The theatre was small and comfortable but bring a sweater. It was a little chilly inside. Not a bad seat in the house. The play was very good and the actors were engaging. In all, a great experience. We are coming back! read more

I have rlly personal exp w/ this place so this is gna b long. I was practically raised in this building. My first show here was at age 11, my last at 19. In that time I'd been in so many productions I have actually lost count. If this was a real workplace it would break numerous labor laws. To start acting here you NEED to come in with little self-respect and leave with none. Actors are expected to volunteer their money, clothes, pets, children and any sign of second thought is looked on as selfishness. There are contracts for the volunteer work here which do not exist for the protection of the laborer. I'm pretty sure they're accessible from their website. You can read them yourself. You'd have to be really naive to think you weren't being taken advantage of. Dude who owns it; a man actually named Jamey J. Jameson. I spent my adolescence trying to know this man. The only conclusion I can come to is that at some point he got bitter and his heart died. He holds himself with such disdain toward everything around him. ACT has a reputation for doing shows without licensing. This is because Jamey has made an enemy of nearly every prominent licensing company he's worked with. He has consistently refused to try to make amends because doing that would require admitting fault. He could fix this problem by being an adult and owning up to the person he's become but I know he'll never do that. This stubbornness is legitimately destroying his business. I'm embarrassed to have once considered him a mentor For a long time he would punish hyperactive KIDS in his KIDS productions by giving them 'the shirt'. Which was a punishment where Jamey's often unwashed sweaty t-shirt was pulled over a kid's head and they were held against his bare, stinking, damp, hairy torso. that's a deeply fucked up thing to do to children, man. At age 14, while I was still acting here, I developed an eating disorder. The adults around me spread the rumor that I had a sexually transmitted disease because I'm queer. Jamey would routinely mock me for having rapidly lost weight. I guess he thought it was like. Unmanly or something? Because there's nothing cooler than calling a child a fag (which he also did). Made him feel big and funny. I later learned he used my recovery as a story in a bid to receive funding from the city without my knowledge or consent. I wouldn't have allowed him to do that if he asked me. Pretty scummy thing to do, man. The summer of that year I had been volunteering as a counselor for the kid's theater camps and I was called ungrateful for taking a break to eat my lunch. Which considering the eating disorder thing that he clearly knew about. Dude??? I guess the work itself was the reward for the work. Many of the ppl in this building are known sex pests who are allowed to continue to work around their victims either because they supply funding to ACT, or out of desperation for actors who are naive enough to supply hours of unpaid, unsafe manual labor on the ever-instilled belief that they have no chance of acting in any other environment. As a child I felt unsafe. As an adult I felt degraded. I've seen this building ruin lives. Rend families apart. ACT likes to sell itself as a struggling haven for outcasts but it's not. It's a little dying hole in the wall where a sad little man's dead dreams poison everything around him. I loved this place. I made and lost some of the deepest friendships I think I'll ever have here. There's so much I learned about myself here, but I REFUSE to give the art centre theatre credit for that. That was me. This place drains people of every bit of passion they bring and claims credit for the things they achieve on their own. The effort and love of performers and directors is so brightly evident! It's what draws people In, makes the shows watchable. But performers are told that they are lesser for it. That nobody else will take them. That they're annoying and broken and that they deserve to work tirelessly and thanklessly to keep a man who hates them's dying business afloat. It's manipulative and considering that this place markets itself toward like. Kids and teens, it's evil. I hope you're reading this, Jamey. I hope one day someone gives you a wake-up call that actually works and you realize that the people around you are as real as you and that each of them goes through things just as miserable as the things you go through. Kindness is a choice you can make, and one that will reward you. That you are not stuck in your position because you are the victim of the world, but because people do not like you. And they dislike you not because of some unchangeable part of you, but because of how you've chosen to treat them. If you don't change you will die miserable. I'm only writing this in a public forum because I know you care so much about reputation and I think it actually might be the only way to reach you. Take it how you will but I'm finally done with this place read more

Small non-profit 501.c.3 Community Theatre serving Plano, Texas for almost 25 years. I tried out for a show and working with a wonderful Director and cast members. Met the Director, Jamey Jamison and other members of their board of directors. Well kept secret in Plano and they put out a lot of different shows across all genres; comedy, musicals, etc. read more

