4155 Laurel Street

You're invited to make a difference for Beaumont by helping provide a home for live theatre and a future for children's theatre.

It's a fact that participating in the arts, particularly the performing arts, provides young people with confidence, poise, and an outlet for their creativity. Theatre is particularly valuable because it encompasses all the arts in one vehicle.

In a giant leap of faith in our area, Beaumont Community Players has purchased the UA Phelan 6 Movie Theatre on Laurel. Renovation has begun and we couldn't be more excited about the future. The new theatre will include a "black box" suitable for shows in the round and dinner theatre in addition to a proscenium arch stage which will be excellent for traditional theatre productions. Seating will accommodate up to two hundred and fifty people in the main auditorium and two hundred in the black box. Two theatres in one will enable us to present more shows in our season and provide children's theatre opportunities year round.

Why another theatre?
Size and price.
Both the Julie Rogers Theatre and the Jefferson are too large and expensive for a community theatre group to utilize year round. We have the seed money to make this our permanent home at an affordable cost and its size suits our needs beautifully. We will be able to present more shows and provide more opportunities for participation.

Why this theatre?
Location, location, location.
Our new home is located near to our patrons in the West end of Beaumont. There is a huge, paved parking lot with excellent lighting. It's even accessible to public transportation so anyone can get there. It's easy to find and it's a theatre, not a grade school.
Production value:
It will provide ample space for more than one production to be in operation at a time and it affords many new and interesting staging possibilities plus adequate storage for our props, costumes, and sets.
Amenities:
There is excellent handicapped access plus a spacious lobby and modern plumbing. It is climate controlled and there is very good air quality.
Added value:
We will OWN, not rent, this building. We will not live in apprehension that we will be evicted or forced to make undesirable choices about the way we operate.

Who will use it?
Families.
For more than 80 years, BCP has entertained local audiences with professional quality Broadway shows and musicals and those productions involve local people. Parents can bring their children to participate in a clean, family friendly atmosphere where they can grow and achieve an appreciation of the arts. Children and adults both are able to explore their talents and are encouraged to participate in all aspects of a production including acting, directing, costuming, set design and construction, lighting and sound. We have excellent working relations with the Symphony of Southeast Texas, Lamar University Theatre Department, and other arts-related organizations and we will work in cooperation with them to provide the widest possible variety of culturally stimulating activities.
Children
We continue a tradition of children's theatre that began more than 30 years ago that involves area young people from first grade through high school. All the children are stars and everyone receives a part.
Handicapped citizens
We frequently present shadow actors and signers for performances and the new easily accessible theatres will provide the best possible viewing opportunities for our handicapped patrons.

When will it be ready?
We are making great progress with the renovation through community efforts including volunteer labor, and donations of materials, plus gifts and grants. Our 2007-2008 regular season opened in the black box theatre in September, 2007.  Renovations and construction in the main auditorium theatre will continue during the current year.

How can I help?
We are applying for and receiving grants. Grants, however, are made contingent on proof of interest and commitment of local citizens. Simply put, you can help finish the job. Your contribution will pave the way for grants. You can purchase season tickets, provide a lasting memorial to someone through purchase of a star or seats, or make a cash donation or pledge. Naming opportunities are available as well.