Our Story

In early 1996, Angelina College announced plans to build a multi-million dollar fine arts center with a state-of-the-art theater. The original concept for the Angelina Arts Alliance was born later that year; however, the organization did not begin to take shape until 1999, when a core group of individuals began the planning in earnest. A Board of Directors was appointed in the year 2000, and continues to oversee the organization to this date.

Once the new facility was complete in 2000, the Angelina Arts Alliance held its inaugural season in September 2001 with a sold-out performance featuring Marvin Hamlisch. Today, the Angelina Arts Alliance continues its legacy of being the only professional performing arts organization in all of deep East Texas serving the citizens in eight counties and beyond. The Angelina Arts Alliance strives to present a wide variety of high quality performing arts and educational programs. In fact, education is at the core of its mission and serves approximately 10,000 students each year through various school time and outreach programs.

As a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, the Angelina Arts Alliance’s major partner is Angelina College, a two-year community college with over 5,000 students enrolled. Angelina Arts Alliance offices are housed in downtown Lufkin with many of its performances held in the Temple Theater. Students from the Fine Arts program are provided opportunities to work backstage for Arts Alliance events and to participate in workshops conducted by the visiting artists.

With more than 150 major performances under its belt, the Angelina Arts Alliance continues its mission of presenting a diverse and comprehensive selection of performing arts events which represents the entire community and serves adults, children and family audiences.