The Wortham Theater was built in downtown Houston during the height of the 1980's oil bust, and was funded entirely by the private sector. The 437,000 square foot facility was completed four months ahead of schedule and $5 million under budget. Additionally, the Wortham Center was the first major opera house built in the United States in more than 25 years, and has served as a benchmark for Houston's Theatrical District. There are two theaters:
• The 2,465 seat Brown Theater, with a 17,000 square foot stage, used primarily for major ballet and opera performances.
• The 1,100 seat Cullen Theater, which hosts smaller opera, ballet, and other small-scale touring shows and recitals.
CHPA continues to provide upgrades and additions to the Wortham Theater. The most recent includes the addition of seating, the expansion of the orchestra pit, upgrade of the electrical service, and the new security system, including new cameras and card readers.
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