Located in Hermann Park, Miller Outdoor Theatre is set to undergo facility improvements starting in October to focus on items such as the center’s heating, ventilation and cooling system, according to officials from Houston First Corporation, which oversees venue maintenance and facilities across the city.

While Houston First manages the theater’s facilities, the Miller Theatre Advisory Board oversees the public funds given to the theater’s programs and strategic directions.

Claudia de Vasco, managing director of the Miller Outdoor Theatre Advisory Board, said that because of the scale of the renovations, the theater’s current season and the following season will be impacted by the new facility improvements.

“We will be ending the 2025 season early and starting the 2026 season about three months late due to this construction project,” de Vasco said.

The last show of the season will take place Oct. 4, but the season typically ends around early November. The 2026 season will now start in June, compared to its usual beginning in late March, de Vasco said.

A variety of entertainment and performers use the stage at Miller Outdoor Theatre, including art and music performers. (Courtesy Miller Outdoor Theatre)
A variety of entertainment and performers use the stage at Miller Outdoor Theatre, including art and music performers. (Courtesy Miller Outdoor Theatre)

About the project



This past June, Houston First's board approved the renovation plans and allocated a total of $2.2 million to the project in case of contingency.

A list of project details given to Community Impact from the corporation includes:

  • Replacing the wood floor and subframes with fire-treated joists and decking
  • Replacing the existing rooftop and related condensing units
  • Replacing condensing units with a single, larger capacity unit
  • Replacing indoor fan coil units and air handling units
  • Adding ductwork and air grills to supply air to the stage area
  • Adding dampers/controls to control under-floor and overhead air supply
  • Replacing existing electrical panel boards, breakers, switches and wiring that serve the HVAC equipment
  • Replacing existing audio/video cabling and panels

“This is all back-of-house maintenance work to make sure the theater’s infrastructure is sound and modern,” said A.J. Mistretta, vice president of corporate communications for Houston First.

Miller Outdoor Theatre celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2023. (Roo Moody/Community Impact)
Miller Outdoor Theatre celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2023. (Roo Moody/Community Impact)

The last time the theater had significant improvements was in 2014, which included a $4.7 million makeover that replaced the roof, added catwalk improvements, and electrical, lighting and sound system upgrades, according to the venue's website.

About the organization

Designed as an amphitheater in 1922, Miller Outdoor Theatre sits on approximately 7.5 acres of land in Hermann Park and provides seating for more than 1,700 visitors.



Additionally, the theater has a large sloping lawn that can accommodate around 4,500 blankets or lawn chairs, where seating is always free.

As of now, the theater has a 64-by-41-foot stage, 54 line sets for hanging lights, an orchestra pit that can be raised and lowered and a 110-ton air conditioning system that cools the performance area.

Before you go

Residents can catch the 46th Annual Festival Chicano before the season ends, featuring a range of Chicano music, from Tejano and conjunto to mariachi and orchestra.