Samuell-Grand Amphitheater was damaged in last week’s winter storm when a pipe burst and flooded the facility where Shakespeare Dallas performs.
The park is “inoperable” and will take several months to repair, said Raphael Parry, executive director of Shakespeare Dallas.
In the public restroom, all the pipes in the ceiling burst, and the leaks spread to the walls. Pipes also burst in the dressing room under the amphitheater stage. Parry found a 4-inch puddle of water when he checked on the park Sunday. Although it has since been vacuumed, water is trapped in the walls and continues to seep onto the floor.
In a five-minute video posted Thursday on Facebook, water can be seen gushing from the walls in the public restroom and dressing room. Most of the equipment is waterproof or was stored in waterproof containers, but an electrician will need to make sure the light and sound panels are safe to use before they can be turned back on.
Parry said it took about five hours to shut the water off.
“It was really heartbreaking because all we could do is stand here and watch the water flow,” he said.
Shakespeare Dallas is working with the Dallas Park and Recreation Department to assess the damage, but the full extent is not yet known. It is not clear how much it will cost to repair.
The nonprofit took a financial hit last year when it canceled three seasons because of the coronavirus. It was about to welcome guests back to the park next week for its Movies in the Park series, but that too has been canceled.
“Shakespeare Dallas relies on the generosity of not only our beloved Dallas community, but income made by our performances,” Parry said on Facebook. “With the current closure of Samuell-Grand Amphitheater, we are facing a significant financial hit beginning with the cancellation of Movies in the Park, planned spring events, co-productions and, being truthful, new uncertainty surrounding our summer season.”
Shakespeare Dallas is working to refund patrons who had purchased tickets to Movies in the Park or other events. The organization is asking those who are able to consider donating to recovery efforts.
