From touring Broadway favorites to homegrown productions, San Antonio’s performing arts scene is more vibrant than ever. And behind every production that lights up the marquee, there’s a team of people working hard to bring it to the stage. As it turns out, the real performance starts long before curtain call.
At the center of it all is Callie Hoch, Vice President of Programming at The Tobin Center for the Performing Arts. She knows exactly what it takes to put on a show at one of San Antonio’s biggest theatres. “The Tobin Center’s approach to curating its lineup is guided by our mission statement, which is to provide a world-class venue that promotes a diverse range of cultural, educational and artistic experiences that improve the quality of life in San Antonio,” Hoch explained. “Beyond that, we embrace our secondary motto: something for everyone.”
That “something for everyone” philosophy drives The Tobin Center’s carefully curated mix of Broadway hits, dance showcases, concerts, comedy and community performances. The team strives to strike a balance between crowd favorites and artistic exploration, ensuring every audience member leaves feeling seen and inspired.
Behind the Curtain at The Tobin Center
Deciding which shows make it to The Tobin stage is equal parts strategy and intuition. “Several factors influence which shows make the cut,” Hoch said. “Audience demand is a key consideration, as we strive to bring in performances our community is eager to experience. But equally important are the quality of the content and maintaining variety across genres, from Broadway and dance to concerts, comedy and community events.”
That variety is what makes The Tobin Center’s lineup so dynamic. But scheduling doesn’t happen overnight. Hoch said, “Planning often begins well over a year in advance, and in some cases, nearly two years out.”
That long runway allows her team to secure international acts, coordinate visa timelines, and attend conferences and showcases to scout fresh talent. “It’s a highly collaborative and relationship-driven process,” she added.
That commitment to forward-thinking programming has paid off. In just over a decade since its 2014 opening, The Tobin Center has become one of Texas’s premier performing arts destinations. It’s home to five resident companies, including Opera San Antonio, Ballet San Antonio, The Orchestra San Antonio, the Youth Orchestras of San Antonio and the Children’s Chorus of San Antonio.
“Our flexible campus makes it possible to host everything from grand touring productions to intimate local performances,” Hoch said. The Tobin Center houses three unique performance spaces. These include the H-E-B Performance Hall, the Carlos Alvarez Studio Theater and the Will Naylor Smith Plaza, which provide enough space to average about two events daily.
Hoch continued, “Our range of spaces and dedicated programming team allow us to create a balanced, vibrant schedule that serves both world-class artists and our local arts community.”
And the commitment to local connection takes center stage. Hoch emphasized, “Our lineup intentionally blends major touring productions with performances by our resident companies and community partners, showcasing the city’s creative talent and cultural diversity. We strive to represent the many voices that make San Antonio unique.”
The Art of the Lineup
What most people don’t realize is just how intricate the booking process can be. “It’s not as simple as just choosing an artist and picking a date,” Hoch explained. “It’s a long process of aligning tour schedules, artist availability, venue dates and budgets. There’s a lot of behind-the-scenes coordination with agents, managers and producers.”
In many ways, the art of the lineup is similar to the dance choreography played out on stage. “We’re always balancing audience demand, artistic quality and variety to make sure the lineup feels fresh and exciting,” Hoch continued. “It’s a bit like putting together a giant puzzle, but when it all clicks and the artist takes the stage, it’s worth every bit of the work.”
But after all is done and the curtains close, the real satisfaction is bringing a sense of connection and inspiration to the audience. “We hope every person who walks through our doors leaves feeling inspired, connected and proud to be part of this community,” Hoch concluded. “The Tobin Center experience, and theatre in general, is about more than just seeing a show. It’s about creating moments that stay with you.”
San Antonio’s Theatre Row
The Tobin Center only marks the start of San Antonio’s Theatre Row. This stretch of historic venues showcases San Antonio’s past and present through architecture, artistry and unforgettable performances.
