Nestled in the heart of Fort Worth's Cultural District, the W.E. Scott Theatre stands as a testament to an era of grandeur, ambition, and artistry. Shadowed by the gleaming modernity of Dickies Arena and the Amon Carter Museum of American Art, this 480-seat gem seems caught in time, an unpolished relic that once commanded attention. For decades, it was the stage where local dreams soared, but now it teeters between revival and neglect. A $30 million renovation price tag looms over its future, leaving many to wonder: “Can this stage shine again?”
To understand why this theater matters, you need to hear from Rob Kelly, the longtime director of the William Edrington Scott Foundation and one of its most steadfast advocates. With over 40 years dedicated to the foundation and a passion for preserving Fort Worth’s cultural heritage, Kelly is the keeper of the Scott Theatre’s story — and its potential comeback.
“This wasn’t just a building; it was Billy Scott’s vision of a first-class theater,” Kelly says.
Built in 1966, the theater was the realization of William Edrington Scott’s dream. Scott, a bachelor with no heirs, poured his fortune into creating a space that would elevate Fort Worth’s arts scene. He recruited Donald Oenslager from New York to design the theater along with Fort Worthian Joseph R. Pelich. of Broadway’s top set designers to ensure every detail was perfect — from the proscenium stage with its versatile orchestra lift to the semicircular seating designed for impeccable sight-lines.
“No one’s head blocks your view, even if you’re in the back row,” Kelly explains. “It’s a masterpiece of both function and form.”
Rob Kelly
But Scott’s dream didn’t just end with cutting-edge design. It was about community, about giving Fort Worth a stage to rival any in the country. And for years, it delivered.
The Scott Theatre enjoyed decades as a hub for plays, operas, and community events. Yet as time marched on, the city’s attention — and funds — shifted elsewhere. The once-state-of-the-art venue began to show its age. A major renovation in 1991 brought new lighting, sound, and reupholstered seats, but that was 26 years ago. Today, its bathrooms aren’t ADA-compliant, and the carpets and walls cry out for restoration.
According to Kelly, a former city official admitted the city dropped the ball on maintaining the theatre. “It’s their job, and they failed.”
Despite the neglect, the theater remains a cherished space for many, with groups like Kids Who Care calling it home. But even they have moved on, leaving the Scott stage conspicuously quiet this December — a rarity in its history.
The debate surrounding the Scott Theatre’s future mirrors a larger question about Fort Worth’s identity. Should the city embrace the new, even at the expense of the old? Or should it honor its past by preserving landmarks like the Scott?
For Kelly, the answer is clear: “You don’t tear it down. You bring it back to its original glory.”
He acknowledges the $30 million price tag as daunting but believes the work can be tackled incrementally.
“Repaint it. Reupholster the seats. Fix the bathrooms. It’s not magic — just overdue care,” he says.
The theater’s architectural charm, a classic 1950s design, still harmonizes with the surrounding museums. Any drastic changes, Kelly warns, could disrupt the cultural district’s aesthetic. “The Scott fits here. It belongs here.”
Fort Worth has a history of blending preservation with progress. Its art deco skyline, lovingly maintained over decades, stands as proof that the city values its roots. The Scott Theatre deserves the same chance.
Kelly remains hopeful that a new generation will rally behind the theater, just as its builders did nearly six decades ago. He envisions a revitalized Scott Theatre hosting dynamic performances that once again draw crowds and revenue.
“It’s not just about the money,” Kelly says. “It’s about what the theater represents — a space where creativity thrives, where the community gathers, and where Fort Worth’s history takes center stage.”
