Alley Theatre

8.2 / 10

Performance art theatre

www.alleytheatre.org About Alley Theatre's Founder, Nina Vance 1914 – 1980 Visionary, Founder, Innovator It’s beginning! Do you want a new theater for Houston?” With these words, handwritten on 214 penny postcards, Nina (pronounced Nine-a) Vance began, on October 10, 1947, the process that would soon result in the creation of the Alley Theatre. Read more Through the early 1940’s, Nina Vance, by day a high school drama teacher, had been helping out at Houston’s The Little Theater as a volunteer, getting the props, doing walk-on parts, and helping with the box office. Taking a leave in 1946 from her San Jacinto High School teaching position, Nina began to direct plays for the Jewish Community Center. “At the JCC, I was associated with Bob and Vivien Altfeld. Bob had been trained as an actor, and Vivien wanted to be an actress.” Often joining the group was an even more influential friend, Sidney Holmes. “They all gathered around and said ‘you know, why don’t we start a theater?’ (Meaning, why don’t YOU?)” Intrigued and excited, Nina realized she had to let people know about the idea of a new theater, so she reached into her purse, found $2.14 and purchased the now legendary 214 postcards. So, on October 7 more than 100 respondents to her postcard met at 3617 Main to discuss a new theater. The turnout exceeded all Nina’s expectations. “It was all very democratic. You paid a dime and became a voting member.” When the question of what to call the new theater was raised, Actress Rita Cobler looked at their surroundings and the narrow path leading to the building and suggested “The Alley.” The name was accepted unanimously. “In the excitement, I didn’t mind it much that night,” recalled Nina. “But I was shocked to see it written in the next day’s papers. I think I had subconsciously imagined some rather grand name.” Born in Yoakum in DeWitt County, Texas, Nina graduated from TCU and then trained at University of Southern California, Columbia University and the American Academy of Dramatic Arts. Returning to Houston, she taught drama at Jefferson Davis and San Jacinto High Schools in Houston, explaining, “There’s always been a strong force of the teacher in me.” Nina found her first play for the new theater at the library, the war play, A Sound of Hunting. She resisted th Update description

Address:

615 Texas St
Houston

Telephone:

(713) 220-5700

Web site:

alleytheatre.org ⇒

On facebook:

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Review Alley Theatre

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Christi Bailey H. 2015-12-28

I took my 8 year old twins to see "A Christmas Carol". It was delightful. The costumes and effects were splendid. We enjoyed the show and were quite...

Cristen R. 2016-11-26

Wonderful production with excellent special effects and terrific acting, especially by Jay Sullivan! Loved the humor and clever attention to details....

Laura Garza M. 2016-11-26

Captivating! I think this is going to become a family tradition!

Jackie Flores P. 2016-11-26

I enjoyed The Christmas Carol. The atmosphere was good. I would go again. Actors were awesome.

Carmen L. 2016-11-25

The best..worth the money! They never disappoint.

Debbie S. 2016-11-24

Our family saw A Christmas Carol. It was a fantastic experience! Outstanding performance!!

Donna Dykes T. 2016-11-24

We moved to the Houston area a little over a year and a half ago. We have have to the Alley three times. Love the theatre

Araceli R. 2016-11-22

Loved the show! A Christmas Carol! 3rd time in a row and still enjoying it!

Connie R. 2016-11-22

What an amazing and enjoyable experience for all. Make this your Christmas gift to your family.

Amber C. 2016-11-21

Wonderful production of A Christmas Carol!! I'm especially fond of the new lighting and set design! Fantastic and funny actors/actresses!!

Delia Garcia S. 2016-11-21

Had a really nice time, it's a beautiful place, the play was awesome! Enjoyed the lighting of the Christmas trees.

Randy P. 2016-11-21

One of my favorite places in Houston. Support the Arts!

Maria R P. 2016-11-21

Beautiful venue. I was quite impressed with their level of disability friendliness and accessibility options.

Jane B M. 2016-11-21

You never can go wrong, with whatever seat you sit in. We have been to three productions, since the new renovations. Just love love love it.

Makayla W. 2016-11-20

Amazing place with amazing staff and actors. It's, in my opinion, the perfect size. There isn't a bad seat anywhere! Every show is a GREAT show! I...

Felicia B. 2016-11-20

I had a fabulous time at the Alley Theatre with my family. We went to see "A Christmas Carol" I loved this rendition. They were fabulous!

Cyn C. 2016-11-20

I hadn't been in years and it was my birthday so I bought tickets for 2 friends and myself. They had never been and they enjoyed it. I loved it...

Brenna S. 2016-11-20

First time at the Alley, and first time seeing A Christmas Carol, it was amazing and so much fun!

Cassie Ostendorf H. 2016-11-20

This theater is perfect! Small, intimate and overall exceptionally nice. I don't believe there is a bad seat in this place! We saw "A Christmas Carol"...

David B. 2016-06-03

We were unable to enjoy our tickets to 'The Nether', due to a pushy usher. We were asked three times to show our tickets. We walked out. We have...

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Social Media Popularity Score:

8.2 / 10

This value is based on the number of visitors, checkins, and likes on Facebook in the last few months.

Most activity in April:

Alley Theatre has a total of 84243 visitors (checkins) and 32058 likes.

20 reviews of Alley Theatre. Average grade 4.8 av 5.

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