The Wallace Theater Board, Staff, and Advisors announce that the Wallace will officially reopen its doors to the public on Saturday, September 20, 2025, for a grand opening celebration more than a decade in the making.
Initially opened in 1928 and once known as “West Texas’ Finest,” the Wallace Theater has been a cornerstone of downtown Levelland’s cultural life. After closing in the 1980s, the theater sat dormant for years until it was purchased in 2002 by George and Iris Keeling, who launched the restoration effort that would eventually lead to the theater’s revival. A nonprofit board was formed and acquired the theater in 2015 to accelerate the renovation process.
The Wallace restoration has been made possible by the contributions of over 450 individuals, corporations, and foundations.
“What started as a dream has become a landmark reality,” said Executive Director Alycyn Keeling. “This space has been built by this community, for this community, and now we finally get to celebrate together.”
The grand opening event will include a red carpet celebration, live entertainment, a VIP reception, and a first look inside the newly restored theater. The venue now features a flexible 250-seat auditorium, restored Art Deco details, and new infrastructure to support live performances, film screenings, and community programming.
Tickets for the grand opening event will go on sale Monday, June 16, at noon through the Wallace Theater website at www.wallacetheater.com/events.
The Wallace Theater has already hosted events, camps, and educational programs during its phased reopening and is now ready to serve as a permanent hub for arts and culture in Hockley County. The restoration has been made possible through grants, private donations, and the dedication of hundreds of volunteer hours.
The Wallace’s reopening also supports broader downtown revitalization efforts, contributing to economic growth and increased access to arts experiences in rural West Texas.
Texas Downtown Executive Director and Wallace Board President Tania Moody concludes, “Everywhere I go across our great state, I bear witness to downtown transformation that hinges on cornerstone projects like this. Placemaking is more than just renovations; it’s about establishing a community gathering space that gives everyone a sense of belonging. This will be the legacy of the Wallace Theater.”
The Wallace Theater Board of Directors, Staff, and Advisors include- Tania Moody (President), Denver Bruner (Vice President), Sarah Osburn (Treasurer), Lorie Marquez (Secretary), Nicole Campbell, Prentice Fred, Stevi Foster, Lance Gonzalez, Brian Lewis, Rebecca Macha, Lee Ann Paxton, Randal Ramirez, Trey Saldana, Joe Tubb, Dillon Palmer Webb, Iris Keeling (Ex-Officio), Alycyn Keeling (Executive Director), Jolenna Carter (Operations Director), Tina Wiiest (Business Manager), Arlette Silva (Administrative Assistant), Kaitlynn Hart (Marketing Coordniator), Dean Loehr, Cathie McMahan (Education Advisor), Beth Walls (Human Resource Advisor), and Steven Wright.