The historic Texas Theatre (formerly Real Life Church) is being considered for purchase by the City of Bay City as a Theatre Arts Center. The Texas Theatre was headquarters for John G. Long's Long Broadcasting Enterprises in the late 40's and early 50’s which included KVIC (Victoria), KSAM (Huntsville), KNET (Palestine) and KTLW (Texas City), addition to KIOX radio in Bay City. Bay City Broadcasting also applied for a 50 kw station in McAllen to operate on 1560 kc. Long was also an owner and operator of as many as 70 theaters across Texas, including the Showboat theater in Texas City, where KTLW would be located and his home operations at the Texas Theatre.
A Committee was appointed to answer some of the questions put forth by City Council. One of the tasks of the Committee is to see if there is truly support for such a facility. If you feel the Arts are important to a town or culture, let your City Council member know your thoughts. While we are getting architectural plans, evaluating the structure, and determining the best options for use; we are asking you to consider the following:
The facility will house a Welcome Center and office for the Bay City Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB). Community Actors of South Texas (CAST) is being considered as the resident performing group for the theater and Art League to occupy gallery and some educational spaces. In addition, traveling performers will be brought in to augment theater use and musicians, voice teachers, and dancers will be encouraged to utilize the various rooms of the education center. Rental fees and tickets sales will help pay for operations, as well as applying year-round for grants from State agencies and other foundations.
How can you help? Would you consider becoming a monthly, yearly, or substantial one-time donor to help make this facility a possibility? The breakdown below is provided to give you some idea of the levels that will aid in upgrading the building as a theater and educational center and operating expenses.
Levels of Support
| Support |
Over |
Total Donation |
Possible Use of Funds |
| $50,000/year |
5 years |
$300,000 |
Structure Repair |
| $25,000/year |
5 years |
$50,000 |
Upgrade Restrooms |
| $10,000/year |
5 years |
$50,000 |
Theater Stage Upgrade |
| $5,000/year |
5 years |
$25,000 |
HVAC |
| $250/month |
5 years |
$15,000 |
Paint & Carpet |
| $100/month |
5 years |
$6,000 |
Roof |
| $50/month |
5 years |
$3,000 |
Upgrade Theater Seats |
| $25/month |
5 years |
$1,500 |
Lighting |
| $10/month |
5 years |
$600 |
One Billboard Sign |
| $1,000,000 |
One Time Gift |
--- |
Naming Rights for Building |
| $500,000 |
One Time Gift |
--- |
Naming Rights for Theater |
| $500,000 |
One Time Gift |
--- |
Naming Rights for Education Center |
