“The arts play a critical role in our city, especially in creating a vibrant downtown,” Dallas Mayor Eric L. Johnson said. “This is a bold step for these signature cultural institutions, one that distinguishes Dallas as a national change leader and helps ensure our Arts District continues to be an economic, cultural and tourism engine for Downtown.”
Boosting opportunities for students, artists and audiences
Education is a cornerstone of the combined vision, the organizations said. AT&T PAC and DTC will work together to build on existing programs. Those include student matinee performances, after-school and summer theater programs, backstage tech training, dance engagement, leadership training and community workshops.
Pooling resources and expertise will expand access to the performing arts, the organizations said. Their stated goal is to give every student in North Texas the opportunity to experience live theater as part of their education.
The partnership also supports Dallas artists. DTC will continue as a member of the League of Resident Theatres (LORT). It also will produce more performances with its Diane and Hal Brierley Resident Acting Company, creating more opportunities for actors, directors, designers, playwrights, musicians, technicians and other creative professionals.
Winspear Opera House. [Photo: Jay Simon]
AT&T PAC said it will continue to provide resources for Dallas artists and cultural organizations through collaborative marketing, ticketing services and premier performance spaces.
Audiences will see no interruption to performances, subscriptions, memberships or programming during the transition. The partnership will offer patrons more ticketing options, such as creating personalized packages across multiple art forms, easier exchanges and new membership opportunities.
Past, present and future partnership
Dee and Charles Wyly Theatre. [Photo: Kathy Tran]
The two organizations have a long history of partnership. DTC has been one of AT&T PAC’s five resident companies since the center opened in 2009, and its home there is the Dee and Charles Wyly Theatre.
DTC also commissioned and built the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Kalita Humphreys Theater, which opened in 1959. The company still produces work at the Kalita, as do several other groups. The combined organization plans to operate and steward the theater under its existing agreement with the City of Dallas.
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