Wang Architects

In today’s crazy world, the Palace Children’s Theater provides a safe
space for kids to grow into their own. As a non-profit educational
theater, the Palace has a mission to serve all children throughout the
Austin area, with classes such as “Acting With Autism” as part of their
lineup. Scholarships are available to those with financial need.
The building seeks to capture views of the San Gabriel River, just one
block away. By overlapping two simple volumes, a second-floor terrace
delivers these views. A tree-lined panorama provides backdrop to the
third-floor dance studio, and a black box theater anchors the ground
floor. Nearly all rooms throughout the building flex into classroom
spaces, including a small amphitheater outside. As a nod to the Art
Deco style of the original Palace Theater, stone steps up like a
marquee at the street corner. Aluminum angles create a rhythm across
the building envelope.