History of the Harlingen Performing Arts Theatre
A Brief History
The Country Playhouse was organized in 1974 by a group of Harlingen theatre enthusiasts who had as their primary objective the establishment of a continuing program of live theatrical productions. Many of the organizers had been involved in an earlier organization in the 1950's known as the Harlingen Little Theatre, which had been disbanded several years previously. The Country Playhouse was created as a Texas Non-Profit Corporation and was granted tax exempt status by the Internal Revenue Service in 1979.
Between 1974 and 1980, the Playhouse presented its productions in a small theater at the Briggs-Coleman School located north of Harlingen on FM 507. Many hours were devoted to the conversion of the auditorium in the abandoned school house to its new use as a theatre. The Rio Hondo Independent School District leased the building to the Playhouse for a nominal fee of $1.00 per year, and was cooperative in permitting the building to be renovated in order to convert it to its new use. Because the original theatre location was outside the Harlingen city limits, the organization named itself "The Country Playhouse."
In 1990, the dream for a place to call home finally came true when a warehouse on North First Street was purchased and converted into a 158 seat theatre. After a year spent in renovations, the Country Playhouse inaugurated the new location with Fiddler on the Roof in April of 1991. Over the next six and one-half seasons, a hardy group of actors, directors, and technicians presented an amazing 48 productions - ranging from classic Broadway musical favorites to new and challenging musicals by modern composers. Plays produced included dramas, comedies, mysteries, avant-garde selections, Tony-Award and Pulitzer Prize winners. All of those years, major quality productions were even more impressive when you consider that it was all accomplished in a facility without backstage dressing rooms, a fly system for backdrops, and many more of the basic amenities of a modern theatre. Almost as resilient as the performers and production staff were the theatre's audience and patrons, who persisted despite inadequate parking, a valiant but over-worked air conditioning system, and the like.
In September of 1997, the ultimate reward came for actors and audience alike, in the form of the beautiful new Harlingen Performing Arts Theatre. The project was the brainchild of Matt Gorges, who along with Robin Farris devoted almost three years of their lives to rally a broad base of community, civic, and charitable support to achieve what many thought impossible. The project received encouragement from Mayor Bill Card and the visionary civic leaders who supported the theatre placement in Fair Park. Many additional trustees, donors and volunteers contributed their time, effort and money. With this extraordinary community effort the dream became a reality.
Over the years, HPAT has acquired an extensive inventory of theatrical supplies, set construction units, props, costumes, and much more to enhance the quality of its productions. Through the efforts of the many dedicated supporters and talented performers, HPAT has evolved into one of the leading community theatre groups in the Valley, offering a greater number and variety I of live stage performance opportunities for the citizens of Harlingen and surrounding area to participate.
Our organization has a continued vision and mission, which compel us forward into the 21st century. We seek to involve all those persons interested and willing, to participate in all phases and aspects of theatrical production. By becoming a part of our HPAT family and working together cooperatively, we endeavor to educate, mentor and cultivate theatrical performers and patrons of all ages, races, and backgrounds.