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Firehouse Theater reports revenue growth, asks council to fast-track $40,000 lobby work
Summary
Firehouse Theater leaders reported higher attendance and a revenue increase from roughly $750,000 to about $1.2 million, described programs and scholarships, and requested a minor $40,000 renovation to expand the lobby and fit concessions; staff said a budget amendment from the hotel-motel fund could enable faster action.
The Firehouse Theater told the City Council on June 16 that it has expanded programming, increased attendance and grown revenue, and asked the council to expedite a minor renovation to the historic theater's lobby.
David Moore, executive director of the Firehouse Theater, and artistic producer Owen Beanes reviewed the theater's recent season, education programming and outreach. Beanes noted multiple main-stage productions, junior shows and summer camps; Moore said the theater runs need-based scholarships and reported an estimated zip-code breakdown showing about 20% of patrons live in Farmers Branch and the remainder come from the wider Dallas-Fort Worth area.
Moore presented financial figures, saying the theater's revenue in the nine-month report rose from "a little over $750,000" to "a little over $1,200,000," which he described as a roughly 36% increase. He also said summer acting-camp tuition is $475 and emphasized the theater's need-based scholarship program that typically covers about half of awarded attendees' tuition.
The theater requested a minor renovation to the city-owned Fire Station No. 1 building to remove a cabinet, add stainless steel for a popcorn machine and expand the lobby so it can hold more patrons. Moore asked the council to "fast track" the project and said the cost is roughly "$40,000. You could remove it from the budget discussions and, you know, find that money and make it happen." He described the work as a small, functional improvement rather than a major renovation.
Councilmembers thanked theater staff and asked clarifying questions about costs and timing. A city staff member responded that moving forward would require a budget amendment and that the hotel-motel fund could be used; staff said they "can move quickly with council support" to allocate funds and bring the matter back to council. Councilman Neil also asked staff to resolve invoicing and payment delays and to provide a timeline for HVAC replacement work.
Why this matters: The theater's increased revenue and regional draw support local economic activity around the Old Fire Station No. 1 entertainment district; the council can respond to the theater's request with a budget amendment and a procurement plan if it chooses to accelerate the minor renovation.
What happened next: Councilmembers expressed support and staff committed to follow up with budget and contracting information; no appropriation or formal vote on the renovation was recorded during the meeting.