The theatre is located in a very industrial/office space. There were plenty of parking available. The theatre is tiny. The lobby had a couple of couches, and some eclectic decor. I did not print my ticket, and it was not an issue! You can just show the PDF copy on your phone. The concessions had water, candy, pop (soda), and chips for $3. They also had wine, and beer for an additional price. The employees here were very upbeat, animated, and friendly! Everyone received a fun feathered boa for the show. WARNING: the seats up front near the stage (Rows AA) and on the side of the stage (Rows G, F, and E) are basically benches and looked extremely uncomfortable! The rows back are more like your typical fold down theatre chairs. read more

A group of us came up to the art centere to see the Evil Dead musical after one of my friends found an advertisement for it on Facebook. The actors did an outstanding job, engaged with the crowd and got a lot of laughs. Plus with the interactive elements of the show I'm glad a lot of people in the front row had ponchos cause they had seats in the "splash zone" (Something unique to this show.) The staff checking us in and at concessions all were helpful and friendly. The inside of the theatre is cute for a small community theater in the area. Alot of the theater had seats but at least the first row or two had bench seating which wasn't clear online but worked out for those sitting there. My one major "complaint" if it really could be one is they could benefit from better signs to be able to find them easier. Either something from the street or a more clear sign on the building vs just writing on the door. Especially with them being in an area with a lot of identical/similar buildings. We also saw a lot of people pull into the parking lot for the building next door to have to pull back out on the street to get into the correct driveway for the parking lot. One of us had called to make sure we had the correct address cause iPhone maps pulled up their previous address vs the address on their website but they didn't have anyone answering phones less than 30 minutes before show time. read more

We've been here quite a few times but we were never treated well but the last 2 time it was just awful how they treated us. We were 5 minutes late and the manager said they gave away our seats but to go in and see what we could find. That's okay, it was our fault. We go in and our seats are open but we didn't want to walk in front of anyone while the play was going so grabbed two seats at the door. A couple of minutes later, in walks the manager with other late arrivals, with a flashlight, walks past the stage and seats these people in our seats. Well, that was annoying. Next play comes and we arrive early but no one is there. Find someone hold rehearsal in the back and find out the play was cancelled. Too bad, someone should have told us. Maybe that same someone should have put a notice on the door too! Nope, won't be back. read more

We attended the Dinner theatre experience and it was one of the worst events we've attended in years. The food was terrible. Salad from a bag thrown on a paper plate. Some kind of soup that looked like oily dishwater ladled into a plastic bowl . And frozen lasagna heated up and thrown on more paper plates. Unfortunately the food was absolutely the best part of the experience. The show, Oh my. The show. It was a poorly written murder mystery performed by the worst cast I've ever seen on a stage. Really. A grade school production of Winnie the Pooh would have been far more interesting and better acted. It was like a group of people working at a local car wash decided at lunch that they should put on a play that night and actually did it. They should all stick to washing the cars. Please go back to the car wash and never "act" again. Please. You really aren't qualified for this on any level. Good bye Art Center Theatre. read more

The theater itself is just as I expected. Quite small and crowded. Makes for an intimate setting even during intermission. I did get a chance to skim some other reviews for this place prior to actually venturing out here just to get idea of how accurate the praises and/or criticisms are. Seating is bench style so that was a little different than I anticipated. I was assuming there'd be chairs and the bench style is actually a welcome surprise. We sat at "seats" A15 and A16 which is the first row on the far right if you're facing the stage. The only reason I didn't give the review a 5-star is because there were a few spots that, from this vantage point, the view is blocked. For example, the right-side top balcony and the video display on the right-side wall. But the staff there did say that if you'd like to move around to other empty seats, you're welcome to do so which is good to know so patrons are aware they have that option. So technically I could've moved to another seat during intermission if it bothered me enough but it didn't and I ultimately still found the performance and experience very enjoyable! The play we took in this evening was Beauty and the Beast (adults) and thoroughly loved it! My favorites were Lumiere (played by Mason Rettig), Belle (played by Hanna Kilpatrick), Egg Lady (played by Camille Skye), and Lefou/Maurice (played by Michael Packer). The reasons are.. hillarious, great voice, great voice, and super enthusiastic in that order =) Also, it's pretty cool that the actors and actresses stayed afterwards in a line to send us off and shake our hands. The show ended really late so I'm sure they were exhausted but it went a long way. I wanted to take a photo with some of my favorites but the moment passed and didn't get chance to ask. Maybe next time. Only picture I had was the playbill which showed a bit of the stage too. Also one last note. I saw some other reviewers mention some criticisms of the owner. The little we got to interact or observe from the guy, I definitely wouldn't be surprised if those criticisms were all true (verbally abusive, dictatorial, etc etc) but this is just based on speculation. From what I actually did see was that he can be blunt, extremely sarcastic, and won't sugarcoat things. But nothing nearly as bad as what I've been reading from other reviews. But do understand, this is my first visit here and just from perspective from the audience. read more

