Granville Arts Center

An outsider from the area might not be aware that the City of Garland has an Arts center in its old downtown. There are musicals and plays put on in this beautiful theater! However, I was here for a more somber score. I was here with a few hundred to learn of the latest trends in Storm Spotting and weather RADAR analysis put on by local amateur radio clubs, the City of Garland and the Ft Worth Office of the National Weather Service. Some in my group would argue that severe weather systems are works of art as in their violence can be awe inspiring sights which are sometimes captured by camera. Of course there are also many photos of destruction after really bad storms. The center has clean restrooms, space for vendors to set up tables in the lobby and room for food trucks outside. The seating is very comfortable and was able to keep me happy for the full day of information presented to help keep our communities and us spotters safe.

Being from Tampa my visit was to attend a graduation ceremony scheduled for here. From the outside the building is rather nondescript: low, with some parking, wide sidewalks with covered overhangs. The lobby is light and inviting. Proceeding to the auditorium the blue green carpet and light wood paneling has a modest elegance. The auditorium itself has a good size stage and very comfortable seats with enough room between rows that even tall folks won't bump their knees if they shift a bit while seated. It was challenging was for elderly (and others in heels) to walk down steep sloping side aisles. Lack of a center aisle made for very long rows with many folks having to pass over you unless you were seated in the middle. The acoustics and sound system were good. I enjoyed seeing posters from several productions, as well as at least a dozen beautiful hand made quilts, adorning the corridors.While parking adjacent to the building is decent, it didn't seem large enough for the size of the auditorium; however on the way out I noticed the rail stopping at one end of the parking lot. It turns out that the Garland Arts Center is a stop on both red and blue lines, as well as it being a stop for several bus routes.

Great event place. I work here during the summer and do crew for the musicals so maybe I'm biased! But this a really good venue for the performing arts.

I love everything about The Granville Arts Center! You can take acting lessons there and they put on several amazing, professional performances throughout the year. I love how their is such a lively theatre scene in the heart of Garland. It's very local and close to home. I went today to watch a friend in their rendition of "The Wiz". It was a fantastic performance - music, costumes, set and all!! They have 2 theaters (one small and one big) that are always very clean and they also have art exhibits.The food and beverages are set at very reasonable prices unlike *cough* The AT&T Performing Arts Center in Dallas *cough*. I really do appreciate only spending $2 on a chocolate bar compared to $6. Quick tip: If you are buying tickets in the small theater, I would suggest that you purchase seating on the right side (facing the stage) of the theater because it's raised significantly higher than the left side. On the left, you are sitting at eye level with the performers which can feel kind of awkward. Plus you have a better view of the set all together on the right.

Very disappointed today to be told that we would not be refunded for extra tickets our daughter accidentally ordered when she ordered our 3 tickets for Les Mis.A poor business practice to say the least. We will not be frequenting this establishment in the future and will definitely be telling others why.