Graduation Not So Majestic For SEM Class of 2021

Graduation will not be so majestic for Science and Engineering Magnet students in the Class of 2021.

Wednesday night, school officials announced that despite decades of graduation ceremonies being held at the Majestic Dallas they would not be holding the Class of 2021 graduation there. This decision is regardless of circumstances around COVID19. The decision also reflects an administration choice to refuse outside financial sponsorship of the event including from this nonprofit.

Majestic Dallas

The iconic Dallas theatre opened its doors on April 21, 1921 as a vaudeville theatre. It was built by impresario Karl Hoblitzelle and designed by John Eberson, one of the foremost designers of theatres in the early 20th Century. Hoblitzelle’s Interstate Amusement Company built and operated vaudeville theatres in Texas, Mississippi, Louisiana and Arkansas.

As the vaudeville era came to an end in the 1930s, Hoblitzelle began to present movies in his theatres. The theatre hosted flm premieres with big stars in attendance, including Jimmy Stewart, Gregory Peck, John Wayne, Audy Murphy and many others. The Majestic screened its last film in 1973 and the theater went dark. The Hoblitzelle Foundation gifted the Majestic to the City of Dallas in January 1976. After major restoration, the Theatre reopened on January 28, 1983 as a performing arts venue.

Currently used by national promoters to present performing arts events, concerts and comedy shows, the Theatre is also available for corporate meetings, nonprofit fundraisers and private functions. The Majestic Theatre is managed on a day to day basis by the City of Dallas Office of Cultural Affairs.