Historic Forest Theater wows with media preview day
Ahead of The Grand Return tower lighting celebration for South Dallas' historic Forest Theater on Sunday, November 1, Forest Forward executives held a press conference for media and led guided tours this week.
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The tower lights will come on once again for the first time in over 50 years following a $70 million restoration, and the nonprofit is pulling out all the stops, from award winning performances (and a surprise guest!) to vendors and community connections.
Raven Writes DFW got in on the preview as well as conducted interviews with Forest Forward VP of Education and Community Engagement Ashley Wilson and gallery curator Daisha Board. The renovated exterior looks sleek and refined, maintaining that retro aesthetic of the 70s and art deco elements.
Dr. Christopher J. Dowdy, VP of Strategy, pointed out how the spindles in the historic lobby were covered in layers of paint and scraped away to reveal the original wood underneath, which they managed to restore.
Additionally, the theater is one of only four Dolby Atmos certified theaters in the world, ready for enhanced sound for screening locally and nationally produced films, stage productions, dance, and more. The renovation also heavily emphasizes community education and workforce development, complete with a Mac lab, education hub, and recording studio.
"So excited to create opportunity for our students to create, expereince, have a place of connection as well as a sense of belonging," Wilson said. "In the spring of 2027, we will start our after school and at school program, we'll start with many art disciplines such as dance, visual arts, theater, music production, film, and so much more. We want to make sure we create a pipeline where students can explore and discover their skills... this will be a true community hub whether you're 4 or 94."
Watch more below and stay tuned for Raven Writes DFW coverage following The Grand Return event.
Enjoying Raven Writes DFW? Help us continue spotlighting the people, places, and creativity that make this metroplex unique. Every contribution helps sustain independent journalism and local storytelling. Make donations to $RaesViolet or Venmo @ Rae-Jordan.
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