First of all the acting was great and play was good. The reason for the three star rating is the actual venue itself and seating. First, I selected seats and paid for them on-line but when we got to the venue we were not seated in the actual seats that I paid for because these are bench seats and people were sitting in a couple of our seat so they seated us beside them. The bench seating was uncomfortable and other people took up way too much room on the bench if you not what I mean. The bench seating was not on an incline making it hard to see everything that was going on on the stage. The entrance, hallway and amount of restrooms in inappropriate for the number of people they cram into the theater. I would recommend going to rover drama works or another venue for this type of theater. read more

After reading a lot of the reviews and not being sure what to think I decided to give this Small Intimate Venue a shot. First of all there was plenty of parking which is nice and it was free which is even nicer! As far as the venue is concerned it is small, very small and the dive bar of community theater to classify it a bit. We came on a Friday night to see the Adult Cast version of The Nightmare Before Christmas. It started off a little sluggish and slow and left me a bit lost as I could tell most of the cast was either just doing this as a hobby or getting their feet wet in the theatre scene. That's All except for the person playing the main character of Jack Skellington and the boy playing his dog Zero which were both phenomenal. As far as the stage it is very small and the front row is literally just steps away from the stage and the very back is just a few feet back from that, I think just 6 rows in all. The stage design wasn't bad given the space or what I presume is a small budget and did the job or setting a tone. I would definitely recommend to people to give this place a shot and judge for yourself, as given the low ticket prices you don't have much to lose, especially if you come in with low or no expectations and just take the experience in for what it is. read more

The Art Centre Theatre - Nightmare Before Christmas Set - Performing Arts Near Me - Plano, Texas

Intimate theatre with big talent and fun shows! The front row pew seats are very comfortable and the whole theatre has a cozy environment.

It is way way off broadway. Up a fantastic lil community theatere house, can't wait til the production

This place is extremely unprofessional and unorganized. My friend had previously emailed them for volunteer opportunities but after we arrived after a 30 minute drive they informed us that they had no opportunities. There was no prior email or warning informing us of this. 100 percent would not recommend. read more

Last week my wife and I brought my son to a performance of "Once Upon a Mattress". We've been to many local "youth theaters", and Arts Centre Theatre is right up there with the best of them and better than most. The performance was billed as being by "teens", though there were a few younger actors and some that I would call adults. Or perhaps they were just mature "late teens". The actors were at least quite good, and at best exceptional. The evil Queen was spectacular in her ... uhm ... well, evilness. The "wizard", played by a young lady acting like an old lady was brilliant and sometimes stole scenes she didn't have a word in because of her stage presence and batty improvisations. The sets were great, the costumes were great and the song and dance numbers were well-performed. I don't know what more I might have asked for. One warning: if you are shy (or wearing open-toed shoes), don't sit in the front row. The actors do engage with the audience if you're right up front. And the stage is right there at the front row. If you stand up, you're on the stage. I thought it was a travesty that the majority of the audience seemed to be friends and relatives of the actors. Assuming all their offerings are this high-quality, this place deserves a big audience of people just coming to see the performance. The lady who took tickets seemed to be amazed that we and another couple there didn't know anyone ... that we had just come to see the play. If you're tired of movie theaters (or the dreck that plays in movie theaters), try out the Art Centre Theatre for a performance with real, live people. We had a great time, and the actors even stayed to chat with the audience afterwards. Great fun for the whole family! read more

