WE ARE FAST APPROACHING OUR 50th ANNIVERSARY!
So many of you have been with us since our beginnings and have watched us grow. Some of you are just realizing we're here. So here's a wee bit of Hip Pocket history to remind our old friends, and share with our new friends what's been going on. Stick with us to the end - there's some really exciting news . . . but hold on. Let's go back to the beginning for a bit.
Founded back in 1976 by Johnny & Diane Simons and Douglas Balentine, the Hip Pocket has presented 287 shows in Fort Worth in its 47 years. Throughout those years, we have also created a dynamic and vital outreach program in the school system, in Cook Children's Hospital psychiatric unit, in John Peter Smith Trinity Springs Pavilion psychiatric unit, in libraries, after-school programs, community centers, and more. In 1983, we took more than 40 actors, technicians, musicians, and directors and 3 entire shows (!) to Scotland to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe for 3-1/2 weeks, then went down to London to perform at Queen Elizabeth Hall. What a trip! Ohhhhh, the stories we could tell!
We came back to the Fort, picked up where we left off, and continued to present an incredible array of original and unique theatrical events, and the beat goes on. We have had a tremendous 48th summer season starting with our friends Basil Twist and Ken Ard from New York who brought the most wonderful show, "A Twisty Intergalactic Spectacle." I am proud to say that the following four shows were all directed by women! "A Midsummer Night's Dream," directed by Yvonne Duque-Guerrera, "Raft Project (My Shapes are in Turmoil)," written and directed by Lake Simons, "Big Love," directed by Emily Scott Banks, and Franz Kafka's "Metamorphosis," adapted and directed by Christina Cranshaw. All of that was capped off with the return of a fabulous Puppet Pageant! What an exciting season it has been. And the 49th season promises even more. As we spring into our countdown towards our 50th anniversary in 2026, we're preparing to bring back some of the favorite "legacy" shows from the Simons/Balentine era.
I promised you a surprise at the top, and here it is:
We have been approached by a most generous supporter who wishes to remain anonymous. This person has offered to match up to $50,000 in donations from you, our treasured supporters. The funds will be dedicated to shifting everyday administrative duties from our amazing artistic staff to a local managing director to maintain a presence throughout the year. (Watch for an announcement soon!) This shift will allow our artistic directors to dream big and dedicate their time to the creative side. Help us secure Hip Pocket Theatre for 50 years and beyond with your gift today!
Photo by Loli Kantor