Frisco Partners with Prosper ISD, Collaborates with Broadway Across America / Broadway Dallas on Proposed Frisco Center for the Arts

Posted on October 28th, 2024

FRISCO PARTNERS WITH PROSPER ISD, COLLABORATES WITH
BROADWAY ACROSS AMERICA / BROADWAY DALLAS ON PROPOSED FRISCO CENTER FOR THE ARTS

(October 28, 2024) The City of Frisco plans to partner with the Prosper Independent School District (PISD) on a proposed Frisco Center for the Arts (FCFA) and collaborate with Broadway Across America / Broadway Dallas to create a ‘Broadway Frisco’ series to reside in the facility.   The vision for the FCFA includes a 2,800-seat performance hall, capable of accommodating Broadway and large touring and community productions, as well as a 300 to 400-seat community hall, to be used primarily by Prosper ISD while also providing access to community organizations and events.   The proposed facility also includes support spaces, rehearsal areas, and visual arts creative spaces.

More than seven square miles of Prosper ISD is located within the City of Frisco. More than 2,900 PISD students live in the City of Frisco today. A location for the proposed facility has not been determined; however, it will be built within overlapping boundaries.    

The potential FCFA project requires the Frisco City Council to put the proposed measure on a ballot.  Ultimately, Frisco voters will decide whether to fund the project.

The FCFA, as proposed, has a total maximum project budget of $340 million.  Prosper ISD intends to contribute $100 million from its 2023 Performing Arts Center bond funds.  The City of Frisco is considering private and philanthropic funding sources, which would not increase property taxes, should voters approve the proposed facility. 

“The City of Frisco has envisioned a performing arts hall for two decades,” said Mayor Jeff Cheney.  “Last year, we discovered an opportunity to partner with the Prosper Independent School District on such a facility.   We’re really excited about the possibilities. Ultimately, the decision to participate will be up to Frisco voters if the proposed project, Frisco Center for the Arts, is placed on a ballot by the City Council in 2025.”    

On October 21, PISD Board of Trustees were provided a report about “proposed partnership with the City of Frisco to build a new state-of-the-art Center for the Arts that will serve the learners, educators, and community.”

“We are excited about the possibility of partnering with the City of Frisco to provide a world-class educational opportunity for our students. This collaboration would allow our teachers and students to produce campus and district concerts, musicals, and theatrical productions while also participating in Broadway-level productions with outside partners. The potential for our students to learn from and work alongside industry professionals in a state-of-the-art facility aligns perfectly with our commitment to providing exceptional educational experiences. This partnership represents a unique opportunity to maximize resources and create something special for our school community and the broader area.” Dr. Holly Ferguson Prosper ISD Superintendent of Schools.

The City of Frisco has finalized a Letter of Intent (LOI) with Broadway Across America / Broadway Dallas (BAA/BD) which would be the presenter of first-class Broadway shows at the new facility as an annual ‘Broadway Frisco’ series. 

“Reflecting the population growth and interest in arts and culture across North Texas, we look forward to creating a new Broadway Frisco series for the community while we continue to present Broadway Dallas at the Music Hall at Fair Park and the AT&T Performing Arts Center,” said Ken Novice, Broadway Dallas President. 

More information about the project status is available at theatreprojects.com/FriscoPlanning

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