The Plaza Theatre
521 W. State Street
Garland, Texas  75040
 
Since the 1940s, the elegant Plaza Theatre has been a landmark and focal point for Garland.  Now, in its finest hour, the Plaza has been completely refurbished in the art deco style to reflect that bygone era.
 
From the spacious domed lobby area featuring a spectacular chandelier, guests enter the 350-seat theatre equipped with state-of-the-art lighting and sound systems.  The Plaza provides the ultimate theatre-going experience enhanced with luxurious velvet seating and a motorized waterfall curtain. 
 
The Plaza Theatre provides a perfect setting for the finest in stage productions, concerts, business meetings, receptions and all other special events.
 
Schedule your next musical productions, concert, business meeting, style show, seminar, reception, pageant or fundraiser at the Plaza Theatre.  Call 972-205-2780 for more details.
 
PLAZA THEATRE RENTAL LINE: 972-205-2780
PLAZA THEATRE BOX OFFICE:  972-205-2790
 
Director of Cultural Arts:  Patty Granville, 972-205-2789
E-Mail Address: pgranvil@ci.garland.tx.us
 
Plaza Manager:  Debbie McAnally, 972-205-2782
E-Mail Address: mcanally@ci.garland.tx.us
 
Plaza Technical Coordinator:  Tung Tran, 972-205-3656 
E-Mail Address:  ttran@ci.garland.tx.us
      
 
The Plaza Theatre features:
 
Total Seating:  350
Two Dressing Areas with Restrooms 
Proscenium Opening Width – 28’6”, Depth – 22’6”
Stained Oak Stage Floor
Rigging Grid Height:  14’
Front Curtain Waterfall Drape:  14’ (motorized)
Legs and Borders:  Black, Tracked
Stage Lighting System
Audio System
State-of-the Art Sound Booth
Lobby Concession Area
ADA-approved Chair Lift and Headsets
 
 
HISTORY
 
The original building, located at 521 W. State Street, dates back to 1918 and served as the Cole & Davis Drygood Store.  The Plaza Theatre was officially opened on Friday, April 4, 1941.  The opening show premiered at 7:00 p.m. and starred Robert Young, Randolph Scott, Dean Jagger, and Virginia Gilmore in “Western Union.”  The Plaza was the third theatre on the downtown square, all of which were owned and operated by H.R. (Bis) and Jennie Bisby. 
 
The Plaza was opened as a cornerstone location on the downtown square and was the most modern complex available in the suburb area.  In 1950, the current façade was designed by Dallas architect Jack Grogan.  Following the advent of television, the success of local area theatres suffered.  The Bisby’s removed themselves from active participation in the late 1950’s and rented the facility to other theatre operators, the last of which was for presentation of Hispanic movies. 
 
In the mid to late 70’s, the facility was utilized as a performance center for local country-western groups.  After Mrs. Bisby’s death, John Skelton, trustee of the estate, donated the Plaza Theatre to the City of Garland in December of 1991.