Wyly Theater At AT&T Performing Arts Center
#75 of 100 things to do in Dallas
Dallas, Texas is home to one of the most innovative and versatile performing spaces in the world: the Dee and Charles Wyly Theatre. Located in the vibrant Dallas Arts District, this architectural marvel is part of the AT&T Performing Arts Center and has been captivating audiences since its opening in 2009. With its groundbreaking “stacked” vertical design and ability to transform into multiple stage configurations, the Wyly Theatre offers an unparalleled experience for both performers and patrons.
Whether you are a theater enthusiast, a visitor eager to explore the best of Dallas’s arts scene, or a family looking for a memorable cultural outing, this guide provides everything you need to plan an unforgettable visit.
Key Details at a Glance:
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Address: 2400 Flora St., Dallas, TX 75201 (Dallas Arts District)
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Architects: REX/OMA, Joshua Prince-Ramus (partner in charge) and Pritzker Prize winner Rem Koolhaas
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Opened: October 12, 2009
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Capacity: Approximately 575–600 seats (configurable)
Architectural Wonder: The “Theatre Machine”
The Wyly Theatre is not your typical performance venue. Its design, by the acclaimed architectural firms REX and OMA, represents a radical rethinking of conventional theater architecture. Instead of the traditional horizontal layout with a “front-of-house” and “back-of-house” organized around the auditorium, the Wyly Theatre stacks these support elements vertically, above and beneath the main performance space.
Versatile Configurations
The innovative vertical design allows the theatre’s Potter Rose Performance Hall to be rapidly transformed into a variety of stage configurations with just a small crew in a few hours. These configurations include:
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Thrust Stage
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Proscenium Stage
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Arena Stage
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Flat Floor
This versatility means that no two visits are ever quite the same, as the space adapts to the specific needs of each performance, from intimate dramas to large-scale productions.
The Iconic Facade
The building’s exterior is a work of art in itself. Its façade is composed of an extruded anodized aluminum, designed to emulate the billowing fabric of a closed theater curtain. Perforations in key areas allow for elegant lighting of the building’s signage, making the Wyly Theatre a striking presence on the Dallas skyline.
The Wyly Studio Theatre
On the sixth floor of the building, you’ll find the Wyly Studio Theatre, a black-box style space that can seat up to 200 people. This intimate venue serves as an incubator for thought-provoking, cutting-edge works from innovative performers. The versatile nature of this space means that all seating is event-specific, and its intimate size draws audiences closer to the action.
What’s On: Upcoming Events & Tickets
The Wyly Theatre is home to a variety of resident companies and hosts a wide array of touring productions, including theater, dance, and music performances. Its current schedule includes a range of shows running through 2026 and into the 2026/27 season.
For the most up-to-date schedule and to purchase tickets, visit the official AT&T Performing Arts Center website or check their box office at 214-880-0202.
Activities for Adults & Children
👨🖥️ For Adults: A World-Class Theatre Experience
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Experience Versatile Performances: Attend a show and see how the space transforms for each unique production.
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Architectural Appreciation: Take time before or after the show to admire the exterior’s curtain-like facade and learn about its revolutionary design.
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Pre-Show Dining: The AT&T Performing Arts Center offers a variety of dining options within walking distance.
👧 For Children & Families: A Welcoming Venue
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Booster Seats: Booster seats are available for free at Guest Services, ensuring younger patrons have a great view.
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Family Restroom: A convenient family restroom is located in the first-floor lobby next to the Box Office.
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Accessible Amenities: The Center is dedicated to inclusivity, offering accessible parking, assistive listening devices, and sensory-inclusive aid.
Planning Your Visit: Location, Parking & Accessibility
Location and Parking
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Address: 2400 Flora St., Dallas TX 75201.
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Parking: The Center offers underground, on-site, valet, and self-parking options during performance times.
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Lexus Red Parking: Beneath the Winspear Opera House. Prices range from $20 for advance self-parking to $32 for valet at the gate. Patrons driving Lexus vehicles enjoy complimentary self-parking or $10 valet service, subject to availability.
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Lexus Silver Parking: Beneath Moody Performance Hall, accessible from Jack Evans Street.
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Accessibility
The AT&T Performing Arts Center is committed to inclusivity and accessibility.
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Accessible Parking: Available in both Lexus Red and Lexus Silver parking garages.
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Assistive Listening Devices: Available free of charge with a valid ID.
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Service Animals: Service animals are welcome.
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Special Seating: Can be arranged in advance by calling the Box Office at 214-880-0202.
Tips for Your Visit
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Arrive Early: Plan to arrive with enough time to park, pick up tickets, and find your seat.
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Check the Seating Plan: Because the theatre’s seating is event-specific, check the seating chart for your particular performance.
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Explore the Arts District: The Wyly Theatre is located in the vibrant Dallas Arts District, home to the Dallas Museum of Art, Nasher Sculpture Center, and Klyde Warren Park. Make a day of your visit.
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Contact the Box Office: For any accessibility needs or questions, contact the Box Office at 214-880-0202 or [email protected].
Stay Connected
Follow the AT&T Performing Arts Center for the latest news, events, and ticket information.
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Official Website: https://attpac.org/
If you have any experience with this place, please share it with us in the comments below!