Amid dragging construction and a budgeting shortfall, San Antonio’s Magik Theatre is trimming its 2025-26 season to two beloved classics: Red Riding Hood and A Charlie Brown Christmas. The celebrated children’s repertory company will then temporarily close for renovations while taking its productions on the road.
For 30 years, the downtown San Antonio theater has been a cultural touchstone, introducing countless children to the arts, often for the very first time. But ongoing disruptions from the City of San Antonio’s long-delayed South Alamo Street construction project have caused a direct hit to ticket sales, limiting access and creating confusion for visitors. The revenue from those tickets fuels Magik’s education and outreach programs, which promote literacy, creativity, and self-expression.
Magik Theatre’s home in Beethoven Hall will receive a $2.2 million renovation in early 2026, funded by the Joan and Herb Kelleher Charitable Foundation and the Charity Ball Association. The upgrades will focus on accessibility and comfort, with improved entrances, mobility-friendly seating, ASL interpreted performances, sensory inclusive certification from KultureCity, new HVAC systems, custom-made seats, and enhanced safety and electrical systems.
To keep its cast and crew employed during the budget crunch and shutdown, the theater has launched the Believe in Magik campaign with donations being matched dollar for dollar, up to $3,000, by San Antonio engineering firm SKYE MEP. Patrons can support the fundraiser directly or break out their tuxedos and gowns for the annual A Night of Magik fundraiser gala on September 20. During the Hollywood-themed event, guests can walk a real red carpet, sip on cinema-inspired cocktails, enjoy a curated dinner, and even access a secret speakeasy with VIP packages.
Of course, attending the theater’s productions will also renew its coffers. This season’s mainstage offerings include a witty, reimagined take on Red Riding Hood and a live stage version of A Charlie Brown Christmas. Patrons can keep the Magik going through the holidays by purchasing a discounted two-show package.
While the mainstage takes a break in early 2026, the theatre’s Magik on the Road program will keep the curtain up by touring productions to schools, libraries, and community centers. This year’s traveling lineup includes Tomás and the Library Lady, Red Riding Hood, and Dragons Love Tacos. The theater expects to reopen in summer 2026 with day camps and a special seasonal production.
Magik remains committed to serving all children through sensory-friendly, pay-what-you-wish, and ASL interpreted performances for each mainstage show. Families can also avoid construction headaches by parking at the Hemisfair Garage and enjoy a pleasant walk through Hemisfair’s urban oasis on their way to the show.
“There is no doubt Magik Theatre is worthy of continued investment to ensure this treasure continues to entertain future generations of youth in the heart of our downtown,” says Centro San Antonio President and CEO Trish DeBerry, via a release.