ACT's production of In The Heights was phenomenal to say the least. Sydney Cornelius' direction and set design was both breath-taking and impressive for such a small stage-- it made a small "podunk-town" play feel like an off-Broadway masterpiece. Xavier Orozco shined as Lin-Manuel Miranda's Usnavi, an amazing interpretation that seemed to channel the Broadway performer's character with stunning brilliance. Each and every performer made connections with the audience that had us rooting for them. The establishment albeit small, humbles itself and performs above and beyond-- both in cast and in crew. The staff was very friendly and the cast personally thanked each patron for coming after the show was over. This is my first time at ACT and I will DEFINITELY be returning and telling all my friends about this place. Will especially come back to see another one of Cornelius' plays if she ever chooses to direct again. My only complaint was one very grumpy, bossy, and somewhat rude usher that barked instructions to patrons but everything else about this wonderful theatre outshined that one discrepancy. read more

This is a theater that my friend and I used to go to see really bad acting and terrible set design. There's a very low budget college feel to everything. The actors even work to concession stand at intermission. So if you're going for a laugh and break from real theater, you'll be fine. If you're going to have nice theater experience, don't bother. Instead, go to Rockwall Community Playhouse. The quality of the actors and the production is 1000x better. As an aside, I also had the opportunity to speak with the manager there, in an attempt to voice some concerns over a few offensive scenes in one of their plays. He was truly one of the most pompous, arrogant, self-righteous jerks that I've ever met. Apparently, he expected me to believe that because he is gay, he is incapable of producing a play that is offensive towards the homosexual community. He was wrong. My best friend is gay and he requested that we no longer go to this theater because of their attitude. read more

Bad house management. At show time, we were tired of waiting and left. By then, I didn't care if the play was good or not. We showed up early (as it's a bit of a hike) and got to sit around a long time. About 20 minutes before show time, the lobby doors were open but the lights weren't on. Around 5 minutes before show time, the lights were on (still pretty dark), but a rehearsal for the next show was ongoing. We watched those rehearsals on various monitors in the lobby. We were told that the rehearsal was running long and that we'd just have to wait for it to end before being seated. I was surprised that everyone was so disrespectful of the audience's and actors' time. read more

One of our friends and his daughter are both in various productions here and it's always a blast. Whether it's family-friendly Annie or an 18+ only comedy show, it's totally worth the price of admission! You can tell that everyone involved really cares, and the kiddos learn a lot. They have concessions that you can bring into the theatre, the front row audience feels like they're a part of the show, and everyone seems to know everyone else. We only know one family (dad and daughter are involved in the shows and mom sometimes takes tickets, or just comes to shows to support), but it's really easy to see that everyone at ACT is one giant family. Check out their calendar and go see them. They have the Rocky Horror Show coming up in October, and I think it's high time I see the stage show again. Heck one of these years, I may even try out for something again. read more

This theater produces shows continuously all year. They do an amazing number of plays and musicals, in addition to the hosting training camps/productions for kids of all ages. Some important recent ACT productions; Into the Woods, To Kill A Mockingbird, Chicago, 1776, Arsenic and Old Lace, Rent, and The Sound of Music, keep traditional theater and musical theater alive with a high production values. The stage is small and the seating is intimate, but thanks to Mr. Jamison's genius at creating and dressing sets, even complex works come to life successfully. There are many talented actors and singers who regularly perform on ACT's stage. This is in part because the theater acts as a community, nurturing and encouraging especially the talents of younger members. In addition, the crowded production schedule allows a wide variety of people a chance to work at something they are passionate about. The passion shows in the performances! Actors/singers who are continually given opportunities, bloom from the effects of experience! Finally, one of the greatest things about ACT is the ability of families to participate in productions together! How often do you get a chance to participate in making art with your children? read more

