Theatre Coppell

LOCAL QUALITY THEATRE AT ITS BEST!

Theatre Coppell has entertained and inspired local residents with comedies, dramas and musicals for more than 35 years. Shows were presented at schools and other locations in the area until 1999, when the City of Coppell converted an unused fire station to the Coppell Center for the Arts.

The theatre was established in the mid-1980s as Coppell Community Theatre by a core group of volunteers, most of which are still active in the theatre. The first two shows, presented in 1988, were “Mostly Music,” a variety show fundraiser, and “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum.” 

The early years included numerous variety shows and fund-raisers. Haunted houses, presented annually, included “Haunted Ghost Town,” “Haunted Hospital,” “Haunted Hayride” and “Haunted Hollywood.” From the beginning, the theatre had been guided by Wheelice Wilson Jr., who taught theatre at Coppell High School for 36 years. As artistic director of Coppell Community Theatre, he selected shows, marshalled volunteers and directed most of the productions. Wheelice Wilson Jr., known to friends as “Mr. Coppell” because of his lifelong efforts to promote theater and history in his hometown, died Feb. 2, 2022. 

The theatre shortened its name to Theatre Coppell in May 2005. Supported by the City of Coppell and many local residents, the all-volunteer theatre is a vital part of the community. Six shows are presented each season, including several family-friendly options, a musical and at least one production featuring young cast members. Not surprisingly, plays featuring children often sell out. TC is governed by its members who are the “nucleus volunteers” who choose to be active throughout the season. Local businesses are invited to support the theatre by sponsoring productions or making donations.

All shows are performed in the “black box theatre” of the Center for the Arts. The theatre is an intimate, 120-seat theatre with seating on three sides of the stage.