Located in the original 1894 Opera House situated on the historic Pilot Point Square, The Garage Door Theater @ Pilot Point Opera House began in 2007 as an idea to bring the “Community Theater” back to life and restore the old Opera House to its former glory.
It began as The Pilot Point Community Opera House, with the commitment to promote theater arts education, enable theater participation for children and adults alike, and create a venue for live music. With the help of countless volunteers and civic leaders over the past 12 years, we have worked diligently to restore the theater, which has since become a staple in our community.
It all started when…
In the 19th century, pioneering men and women came to this untamed region of Texas bordering the blackland prairie and post oak savannah areas. A town was platted, a prosperous community grew, and a town square developed that included the building of the local Opera House.
Years later the Opera House fell on hard times, the second story was removed, and the structure was repurposed. Yet the lower floor of the stone building remained intact. Located on the west side of the Square in Pilot Point, the structure has seen many incarnations throughout its ensuing 115 years. Beneath the current obscuring white metal siding, the first floor of the original 1894 Pilot Point Opera House still remains.
It was the dream of three local men that this building should be preserved for future generations. The idea to save and protect this historical asset, acquire the property and restore the building to its original purpose was the vision of Darrell Alesse, David Delcourt, and Howard Kimble. Their leadership and inspiration led a small group of citizens in 2007 to pursue the feasibility of acquiring this significantly unique property.
The effort of the group to incorporate as a Texas non-profit organization named the Pilot Point Community Opera House and elected officers, was pursued and completed in the fall of 2007, followed by a contract to purchase the historical property in March, 2008. The goal of this non-profit organization is to restore and preserve the building, and improve its performance facilities.
Pilot Point, platted in 1855, is very fortunate that much of the 19th century Square remains intact. According to the book “Grand Old Texas Theatres”, by Hal and Hasbrook, the Pilot Point Opera House ranks as the 5th oldest in the State. It has stood for over 100 years, once the heart of this community and an essential part of Pilot Point’s heritage. It was where people met for entertainment, public meetings, and to catch up on local happenings. It was the place to see and be seen!
The PPCOH is an independent, non-profit organization which has obtained the IRS 501(C)(3) tax exempt status. PPCOH revenues come from ticket sales, event fees, fundraising events, membership fees, grants and gifts.