I came here after getting some comped tickets off goldstar.com for "The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged)." The idea of the play is all of Shakespeare plays done in about 2 hours, and it may not have been everyone's cup of tea, but it wasn't bad at all. It was a group of 3 teenagers and they did their best to interact with the audience. I'm pretty sure a lot of the people there were their fiends and family, but it was fun nonetheless. It's a nice little theater, and the staff is super friendly. I'm looking forward to the Evil Dead play in a few weeks. read more

My experience with the Art Centre Theatre has been fantastic! They work extremely hard to produce high quality shows & they never disappoint! read more

This place is OKAY - BEWARE OF THE EXTRA COSTS!!! everything this place does is to make money, it started off as one price and the first day of camp we were give 30 pages of instructions on volunteer requirements and additional costs. We also decided to do the second set of shows which I regret since parents only get 5 free tickets and siblings any age are included in those comp tickets. Any extra tickets are $15 plus $3 processing fee. Im sorry but this is a children's camp we already paid for not broadway. $18 a ticket is ridoculous!! read more

I have been to many of the local community theaters in the North Texas area. This has got to be the most unprofessional theater. I came for a musical production. First there is no marking for the seats so someone had to say ok, this row and kind of leave 2 people to your right. When the simplest and cheap solution is to put stickies on the seat/seatbacks with the seat number so people know. The music played in the background was horrible. I should have known when they have someone in charge of the sound who did not know how to turn the music off when the director came to give the welcome talk. Actors are not taking their spots correctly in the light so they can be seen. Singing was off key. Acting was horrible, it is as if I was watching a middle school act where they are doing this for the first time. The music overpowered the voice of the singers. Ok, some of the singing by some actors were good at times but not consistent. One poor lady forgot her lines twice. Some of the audience seems to enjoy watching the poor acting and singing. If this is supposed to be bad acting on purpose, it should be stated on the website. At least 4 people left during the intermission. read more

BEWARE OF HIDDEN COSTS ON TOP OF REGISTRATION!!! I registered my three girls for CATS starting this coming Monday (07/02/18) and paid in full. They sent me a long email AFTER I registered with an attached contract. This contract is asking me to sign up for additional fees and charges on added conditions. These conditions include 1) Parents are required to assist with "Set Build" & "Strike Set" or pay $100 for each effort (4 hours) & you can bring Beer. 2) Purchase Unitard and wig ($45) for each kid or wear your own costume. 3) If late picking up kids, pay $1/per minute (same as daycares). 4) Pay $1000.00 per kid, should any kid chooses not to attend one of more performances (total of 4). I spoke with executive director (Jamey Jamison) on the phone. He tried to tell me that I had agreed to all the rules/fees when I registered. Then he proceeded to tell me he believed this camp to be very inexpensive based on the hours referring to it as "Babysitting". I don't need anyone to "Babysit" my girls and do not believe this to be the intent of this form of ART. My girls are musically inclined and love to act. They don't mind performing in all 4 performances, but there is no way I am signing a contract to pay $1000 per child. I don't agree with adults drinking beer while setting up sets around children. My children used to attend PFAMILY and thoroughly enjoyed it. It was worth every penny. Unfortunately, I have not been able to find another place as good as PFAMILY. At this point, I will be disputing the registration fee with my credit card based "Non-Disclosure of Full Contract". read more

This past summer I saw four excellent productions at The Art Centre Theatre -- two teen cast productions and two adult cast productions. The teen cast productions of "Cinderella-Tale of the Glass Slipper" and "Beauty & The Beast" were remarkably well-directed and performed. Both shows were rehearsed and prepared during 2-week "summer day camps" ... in addition to the charming and often brilliant performances, it was obvious that the cast was supported by a very talented production director and caring staff for music, choreography and lighting ... stage movement and placement of 20+ youth actors, singing in harmonies, all elements coordinated with sophisticated style, yet still revealing youthful Charm and humor... BRAVO! BRILLIANT! As for the two adult cast productions - "Big Fish" and "In The Heights" -- I am simply not articulate enough to describe how incredible these shows were. The tight choregraphy and crisp vocals for "In The Heights", not to mention the soaring ensemble harmonies, made for one thoroughly amazing and entertaining show to experience! In "Big Fish'", not only was the choreography and singing amazing, the TELLING of this "storyteller's story" was amazing beyond the best of my best words! The production's entire team must have been in complete synch, both artistically and emotionally! The set included an absolutely gorgeous 'tapestry'of the swamp, hand-painted directly onto a wall, and segued physically onto the stage as a dock. The costumes were dazzling (how did they make so many changes so fast?) And the cascade of daffodils!!!! So beaytiful and poignant! It is difficult enough for a movie editor to seamlessly switch between scenes of the present and past, but for the Big Fish production team to do it live on The Art Centre Theatre's intimate community theatre stage ... that takes Skill. Craft. And Magic! was certainly left in a puddle of smiling tears! read more

