The city of Houston may boast the second largest theater district in the country, but attention to the arts is also mimicked in suburban areas, such as Cy-Fair, which has seen an expansion of fine arts options in recent months.

Work began in late February on one expansion project at Houston Family Arts Center, a local actors academy. Executive director Bob Clark is in the midst of constructing a new Fischer Black Box Theater, which will hold between 95–120 guests when completed by early April, compared to 75 previously.

"We have a lot of shows coming up in May, and we wanted to get better seating for our parents," Clark said.

Two new musical options have emerged in Cy-Fair throughout the past few months, one of which—the Cypress Symphony—is preparing for its official season to begin in September. Founder and executive director Caroline Ewan was raised in Cypress and began the symphony through a class project at Rice University last fall.

"I want Northwest Houston to experience the highest caliber of classical music in their own neighborhood, so I am bringing the finest musicians in the world to our community," she said.

The Cypress Symphonic Band also debuted last fall in an effort to advance the art of community band musicianship in Northwest Houston and to provide a place for local musicians to rehearse and play concerts.

"I think it's wonderful for the community to get the opportunity to participate in or listen to actual concert band music, because it's the kind of thing you don't see or hear a lot of these days," said Bill Howard, charter member and board member.

Harris County is also expanding its fine arts options, as Precinct 4's nonprofit Fun For Seniors prepares to launch a Shakespeare in the Shade Trees program this April. County officials hope the performance, which starts at 7:30 p.m. April 12 at Lone Star College–Tomball, can plant the seeds for the beginnings of a future Shakespeare festival in the precinct's parks, said Mark Seegers, communications director.

"Commissioner [Jack] Cagle enjoys Shakespeare and sees the value of theatre arts as being important on a level of education, quality of life and even economic development in Precinct 4," he said.

Local perfomances

Shakespeare in the Shade Trees

Harris County Precinct 4 launches this new program April 12 at Lone Star College—Tomball.

• Tickets are $10 for general admission and $7 for seniors and students
• Performance begins at 7:30 p.m.
• Call 281-893-3726 for tickets

Cypress Symphony

Next performance is March 24 at Lakewood United Methodist Church.

• Tickets are free
• Performance begins at 7 p.m.
• Visit cypressymphony.com for tickets

Cypress Symphonic Band

Members of this community band practice weekly and host semi-annual concerts.

• Rehearsals are Tuesdays at 7:30 p.m. at Lone Star College-University Park
• Visit cypressymphonicband.org for information

Houston Family Arts Center

• Cy-Fair's local actors academy presents several theatrical works throughout the year.
• Visit houstonfac.com or call 281-685-6374 for tickets