Kevin Couch, Director of Programming for the Majestic and Empire Theatres, says programming across San Antonio’s stages is always evolving. “Over the last 18 months, we’ve really seen music performances surge across all three theatres,” Couch explained. “It’s the natural ebb and flow of the entertainment industry here. Two years ago, comedy dominated our calendar; now audiences are craving more live music.”
Majestic Theatre
Majestic Theatre
Stepping through the doors of the 1929-built Majestic takes you back to the Gilded Age of show business. This opulent Spanish Mediterranean-style theatre was designed by architect John Eberson, famous for creating immersive stages complete with twinkling starry lights above.
Today, the Majestic remains the crown jewel of downtown, home to Broadway in San Antonio and major touring concerts. Couch says that magic is what keeps audiences coming back year after year. “I’ve been to a lot of shows at a lot of venues,” Couch said, “and there’s a feeling at the Majestic that can’t compare. Every seat, whether in the orchestra or the balcony, is incredible. From the starry ceiling to the stage, the whole experience feels intimate and unforgettable.”
The Majestic’s Upcoming Performances
- Disney’s Beauty and the Beast The Musical | November 19-30
- Ezra Ray Heart: 90s Hits & Xmas Riffs | December 14
- Sarah Brightman: A Winter Symphony| December 20
- Elf The Musical | December 23-28
- Ali Wong LIVE | January 18
- Water For Elephants | January 20-25
- Steve Martin and Martin Short | January 29
Charline McCombs Empire Theatre
Just next door, the Empire Theatre offers a more intimate experience. Built in 1914 and lovingly restored in 1998, this smaller sibling to the Majestic combines Beaux-Arts charm with state-of-the-art sound. “The Empire has that perfect blend of intimacy and grandeur,” Couch noted. “Comedians especially love it for that classic vaudeville feel. It’s one of those rooms where you can feel the audience right there with you.”
The Empire’s Upcoming Performances
- Dan Soder: The Golden Retriever of Comedy Tour | November 7
- The Irish Tenors | December 13
- Demetri Martin: The Quick Draw Tour | December 14
- Fortune Feimster: Takin’ Care of Biscuits Comedy Tour | February 6
Aztec Theatre
A little further down the river, the Aztec Theatre is pure spectacle. Opened in 1926, it was designed in the elaborate Mesoamerican Revival style, with stone gods and colorful murals that give the feeling of an ancient temple. After a major renovation, the Aztec now serves as a live music venue hosting national touring acts.
The Aztec’s Upcoming Performances
- The Evil Dead | November 7
- Zack Fox | November 20
- A Drag Queen Christmas | December 17
Tobin Center for the Performing Arts
And of course, The Tobin Center is central to the Theatre District. It opened its doors in 2014 as a reimagining of the historic Municipal Auditorium. Its sleek glass façade merges with preserved architectural elements, blending history and innovation, just like its programming. With cutting-edge acoustics and a mission to make art accessible, The Tobin represents the next era of San Antonio theatre.
The Tobin’s Upcoming Performances
- Water Street Dance | November 13
- The Sixties Show: The Greatest 1960s Music Re-Creation | November 16
- Neko Case: Fall Tour 2025 | November 24
- Ballet San Antonio: The Nutcracker | December 5-14
- Sister’s Christmas Catechism | December 14
- Merry-Achi Christmas | December 17-18
- The Choir of Man | January 31
- Glass Menagerie | February 11-22
The Show Must Go On
San Antonio’s theatres each play a part in telling the city’s story, one performance at a time. Together, their teams bring show seasons that are as inspiring and diverse as the audiences who fill their seats.
As Hoch reflected, “Whether it’s someone’s first Broadway musical, a student’s first time on stage or a lifelong fan seeing their favorite artist up close, we want audiences to feel the energy, creativity and inclusivity that define San Antonio.”
Couch adds that collaboration among the city’s venues is what keeps the energy alive. “Each theatre has its own personality, but together we create the rhythm of San Antonio’s arts scene,” he said. “That’s what makes programming here so special.”
So, next time the lights dim and the curtains draw, remember that the show you’re about to see has been years in the making and brought to you by a dedicated show curator.
