Hip Pocket Theatre

We absolutely love this place! It is such a relaxed atmosphere and we enjoyed listening to the live music outdoors before the show. They have snacks and drinks that you may purchase prior to the show and even have wine and beer. Everyone including the staff and patrons are all so friendly. We have seen tow plays here now and both were very entertaining.

This is a cute little outdoor theater in the middle of nowhere! The venue is very intimate, it seats maybe 100 people. Their entire operation is funded very heavily by donations. Prior to doors opening, you can have a alcoholic beverage or burger at the Backyard, which is a small bar under string-up lights. They have live music playing. The artist we saw playing, Don Burke, was very talented. My husband and I watched Pan Arcadia last night, it was a whimsical interpretation of the Peter Pan and Wendy story told by human actors as puppets (but also as themselves). I've got to admit I was very confused as to what was happening for many of the scenes but was able to get the general gist at the end. Let's just say- if you don't already know the Peter Pan story, I imagine you would be hopelessly lost.The live music was wonderful, fitting, soothing, and carried great for being in an outdoor theater. The acting was very sincere. Since you are exposed to the elements you might notice huge insects and spiders but they at least offer complimentary bug spray around the premises.This is a novel way to do date night and definitely worth a try.

I saw Loop The Loop.Beautiful props, beautiful music (original composure by John Dyer,) and a beautiful story. The talent and artistic style of Lake Simmon's story telling is creative and thought provoking. She makes you think, and for me it took until the middle of the play to finally grasp what had been happening, and it was very well written.The play begins at the end, and then starts again at the beginning. It makes a loop, a loop which in the story is also compared to Coney Island's Loop The Loop ride. The loop that is life.The cowboy and the magician build a world of joy and amaze the crowds, the narcissistic cowboy impresses everyone with his sharp shooting, while the magician makes magic happen. Makes things happen when they need to happen and keeps their lives in order. The rabbits out of her hat is her ability to make things happen when they need to, the magic. And she carries the magician's hat, which could be a burden to others, with grace and happiness.Then as the carnival isn't as new, the lights starts to flicker and dim. The rabbits scatter, and can't be found.I'll let you come and enjoy this play for yourself to know the rest of the spectacularly written details. Please, come, enjoy a night of music and thought and be away from the rest of the world. This place is a hidden gem of Fort Worth's history. More people should know about it. Excellent play. I always know that when I see Lake's name next to a play, I can trust it will be good. And will have good music, as well.

I have loved this little hidden gem in Fort Worth for years. We went last night to see Wind in the Willows. It was an absolutely delightful play. Tonight, 9/30, is the closing night. It was a beautiful cool Texas night. Gates open at 7pm. Play started at 8.15. Beforehand we sat out in the courtyard and listened to live music, a different artist each evening. We brought our own sandwiches and enjoyed icy cold Coors Light $4. They do have light food and munchies for purchase. Water and soda $1! Root beer floats! The theatre is under the stars, the play starts at sundown, and really I don't think there is a better way to spend a Fort Worth evening. There is no reserved seating, long wooden benches surround the stage, bring your own cushions to sit on, and a light wrap if it will be cool at night. We truly enjoyed our evening.

As an outdoor theater, the few lights are needed for basic area illumination.Hip Pocket is like driving into an artist commune. By the way, when you are driving there, it's on the right, just after the second big curve. There are multiple buildings that look like performances spaces for other things. The driveway zigzags past little gardens and hand painted signs that cheerfully point where to park or get tickets.The Backyard Music is near the concession stand and has various artists singing both before and after the show. Less of a stuffy theater and more of a hangout, this is a place to bring your friends, or come mingle with other like minded folks. The crowd ranges in age, gender, race -- pretty darn diverse. For all those that are tired of the concrete jungle: you can carry a bucket of beer into the theater and watch the play as the "stars" come out and "crickets" chirp. If you're looking for something different in a relaxed environment that will entertain and make you think a bit, here's your place. Words won't do justice to the simplicity of this place and I love it. I will come back for the next show. p.s: this place is a MUST for theater lover.

First time to visit. What a wonderful experience we had. We all loved the actors, the music, the puppets, the atmosphere. So awesome. It was like a mixture of summer camp vibes and being entertained on a pirate ship. Oddly wonderful and ethereal. Highly recommend.

OK. First of all- if you don't like being outside- just don't go. If you cant deal with a bug landing on your shoulder, or some sweat on a warm texas summer night, or a rock in your shoe- just stay home, go to Dallas Theatre Center (not a knock on them!), and watch CSI, and leave Hip Pocket Theatre to the rest of us. The shows are all original. Even if it's not a world premiere, which it almost always is- it's still a refreshingly original take on a classic. Hip Pocket has a style all of it's own and the more you go, the more you dig their vibe. They have been around for about 30 years and the love and hard work that has been put into this place- you can almost feel it in the air. The current show, called- hilariously- Cootie Pancake- is incredibly funny, strange and poignant (spelling..??) but anyway, you MUST go have a beer, check it out, laugh your face off and stay after for music and meeting cool people.i went on opening night- where all tix are only $5. That's just unheard of for a professional play in this town. And the usual price is only $12! super place. really. just go. you wont be sorry.

This was just a stupid waste of time and money with old and rotund dancers who couldn't dance, keep a beat, or were afraid of breaking a hip. Thank goodness it was less than an hour long. It was absolute torture.

The Hip Pocket Theatre was the best performance that I've been at. The theatre is an entirely outdoor setting and has a concession stand. I went during the summer evening and they gave me a paper fan to use to cool myself down. The stage itself is a gorgeous handmade wood set with seating surrounding the stage. The play itself was "When we were very young" and it was a very sweet story. Highly recommend going as a cute date idea and the live music afterwards is a nice addition.

We enjoyed "When We Were Very Young" last night. Unexpected peace and joy. It's wonderful when you don't have to solve all the world's problems in one play. Thank you for this gift.