BK Development Corporation approves funding for Magnolia Musical Theatre’s 2026 run

The BK Development Corporation voted unanimously on Dec. 9 to approve Resolution 2025-15, authorizing funding for Magnolia Musical Theatre’s proposed production of The Addams Family, scheduled for July 15–Aug. 15, 2026. The board’s vote followed a staff introduction and a public hearing in which supporters described the company’s cultural and local economic contributions.

Andrew, of Magnolia Musical Theatre, told the board the company proposes a five‑week run with four shows per week (20 performances) at Hill Country Galleria and said the group had revised its funding request to $240,000. "We still would love to produce the Addams Family Musical in 2026 out here in Hill Country Galleria from July 15 through August 15," Andrew said, adding that the revision reflected a $60,000 reduction from the original ask and expected outside support, including a pending $30,000 submission from Hill Country Galleria and multiple grant applications.

Andrew outlined a staged payment timeline for production expenses and said Magnolia has three grant applications in process, including a submission to the Texas Commission on the Arts. He emphasized efforts to build reserves so future BCDC requests could shrink and repeated the company’s goal of paying artists and producing "professional quality" shows that are free to the public.

During the public hearing, Sandy Cox, Executive Director of TexArts, urged municipal support, saying individual donations and in‑kind gifts "don't pay for artists' salaries" and that municipal funding had helped TexArts remain viable. Community members described personal and economic benefits: DJ D'Alegio highlighted the "intangibles" of audience experience and family impacts; Erin Ryan, an actor with Magnolia, said company casts and audiences bring business to local hotels, restaurants and shops; Laura Powell described Magnolia as "a gift to the community" that provides affordable cultural access; and Ray Dejohn, president of Magnolia’s board, said the theater has become a distinct part of local community character.

After the public comments, a board member moved to approve Resolution 2025-15; the motion was seconded and carried unanimously. The resolution approves a performance agreement and funding to support Magnolia’s 2026 season.

The decision closes the public hearing and authorizes staff to implement the performance agreement; the presenter thanked the board and supporters after the vote. The BCDC will record implementation steps and payment schedule as the company completes grant applications and other funding commitments.