My first play in this theater yesterday, and was quite pleased at the level of acting and the production of Cabaret. It's a small theater but they used their space well. Me and my friend enjoyed the show. Perhaps one or two of the singers went a little off key while singing, but still a nice entertaining show I look forward to attending more shows here. read more

Quaint little theatre hidden in Plano. A show came highly recommended from a client and we thoroughly enjoyed "Memphis: The Musical"! The cast was wonderful and you could tell the camaraderie and pride they have for the theatre is very special. We will absolutely be back! read more

Just went to see their performance of Into the Woods, and it was phenomenal! I appreciate that, even though they're a small theatre, they cast exceptional talent. Second show I've seen directed by Kathy French, and she has yet to disappoint. Bravo! read more

This may be my fault, I didn't know this place is community theater. As amateur theater goes, it was not great. the venue was weird too but I guess when it's not a big production house you can't expect a whole lot more. read more

Our second show. Both were GREAT. A lot of very talented folks in the casts. And $15 for a ticket, it is the best 2+ hours in the Metroplex.

I was in the cast of The Princess Bride last year as my first play. It was not only an extremely well done production and great success, but contributed to giving me a great amount of well rounded acting experience. This is the best place to hone your acting skill and have a blast. read more

It is a small, cozy theater staff by a lot of volunteers. It's like community theater however I was impressed with some of the actors who seemed like professional level actors. It's an informal type of theater. read more

I am very disappointed in my experience here based on one real thing, punctuality. I have been in theatre a long time and have never been to a show that was notably late. I saw The Rocky Horror Picture Show a few months ago and it was 30min late, Reefer Madness is an hour late. This show is already supposed to start at 10:30 and for it to be an hour late is unacceptable. I wont be back. read more

I've been acting here ever since last summer with The Breakfast Club, and they welcomed me graciously with open arms! I've since done three shows, and I'm about to begin another, and it's the best.. Nice people, great personalities, tons of talent, there's no other theater I'd rather be at. read more

This theatre is a great place to take your kids to be able to help them get the confidence they need. My kids have been going to the theatre for 3 years now and they love it. They started really young, but they have something for everyone. I love the fact that they have family shows too so they can perform with adults also. Not many theatres are like that. The atmosphere is very friendly and welcoming. When you take your kids for a play you end up finding a family. We are definately addicted and i know your kids will probably be the same. They have shows that you can be a part of and/or watch for kids, tweens, teenagers, and adults. Hope to see you guys soon. Maryam read more

I love this place. I take my kids to see shows here and take my wife to see shows here on date nights as well. The people always seem like they're enjoying themselves and the production value is always better than I'd expect out of a community theater. I especilly recommend checking out any of their comedys. The theater is a bit small but it makes the comedy all the more hilarious. read more

I enjoy participating in shows at ACT. It had become a second family to me and my kids.

I have not even see a show here, but judging by the way the owner spoke to me when I was trying to see about getting a refund due to an emergency was beyond disrespectful and rude. He has no class and no customer service. I would suggest staying far away! read more

This may be a good place to go to see a play but do not send your young children to the summer camp. The camp teacher yells and threatens when the children do not remember the lines. When I called to discuss this with a staff member he implied that my children were not telling the truth and was completely dismissive of my concerns. read more

Love this place! Kids have the opportunity to learn all aspects of the theatre experience. It's a small theatre that requires help from volunteers to stay viable, but it's like family there so everyone wants to pitch in. Warning: Your children may have such a great time, they may become addicted. read more