Travels of a Scenic Artist and Scholar: The Paramount
Travels of a Scenic Artist and Scholar: The Paramount
A vintage photograph of the Paramount in Austin, TexasThe fire curtain at the Paramount Theatre in Austin, Texas. The League of Historic American Theatres conference held their closing party on the stage.The fire curtain was produced by the St. Louis scenic studio – Toomey & Volland.Looking up at the Paramount Theatre in Austin, Texas.LHAT closing party at the ParamountLHAT closing party at the ParamountLHAT closing party at the Paramount
The last event for the League of Historic American Theatres (LHAT) was at the Paramount Theatre. We learned about the incredible history of this beautiful historic theater and its inspiring staff. Each of the staff gave brief presentations and insight into the running of their venue. We looked at funding, educational development, community outreach, and productions.
What struck many of us was the passion and dedication clearly apparent as individuals spoke about their role and mission. It is apparent that the employees feel appreciated. They are treated very well; this feeds into and supports their continued dedication. This is such a no brainer. In this venue, labor is not the enemy. Great healthcare, benefits, and support pay off in the long run.
The Paramount perspective: Investments in our greatest asset…our people.
The executive director of the facility took the time to explain their approach. The repeated over and over that they took the time to investment in their greatest asset…our people. This venue treats their patrons and staff equally well. They are an example of what all theaters, and businesses, should aspire too.
Only 20% of their revenue is dependent on grants, with the majority of their funding originating from private sources. They worked hard to achieve this level of success and continue to work hard at it.
The LHAT closing party was held on stage with a Texas barbeque theme, complete with picnic tables, bourbon samples, and sparking lights overhead. Despite everything else that is troubling in the world, we all needed this community event and positive message. The experience left me with a feeling of hope.
Painted detail at the Paramount Theatre in Austin, TexasPainted detail at the Paramount Theatre in Austin, Texas
To be continued…
Author: waszut_barrett@me.com
Wendy Rae Waszut-Barrett, PhD, is an author, artist, and historian, specializing in painted settings for opera houses, vaudeville theaters, social halls, cinemas, and other entertainment venues. For over thirty years, her passion has remained the preservation of theatrical heritage, restoration of historic backdrops, and the training of scenic artists in lost painting techniques. In addition to evaluating, restoring, and replicating historic scenes, Waszut-Barrett also writes about forgotten scenic art techniques and theatre manufacturers. Recent publications include the The Santa Fe Scottish Rite Temple: Freemasonry, Architecture and Theatre (Museum of New Mexico Press, 2018), as well as articles for Theatre Historical Society of America’s Marquee, InitiativeTheatre Museum Berlin’s Die Vierte Wand, and various Masonic publications such as Scottish Rite Journal, Heredom and Plumbline. Dr. Waszut-Barrett is the founder and president of Historic Stage Services, LLC, a company specializing in historic stages and how to make them work for today’s needs. Although her primary focus remains on the past, she continues to work as a contemporary scene designer for theatre and opera.
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