Runway Theatre

History

In 1983, a small group of individuals with a variety of backgrounds but a common goal of a desire to establish a community theatre in Grapevine formed an acting troupe called The End of the Runway Players (ERP). The first productions were rehearsed in a garage and several were performed at the Palace and the Backdoor Theatres. The group produced five shows in 1983-1984 and mounted their first full season in 1985-1986. In 1986, the ERP became a nonprofit organization and established the Runway Theatre at 217 North Dooley Street as its first permanent home. In 1997, the readers of the Fort Worth Star Telegram voted the Runway Theatre as "Best Live Theatre in Northeast Tarrant County".

On December 27, 1998, a devastating fire destroyed the theatre. With assistance from businesses, individuals and a successful "Recreate The Magic" campaign and "Haute Summer Night" fund-raiser, the theatre was rebuilt adjacent to its previous location at 215 North Dooley Street. During the rebuilding, the theatre was able to provide a mini-season in 1999-2000, and successfully mounted a full season for 2000-2001.

As of July 2003, the ERP has been responsible for 105 full-scale productions.