Kalita Humphreys Theater Masterplan

In 2022, the Dallas Theater Center undertook a masterplan study to renovate and expand their facilities at the Kalita Humphreys site. The project, centered on the restoration of the Kalita Humphreys Theater, including two new performance venues, as well as expanded spaces which support performance rehearsal, education, and community engagement. The venues include a 250-seat proscenium theater and a 100-seat studio theater.

The historic Kalita Humphreys Theater was the final project of Frank Lloyd Wright. The theater, completed after his death, has significance both in architectural and theater history. FDA engaged in a deep study of existing conditions of Wright’s building, as well as his original design intent. Over time, modifications had been made to the original design for various reasons — to improve sightlines, increase the seat count, provide ADA accommodations, and improve the lobby space — diluting Wright’s vision. With Diller Scofidio + Renfro and Harboe Architects, FDA proposed a modified restoration of the facility which approached the original design while making targeted improvements.

The study provided solutions that would largely restore the room to Wright’s conception while also improving sightlines. Recommendations include: revising the rake and returning to the original row spacing; restoring the stage height to the original alignment with the back-of-house while lowering the first row approximately seven inches; staggering the seating to allow view between heads and using a range of seat widths to improve sightlines further; expanding accommodations for wheelchairs at the last row of seating, allowing for a greater number of wheelchairs in the room; and, finally, restoring the balcony to Wright’s original design.