About Us

Act I: The Woman Who Dared to Dream (1925–1936)

Waco, Texas. 1925. The country is dancing to jazz, reading Fitzgerald, and heading full-steam toward modernity. But in this Central Texas town, something else is quietly beginning—a cultural revolution led by a woman with guts and vision.

Her name is Jean Fort, and she believes something radical: that theatre doesn’t belong to the coasts or the elite. It belongs to everyone. She gathers a group of teachers, business owners, and dreamers and founds the Waco Little Theatre. Rehearsals happen in living rooms and borrowed halls. The Fort House becomes a hub of creativity. Sets are built by hand. Costumes are stitched by neighbors. And still—audiences come.

For over a decade, WLT brings plays, musicals, and meaning to the community. But eventually, as the Great Depression deepens and the country moves toward war, the lights dim and the curtain falls. Waco Little Theatre closes its doors in 1936.

But not for long.

Act II: The Revival and the Rise (1945–1963)

Fast-forward to 1945. The world is rebuilding. In Waco, Dr. Paul Baker, the dynamic chair of Baylor’s Drama Department, sees the embers of WLT and refuses to let them go cold. He gathers a group of alumni, artists, and new believers, and together, they relight the fire.

Out of this effort comes the Waco Civic Theatre, formally established in 1948 and incorporated as a nonprofit in 1955—making it one of the earliest community theatres in Texas to take that step.

But Baker doesn’t stop at forming a company. He dreams of a purpose-built theatre—a home. And in the 1950s, author and philanthropist Madison Cooper steps forward with the gift that makes that dream possible. With Baker’s vision and Cooper’s support, the plan moves forward.

Then comes the partnership with architect James Hull Miller, who designs a facility that is elegant, modern, and community-focused. Built on Lake Air Drive, it becomes a beacon of local artistry. In 1963, the Journal of the Royal Institute of British Architects names it one of the three best-designed community theatres in the United States.

That’s not just architecture. That’s legacy made visible.

Act III: The Legacy Grows (1960s–Today)

The decades that follow are shaped by stewards of immense talent and care.

In the 1960s, Frank Baird Jr. honors his mother, Mrs. Flora Cameron Baird, with a transformative endowment. That gift ensures continued growth, expanded programming, and sustainability for years to come.

From the 1960s through the 1980s, Henry Snyder directs with precision and heart. He raises the artistic standard, mentors emerging talent, and leaves a mark on every production that bears his name.

And in the modern era, Win Emmons steps forward—not on stage, but behind the scenes—as a strategic leader and advocate. Her steady hand and clear vision help usher the theatre into the 21st century, ensuring that this cultural cornerstone not only survives, but thrives.

Theatre for All

We’ve cast actors from 6 to 86. We’ve seen standing ovations, quiet triumphs, and opening-night jitters that turned into lifelong confidence. We’ve built a community—not just of performers, but of believers.

This theatre isn’t just a building. It’s a living story, co-written by Waco itself.

It was sparked by Jean Fort.
Revived by Paul Baker.
Secured by Madison Cooper.
Expanded by Frank Baird Jr.
Shaped by Henry Snyder and Win Emmons.

And now—it’s written by you.

The curtain’s up. The lights are hot.
The next act is yours to write.
Welcome to Waco Civic Theatre.