More upgrades are coming to Miller Outdoor Theatre, as announced by Managing Director Claudia de Vasco at a Nov. 13 groundbreaking ceremony.

Currently, the outdoor theater is closed for maintenance and renovations planned by Houston First Corp., as previously reported by Community Impact. However, the new enhancements announced by de Vasco are managed by the Miller Theatre Advisory Board, which oversees the public funds given to the theater’s programs and strategic directions.

"The Gateway Plaza project will serve as an official entrance for Miller Outdoor Theatre, signaling to visitors, 'You're here. You've arrived. This is your arts home,'" de Vasco said.

About the project

When reflecting on what the next 100 years would look like for the venue, de Vasco said the advisory board decided to focus on projects that would improve visitors’ experience.



“We saw areas that flooded after light rain, pads that were too narrow for crowds or for our teams driving utility vehicles into the park safely,” de Vasco said. “We saw families struggling with strollers on the pathways or folks with mobility needs.”

The Gateway Plaza will be the first project to address these needs and make the grounds more accessible. Additionally, the plaza will feature three large sculptural structures that resemble birds to create shaded areas, de Vasco said.

Funds for the project were raised through the support of donors and the theater's 100th Anniversary Campaign Cabinet. Construction will begin shortly, and de Vasco said the project will continue through the summer of 2026.

Mayor Whitmire and Councilwoman Dr. Carolyn Evans-Shabazz participated in the groundbreaking ceremony. (Roo Moody/Community Impact)
Mayor Whitmire and council member Carolyn Evans-Shabazz participated in the groundbreaking ceremony. (Roo Moody/Community Impact)

More details

Several local government officials attended the groundbreaking ceremony, including Houston Mayor John Whitmire and council member Carolyn Evans-Shabazz.



Evans-Shabazz is the representative for District D and recalls visiting Miller Outdoor Theatre while growing up in Houston’s Third Ward. She spoke at the ceremony about the importance of preserving and improving the venue.

“The signature project of Miller's 100th anniversary capital campaign represents not only an investment in infrastructure, but an investment in access, equity and legacy preservation,” Evans-Shabazz said. “This is about ensuring ... that students, artists and visitors continue to experience the magic, the magic of Miller Outdoor Theater for the next 100 years.”