MY DALLAS STORY
“WE’VE CLAIMED OUR SPOT ON THE NATIONAL MAP AS A TRUE CORNERSTONE FOR CREATIVITY” BRAD PRITCHETT OCCUPATION: Director of marketing and communications, Dallas Theater Center CURRENT NEIGHBORHOOD: Oak Lawn
What’s your favorite Arts District space? Hands down it’s the Dee and Charles Wyly Theatre. The space is one of the world’s more innovative theater facilities. When we first started to hear and see the plans for the venue, many of us at Dallas Theater Center couldn’t wrap our heads around the 10-level building that takes the word “flexible” to a whole new level. Designed by REX | OMA, Joshua Prince-Ramus, and Pritzker Prize-winning architect Rem Koolhaas, it has a groundbreaking design that completely rethinks how we have traditionally experienced theater until now. From the extruded anodized aluminum rods on the exterior of the building to the magnetic wall leading up to the performance chamber, patrons are in for a treat when they come to this venue. Depending on the director’s choice, the seats, stage, and levels can be reconfigured each time a new show takes place. Since Dallas Theater Center moved in fi ve years ago, we’ve had our patrons sit ringside at a wrestling match in The Elaborate Entrance of Chad Deity, be pushed around by the actors in seats that moved in The Wiz, lounge in leather recliners and sofas in Second City Does Dallas, and they will be thrown smack dab in the middle of a football field in this season’s Colossal. Needless to say, if you haven’t checked out the Wyly yet, then it better be first on your to-do list.
WINTER 2016
PHOTO: KEVIN MARPLE
The Dallas Arts District is more vibrant than ever. How have things changed in the last 10 years? I was born and raised in Dallas, so to see where we have come just in the last decade is truly astonishing. With all of the recent additions to The Arts District, we’ve claimed our spot on the national map as a true cornerstone for creativity. This city is finally a destination location for enthusiasts to get the opportunity to immerse themselves in relevant visual and performing arts. Go, Dallas!
What’s a hidden gem of the Arts District? I continue to learn more and more about the offerings of Klyde Warren Park each and every time I visit. The park itself is no longer a hidden gem, but with a host of activities every day, there’s lots to do that many people don’t know about. From fitness to food trucks and concerts to chess, there is something for everyone! What’s your favorite Arts District event? During the holiday season, The Arts District is transformed into a magical winter wonderland with dazzling lights, tons to do for the family, and visual and performing arts options every single day to help the most bah humbug of visitors get right into the holiday spirit. What would surprise people most about the Dallas arts scene? That it is affordable, accessible, and inclusive! Not only are there tons of cheap and free options in The Arts District, but Dallas hosts a plethora of festivals, exhibitions, shows, and performances all over town that won’t break your bank. For someone just getting acquainted with The Arts District, where would you recommend getting started? I would suggest checking out visitdallas. com to see a pretty hefty listing of arts and culture events.
D A L L A S - F O R T W O R T H R E L O C AT I O N + N E W C O M E R G U I D E
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