Uptown Theater
120 E. Main Street,
Grand Prairie,
TX
75053
120 E. Main Street,
Grand Prairie,
TX
75053
5 people
favorited this theater
Related Websites
Uptown Theater (Official)
Additional Info
Firms: Killis Almond & Associates
Functions: Concerts, Live Performances, Live Theater, Special Events
Styles: Streamline Moderne
Phone Numbers:
Box Office:
972.237.8409
Nearby Theaters
News About This Theater
- Nov 17, 2008 — Uptown Theater received $5.5 million renovation
- Dec 3, 2007 — Uptown Theater ornament for sale
- Aug 15, 2007 — City celebrates Uptown with street party
The Uptown, which originally opened on March 17, 1950 with 1,100 seats, is situated on Main Street in the old downtown section of Grand Prairie. You can’t miss if drive this area. It has a huge red and white vertical sign spelling out “Uptown”.
After closing as a movie house, the theater served for periods of time as a church. In November, 2008, the Uptown Theater reopened after a renovation and restoration project that began in May 2007 after the City of Grand Prairie purchased the theater building in 2005.
The Uptown Theater hosts live performances, including concerts, live theater and dance. It is also the home of the Grand Prairie Arts Council.
Contributed by
Don Lewis, Cinema Treasures
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Recent comments (view all 11 comments)
There is a 1986 photo on this page:
http://tinyurl.com/ya95xv
2004??….so much for the renovation.
Also there was a “TEXAN” theater in Grand Prairie, but I don’t know of a “TEXAS” theater having been there.
Here is a rare image of TEXAN.
www.flickr.com/photos/lastpictureshow/343670367
Went by this Theatre about a Month ago. I was told that the City of Grand Prairie has either taken it over or bought it. It will be renovated into a Live Theatre type venue. Hopefully, they’ll keep the Marquee intact! I’m Glad to see at least, something is being done to save it instead of Demolishing it!!
Way to GO Grand Prairie!! I took a few photos of this theatre just before the City blocked off the Entrance of the Theatre with Plywood. To view them, click here:.. View link …
Randy A. Carlisle
“Preserving AMERICAs History Thru Photography”
The Uptown Theater is coming alive again as a multi-use performing arts center. See press release below:
NEWS RELEASE AUGUST 13, 2007
CONTACT: Elspeth McDonald 972-237-8409
CITY CELEBRATES UPTOWN THEATER RESTORATION WITH STREET PARTY
People will be dancing in the streets from 7-10 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 15, 2007, at a free block party in Grand Prairie when the city celebrates completing the exterior restoration of the Uptown Theater, located at 126 East Main Street.
The Uptown Theater originally opened in 1950 as a movie theater. In 2005 the City of Grand Prairie purchased the theater and two adjoining buildings to create a multi-use performing arts center. In addition to being the home for the Grand Prairie Arts Council (GPAC) productions, the City of Grand Prairie will present a series of performances featuring regional and national touring productions.
“Lights, Camera, UPTOWN: A Marquee Celebration†will feature free entertainment throughout the evening from local performance groups including Children of the Strings Orchestra, Amandaâ€\s Dance, and a theatrical presentation from GPAC. Food and beverages will be offered for sale by local restaurants. Free face painting â€" with entertainment themes â€" will be available for kids of all ages.
After dark a brief program will culminate in the lighting of the new digital marquee and the restored pink and green neon. Grand Prairie favorites The Fugitives will perform immediately after the lighting ceremony.
Join the City of Grand Prairie in celebrating this important milestone in the rebirth of the historic Uptown Theater. The street party will be a peek into what the future holds for this important artistic landmark.
For more information please contact Elspeth McDonald, Managing Director of the Uptown Theater at 972-237-8409 or
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How many seats?
It looks like there will be about 400 seats once the restoration is complete.
A 1986 view of the Uptown Theater here and here showing a double feature, “Violets are Blue” with Sissy Spacek and Kevin Kline along with “Knights of the City” with Leon Kennedy and Nicholas Campbell.
Stayed in Grand Prairie and saw the very cool Uptown at night – impressive marquee lighting! Unfortunately I had no camera, but drove by the next morning and got some pictures. New pics on the Photos page.
1983 news story about the movie theatre restoration! https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc974683/
The Uptown’s web site says the house opened on March 17, 1950.