The Farr Best Theater, an intimate, 158-seat venue in downtown Mansfield, is a gem of Mansfield history.
It was first opened on October 10, 1917, by Milton May Farr. He became one of the city's most prominent citizens and oversaw the installation of the first electric lights in the city and a modernized water system. He named the theatre the Best Farr Theatre, and then in 1950, it became known as the Farr Best Theater. For 58 continuous years, it was operated by Milton and Annie Farr and their nine children.
The Farr Best Theater has seen several owners and uses since then but was most recently purchased in 2017 by the City of Mansfield to preserve the building and return it to its intended use as a theater. It is currently undergoing a revitalization to retain and enhance much of the original historic charm. It operates as a community arts venue hosting concerts, movies, theatrical productions, lectures, dance, magic, and various community events.
The theater was placed on the National Register of Historic Places on September 12, 1996.
Located:
109 N. Main St., Mansfield, TX 76063
Rental Inquiries:
Rates are $50/hour for non-profit organizations and $60/hour for commercial/Individual rentals. A/V equipment can be rented for $120/day. "Prime time" rentals (Thursday-Sunday) require a 6-hour minimum; all other days require a 4-hour minimum.
For more information, contact us at 817-728-3339 or [email protected]
Are you an artist, arts organization or cultural leader? Is your organization looking for a space to call home? If so, you may be eligible for our Cultural Incubator Program which provides special rental rates and benefits for accepted participants.
Celebrate the beauty of Hispanic culture through dance!
Introduce your little one to the beauty of traditional Mexican Folklorico dance! This beginner class is designed specifically for children ages 5 to 7 and will meet once a week. In this class, students will learn basic Folklorico movements, simple rhythms, and the cultural significance behind the dances. It's a fun and engaging way for young children to explore their Mexican herit...
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This class will leave you feeling more confident in your approach to painting. It gives you the knowledge of where your focal point , perspective with contrast, perspective with colors and what needs to be included in a sketch. The timed sketching helps you with what details to leave in and what to leave out of a scene sketch. You will learn to paint on the go and travel light with the Pocket Sketch equipment. If you have been procrasti...
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Ghost stories have surrounded the historic theater for decades and now you have your chance to encounter the spirits that still haunt the stage. This three-hour paranormal investigation will leave you with a story or two to tell.
Not recommended for children under 14.
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This workshop aims to provide a meaningful and reflective exploration of personal and ancestral narratives, using art therapy as a tool to honor, understand, and celebrate our cultural heritage and family histories. We will be exploring our personal family histories, explore storytelling techniques and will use multiple art activities and reflections to create a narrative that helps us understand our ties to our ancestors. This workshop...
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Ghost stories have surrounded the historic theater for decades and now you have your chance to encounter the spirits that still haunt the stage. This three-hour paranormal investigation will leave you with a story or two to tell.
Not recommended for children under 14.
Read More
With its century-old charm, the theater will be transformed into an old, dilapidated haunt, complete with creaking floorboards and ghostly sounds. Prepare to be mesmerized by the talents of magicians Will Baffle, Randi Rain, and Matthew Martin, as they weave a tapestry of spellbinding illusions and thrilling tricks that will leave you on the edge of your seat.
This show is not recommended for audiences under 16.
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This class will leave you feeling more confident in your approach to painting. It gives you the knowledge of where your focal point , perspective with contrast, perspective with colors and what needs to be included in a sketch. The timed sketching helps you with what details to leave in and what to leave out of a scene sketch. You will learn to paint on the go and travel light with the Pocket Sketch equipment. If you have been procrasti...
Read More
Celebrate the beauty of Hispanic culture through dance! For children ages 8 to 12, this class dives deeper into the world of Folklorico dance with more advanced steps and routines. Meeting twice a week, students will build on their foundational knowledge, learning complex footwork, beautiful choreography, and the rich history behind each regional dance. This class is perfect for those who want to grow their skills and passion for Mexica...
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Celebrate the beauty of Hispanic culture through dance!
Introduce your little one to the beauty of traditional Mexican Folklorico dance! This beginner class is designed specifically for children ages 5 to 7 and will meet once a week. In this class, students will learn basic Folklorico movements, simple rhythms, and the cultural significance behind the dances. It's a fun and engaging way for young children to explore their Mexican herit...
Read More
This workshop aims to empower participants to delve deeply into different aspects of their lives through the creation of a personal mandala series, fostering self-reflection, insight, and personal growth in the supportive environment of art therapy.
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