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San Pedro Springs Park, named in 1709 by Spanish missionaries, is the second-oldest public park in the United States. It became a public space in 1852, offering amenities like pavilions and a zoo. In the late 19th century, it was developed with features like ponds and a racetrack, though it faced decline in the 1890s. Mayor Bryan Callaghan revitalized the park, reopening it in 1899. The park evolved throughout the 20th century with additions like a swimming pool and tennis courts and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1979. The San Antonio Little Theatre, later the San Pedro Playhouse, began as the San Antonio Dramatic Club in 1912 and became a cultural cornerstone by 1949.
From 1950 to 1975, the San Pedro Playhouse, initially known as the San Antonio Little Theatre, solidified its role as a key player in the local arts scene. Under the direction of Joe Salek and others, the theater expanded its offerings and established a drama school, fostering local talent and community engagement. This period also saw the introduction of more experimental and innovative productions, enhancing the theater’s reputation. The theater faced challenges, including financial difficulties, but community support and volunteer efforts kept it operational. The theater’s commitment to providing diverse theatrical experiences laid the groundwork for its future success, leading to significant growth and artistic achievements.
In 1963, San Pedro Playhouse underwent a major expansion that significantly enhanced its facilities to support its growing productions. This development included the addition of a scenic shop for constructing and painting sets, allowing for more elaborate stage designs. New dressing rooms provided improved preparation spaces for larger casts, while administrative offices centralized operations for better management and coordination. The inclusion of a loading dock streamlined the transportation of sets and equipment. Additionally, the expansion introduced the Cellar Theater, now known as Classic Theatre, a versatile performance space that became essential for hosting intimate productions and experimental works, enriching the theatre community with innovative and classic plays that engage and challenge audiences.
Between 1974 and 1999, the San Antonio Little Theatre, later renamed San Pedro Playhouse, experienced a series of milestones that significantly shaped its future. The 1970s saw the introduction of a revised historic districts and landmarks ordinance, bolstering preservation efforts, including the eventual restoration of San Pedro Playhouse. In 1974, the Conservation Society of San Antonio moved into its new headquarters, laying the groundwork for local arts advocacy. During the 1980s and 1990s, the Playhouse continued to grow as a central hub for theater in San Antonio, hosting numerous acclaimed productions and establishing itself as a vital community asset. In 1994, the Conservation Society pledged $300,000 toward its restoration, further cementing its status as a historical and cultural landmark. This era laid a robust foundation for its eventual transformation into San Pedro Playhouse.
The renovation of the San Pedro Playhouse, completed in 2001, was a significant project that began in the early 1990s and involved numerous stakeholders. This $4.5 million restoration transformed the historic theater, ensuring its continued role as a cornerstone of San Antonio’s cultural landscape. Vivienne Elborne played a pivotal role in guiding the restoration, bringing her extensive experience and passion for theater to the project. Her leadership, alongside her husband Francis W. Elborne, was instrumental in navigating the complex process of securing funds and coordinating the efforts of various contributors. The restoration initiative also involved dedicated individuals like Kim Ford and Byrd Bonner, with many volunteer chairs contributing over the years. Key organizations like the Conservation Society of San Antonio helped preserve the Playhouse’s historic integrity, while the Meadows Foundation contributed $500,000. Additionally, the City of San Antonio provided significant funding through a bond issue. Spanning over a decade, the restoration project was a testament to the dedication and collaboration of the San Antonio arts community, ensuring that the San Pedro Playhouse remained a vibrant part of the city’s cultural heritage.
From 2001 to 2024, the San Pedro Playhouse, originally the San Antonio Little Theatre, underwent significant changes, including a major renovation of the Russell Hill Rogers Theater in 2001. This renovation modernized the space, enhancing the theatrical experience for audiences and performers. In 1997, the theater was renamed San Pedro Playhouse. It rebranded again in 2012 as The Playhouse San Antonio to align with its expanding mission and community role. The theater became The Public Theater of San Antonio in 2018, emphasizing its commitment to public engagement. In 2024, it returned to the name San Pedro Playhouse to honor its heritage. A successful fundraising campaign in 2024 exceeded its $500,000 goal by raising $800,000, ensuring continued support for its productions.
The cataloging and collection of San Pedro Playhouse archives could not have been preserved or accomplished over the years without special contributions to theater, especially groups like the SALT Pillars and recent contributions from Susan Breidenbach. Today, all print archives of the theater are under the protection of UTSA Archives.
For decades, San Pedro Playhouse has stood as the flagship theater in San Antonio. As a guardian of theatrical history, its legacy is one of preservation and innovation, where every production echoes the rich tapestry of its past.
Today, as it proudly embraces its original name and collaborates with Classic Theatre, the San Pedro Playhouse continues to be the destination where all roads in San Antonio’s vibrant theater community lead back to.
800 West Ashby Place
San Antonio, Texas 78212
(210) 733-7258
Tuesday – Friday: 12 - 5 p.m.
(During the week the Box Office is available by phone only.)
Show Nights: The Box Office opens one hour prior to show time. Walk-up ticket sales are permitted, if seats are available.
