For nearly 80 years, the Brauntex Theatre has been a landmark in downtown New Braunfels, where it has played host to movie showings and live performances.

Originally built in 1942, the theater was purchased in 1999 by the Brauntex Performing Arts Theatre Association. The theater is located at 290 W. San Antonio St., New Braunfels.

In 2015, the nonprofit began a long-term capital improvements project called the Plan Forward Campaign aimed at upgrading and renovating the facility.

The campaign consists of six phases, and the first three phases are already complete, said Delia Milam, capital campaign coordinator for the theater.

The current phase, phase four, is focused on retrofitting infrastructure and upgrading technology in the theater.


“The stage that we’re in right now is probably the most important because what it’s doing is upgrading all of the technology and infrastructure inside of the building,” Milam said. “It is going to allow us to attract higher-quality artists and bring them downtown.”

Phase four comprises the installation of an upgraded public address system, an intelligent lighting system, a 20-foot LED video wall and a new audio system.

In total, the nonprofit theater association will need to raise $3 million for this phase alone through local support and funding from area foundations, Milam said.

When the coronavirus pandemic caused the theater to close temporarily, Milam said board members for the theater decided to use their own funds to install necessary infrastructure and the new public address system without the need to postpone shows.


Once this portion of the campaign is complete, phases five and six will begin and will focus on Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant enhancements, building a semi-outdoor lounge and bar on the second floor, installing a digital marquee and additional refurbishments.

The entire project is anticipated to be completed in the winter of 2023.

830-627-0808. www.brauntex.org