The Permian Playhouse & Basin Theatre Works History

The Permian Playhouse was founded in 1965 as a community theatre for Odessa, Texas. The current building and much of our foundation as an organization was set in motion by our first Managing Director, Enid Holm. Enid served as Managing Director for twelve years, from 1965 until 1977.

In 1980, Enid became the Executive Director for Texas Nonprofit Theatres for sixteen years, now the Theatre Network of Texas. The Permian Playhouse has had numerous plays, musicals, concerts, and events on stage since 1965. In October 2022, the Permian Playhouse officially changed its name with the Texas Secretary of State to better reflect its modern mission. Basin Theatre Works is one of the best community theatres and is dedicated to providing the community with high-quality, culturally diverse theatrical experiences and educational programs for children, adolescents, and adults.

Each year, Basin Theatre Works provides a schedule of live theatre produced to serve the cultural, educational, and entertainment needs of the community. Basin Theatre Works also welcomes and provides an educational opportunity for all volunteers interested in the theatre arts to participate in the many community theatre activities.

Theatre School is Basin Theatre Works' education program for K-5th graders and has seen growth each year since the COVID-19 pandemic. The Kaleidoscope Company is Basin Theatre Works' adolescent education program for 6th – 12th graders and has seen growth since the COVID-19 pandemic.