'It's bittersweet' | Woodlawn Theatre director explains move to the former Bijou

Rodriguez says the change is bittersweet.

"I have so many amazing memories here. And over the next few months, we plan on honoring all those memories, giving a chance for students, parents to come back and say their goodbyes," Rodriguez said.

But growth and high interest in the programs led them to consider expansion options, which Rodriguez says he and his staff were already discussing before the pandemic hit.

See more of our conversation with Christopher Rodriguez of the Woodlawn Theatre below (article continues underneath):

The theatre did not just survive the COVID-19 pandemic, but found creative ways to thrive. Virtual summer camps and classes, socially distant fundraisers and online productions were just some of the ways the theatre safely engaged the community during the spread of the virus.

Keeping that momentum going was crucial for taking the next steps. The theatre saw huge interest in its main musicals and youth program roar back to life as society adjusted to COVID-19 procedures.

The theatre also recently hired an outreach coordinator to develop and expand outreach programs. 

"We go out into the community, whether it be schools, whether it be other nonprofits, to bring the joys of musical theater to maybe students who wouldn't normally have access to it," Rodriguez said. 

The organization will be working with two other nonprofits to bring its outreach program to students with developmental disabilities.

"A few months ago, we actually were granted money from philanthropists where we were able to expand our musical theater education program for students that are developmentally disabled," Rodriguez said.

Between the youth program, main stage musicals and the outreach program, the group sought out some wiggle room.

"We felt this was about the right time for us to make a move," Rodriguez said. "We know change is never easy, but it's going to be something that's going to give us the opportunity to move forward for the next ten years as we plan ahead."

While the nonprofit organization operating the theater programs has been in the building for ten years, the Woodlawn Theatre itself has been an iconic entertainment venue going back 77 years.

It started out as a movie theater in 1945.

"Our big claim to fame is that the movie 'The Alamo' premiered here in the sixties," Rodriguez said. " After it was a movie theater for a long period of time, it also became a concert venue for live performances, I think Pink Floyd played here."

It became a nonprofit in 2012 with a mission of promoting and fostering appreciation for the arts in San Antonio. Rodriguez says over the years, their location and surrounding community has helped inspire them to complete their mission.

"I will say one of my favorite things about working in this actual building is so many people just come off the street and be like, 'Hey, I saw this movie here when I was a child or I saw a concert here,'" Rodriguez said. "So it's great to know that there is so much history at this beloved building."

The theater is located along Fredericksburg, between Elemendorf and Donaldson, at the heart of the Deco District and serving as the gateway to the historic Monticello Park neighborhood. It has not been announced what will take its place once the nonprofit organization vacates, but Rodriguez is hopeful for the future of the space.

"And even though we've entertained differently over the past 77 years, there's been so much entertainment in this space," Rodriguez said. "So I'm encouraged and looking forward to see what the owners do once we leave."

They say that when one door closes, another opens. Many people were saddened by the closing of the Bijou Theatre, which is another treasured space that holds many memories for the San Antonio community.

"I grew up in this area, especially around Wonderland of Americas. So when I was child, that was the mall that I always went to with my family," Rodriguez said. "So it's going to be interesting to be back in that area. Both places are very special places in my heart."

While there is no exact timeline for when the new space will open in early 2023, Rodriguez says they are planning their upcoming season with the rebranding in mind.

"We really want to start the new season off with a bang and shows that are going to make a statement and then also the shows that are going to be well received by the community, especially since we're going to be in a new place," Rodriguez said. "We want to draw attention and and know people and let people know that the Woodlawn Theater, even though we will be a new name in this new space that we put on a variety of musicals and entertainment for the city."

The theater plans to have a complete rebranding in hopes of avoiding confusion

In the meantime, the theater has three more main stage shows in its 2022 season, A Chorus Line, the Color Purple and White Christmas. You can get more information about those shows here.

And the organization is holding its annual gala on September 17.