Buddy Holly Hall of Performing Arts and Sciences

Located in a city with four universities and colleges, it made sense to have this space offer plenty of ​‘flexible’ space to accommodate the classical arts as well as popular music and performance. Schuler Shook’s planning recommendations and technical expertise helped to yield two theatres and multipurpose event space.

Working in concert with international architecture firm, Diamond Schmitt, as well as Parkhill, MWM Architects, and acoustician Jaffe Holden. the design team has created a cultural center that brings the Lubbock Symphony Orchestra, Ballet Lubbock, and Lubbock Independent School District, along with a variety of professional touring productions, under one roof.

Schuler Shook provided a feasibility study, planning and technical expertise for the creation of the venue’s two theatres, lobby and a multipurpose divisible event space all of which can be programmed simultaneously. 

The project team developed the 2,297-seat Helen DeVitt Jones Theatre, with a removable 600-fixed-seat orchestra section that converts to flat-floor general admission standing for 900, lifts and rigging systems, and more. In addition, Buddy Holly Hall’s smaller, more intimate space, the 415-person Crickets Theater (named for the late musician’s band), features standing room areas, a stage for community use, an acoustic curtain, ceiling and wall system, performance lighting, and an automated rigging system, among other features.

Additional facility highlights include a 6,000-square-foot, subdividable multipurpose room, the 22,000-square-foot Ballet Lubbock Pre-Professional Academy, the restaurant, a 2,500-square-foot commercial kitchen, and the Christine DeVitt Lobby featuring a unique spiral staircase, as well as ample backstage areas.

The project was developed by Garfield Public/Private LLC and is owned by the Lubbock Entertainment and Performing Arts Association (LEPAA).