How the Jubilee Theatre Brings Joy and Connection to Waco

Driving by, you might not know the full history of how the Jubilee Theatre went from a source of hurt and brokenness to a hallmark of joy and creative inspiration. Located next door to the World Cup Cafe, the Jubilee Theatre represents a place where God has demonstrated how our creative and diligent hearts have the power to foster a culture of belonging for all. The Jubilee Theatere originally opened as The Texas Theatre in Waco, Texas, on April 4th, 1941, where the ticket cost was only $.09 (imagine that!). A once-privileged area fell into poverty and crime, causing many businesses to leave. On March 24th, 1963, the theatre was renamed the Capri and became an adult film space. As the surrounding neighborhood infrastructure deteriorated, the community itself reflected a lack of connection; drugs, crime, and prostitution took control of this once thriving central community area. Then, in 1994, God began His wonderful work of transformation. The Capri’s owner signed over its deed to Mission Waco at no cost. From that gracious blessing, the Jubilee Theatre was then renovated and re-established as a place for the community to be involved in creative productions, youth camps, plays, and concerts. What once appeared to be a lost cause and a place that fueled community separation now fosters connection and a passion for the arts. 

After speaking with Bradyn Braziel, who is currently Mission Waco’s Jubilee Theatre Director, and three of her current students, Aubrey, Dre, and Jayren, it is clear that people who are willing to jump into serving their community, by using their unique interests and talents, can bring about positive change. God utilizes our diverse talents, gifts, and unique passions towards serving our community wholeheartedly. 

The work Braydn pursues through her role as Jubilee's Theatre Director showcases how God can bring an opportunity in your life to support your neighbors by using your skill set as a foundation of connection. Braydn highlights some favorite parts of her job, “It’s just so much fun because you've got all these creative kids that are willing to think outside the box, come together and create something that no one's ever seen before. So the community aspect outweighs almost all of it”. Through their year-round children's theatre program, summer camps, fall and spring shows, and writing programs, the Jubilee Theatre has become a place where children in North Waco and Waco ISD students can find connection through their involvement in the arts. 

Braydn has been able to use her own experience and love for the theater to build a supportive community for her students through team building, games, and exercises. Her programs teach the students memorization techniques by learning their character’s lines and stage blocking; emotional awareness skills by having to act as different characters and work through the conflicts in the play’s plots; body awareness through their presence on stage and behind stage during shows; empowerment through accomplishing the task of working hard to develop a play and a character or through the students being able to write their own play. On top of all of that, this space also develops relationship-building skills through cultivating friendships and collaborative ensembles during class exercises and community performances.

The Jubilee Theatre is a space for anyone to not only have fun but also heal. Braydn has implemented drama therapy techniques, which allow for her students (specifically ones who have experienced backgrounds of trauma) to consciously or subconsciously process some of their more difficult emotions. By using sacred drama techniques, Braydn allows her students to express their vulnerable emotions by establishing a safe space for sharing. The skills of theater, acting, writing, dancing, etc., offered through her programs give the students essential tools of self-expression. The programs give students the chance to form valuable life skills such as; developing a stronger sense of self, gaining public speaking confidence, and mastering clearer pronunciation.

The Jubilee Theatre is open to anyone in the Waco community who wants to join the loving, creative community! Whether you love the arts, want to learn more about how to get involved as a beginner, or simply come to support this growing community as an audience member, this is a place for you to plug in and help foster a sense of empowerment and connection within Mission Waco's community. Keep up with what is currently happening at The Jubilee Theatre by following their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/jubileewaco, or their Instagram, @missionwacojubileetheatre. Come support Braydn and the Jubilee Theater by attending their upcoming musical, A Christmas Carol, on December 5th-7th! More information and tickets here.

The Jubilee Theatre reminds us that God can use our individual gifts—no matter how big or small—to bring people together and spark joy in our community. What are some of your own God given interests and talents that you could share with the bigger Waco community and use to foster new relationships? It might not be the stage or the drama world for you, but by being willing to share your skills and develop new connections that foster community, you can serve those around you! Jump in! You never know where your individual involvement could lead.