At 50, Hip Pocket Theatre embraces legacy as outdoor haven for Fort Worth’s free spirits
Hip Pocket Theatre in Fort Worth is celebrating its 50th anniversary by reviving its debut 1976 production, “The Three Cuckolds,” starting June 12, 2026. According to the Fort Worth Report, the experimental outdoor venue continues its legacy of rustic, original performance art at 1950 Silver Creek Road.
Why is “The Three Cuckolds” returning to the stage?
The production serves as the opener for the theater’s landmark 50th season. It is a raunchy physical comedy involving three male neighbors attempting to cheat with each other’s wives, driven by a mischievous trickster.
Director Christina Cranshaw is leading the current rehearsals, which include actors Julian Harris and Madi Duren. The choice of this specific play is symbolic, as “The Three Cuckolds” was the very first show to hit the theater’s stage in July 1976.
Artistic director Lorca Simons described the season opener as “really kick-ass.” She noted that the production transports audiences back to the moment that sparked decades of imaginative work in a setting she describes as a “really unusual reality” that is “so rustic” and “homemade.”
Did You Know? The name “Hip Pocket” is a reference to the $100 the founders pulled together to fund their first show.
How did Hip Pocket Theatre change Fort Worth’s arts scene?
Founded in the summer of 1976 by Johnny and Diane Simons and Douglas Balentine, the troupe was created as an alternative to the “traditional” and “conservative” theater of the time. At the time, the city had venues like the Cultural District’s Casa Mañana Theatre and the W.E. Scott Theatre.
Johnny Simons, now 86, recalled that while other theaters produced quality work, there was no space for innovation. He noted the repetitiveness of traditional productions, remarking that one could only do “The Sound of Music” so many times before turning into a Nazi.
The theater began at George’s Back Door Restaurant on Highway 80 after business owner George Stephens sought outdoor entertainment for customers. The original setup was humble, featuring a small amphitheater made from wooden pallets and picnic benches.
In its early years, the ensemble operated almost like a commune, reflecting the era’s counterculture. According to former set designer James Maynard, the crew used tomato cans for lighting and created large-scale puppets from cardboard, hoses, and contact paper. They even used a sheep barn for dressing rooms.
Expert Insight: Samantha Carter suggests that Hip Pocket’s transition from a “hippie joint” to a professional company represents a common tension in experimental arts. The challenge lies in maintaining the “wildness” and rustic identity that attracts audiences while implementing the professional infrastructure and financial stability required for long-term survival.
What challenges does the venue face today?
While the theater now uses a professional lighting console and a wooden venue that seats roughly 100 people, it faces modern struggles. According to the Fort Worth Report, low attendance is an issue shared by other local performing arts venues.
The outdoor nature of the theater also presents risks. Blazing summer heat has previously forced the company to cancel performances or move them indoors.
The board of directors also dealt with recent controversy last September. The theater shelved a production of Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein” shortly after the assassination of conservative podcaster Charlie Kirk. The board stated the timing was “inappropriate and could lead to unintended further trauma,” though no further explanation was provided.
What happens next for Hip Pocket Theatre?
The 2026 season is scheduled to continue with four more plays throughout the summer and into the fall. A notable highlight may be the return of founder Johnny Simons, who is expected to return to directing in October for a stage adaptation of “Mega Python vs. Gatoroid.”
Looking beyond the anniversary season, leaders Lake and Lorca Simons intend to develop a strategic plan for long-term sustainability. Lake Simons stated that the first priority is putting the theater on a “stronger financial footing” to allow for future growth.
If You Go: “The Three Cuckolds”
- When: 9 p.m. June 12-14, 19-21, 26-28
- Where: Hip Pocket Theatre, 1950 Silver Creek Road, Fort Worth
- Admission: $17-$28 (Recommended for mature audiences)
Frequently Asked Questions
When can I see “The Three Cuckolds”?
The play runs at 9 p.m. on June 12-14, 19-21, and 26-28, 2026.
Who were the founders of Hip Pocket Theatre?
The theater was founded in 1976 by Johnny and Diane Simons and Douglas Balentine.
Where is the theater currently located?
It is located at 1950 Silver Creek Road in Fort Worth, where it has been since 2003.
Would you prefer the rustic charm of an outdoor theater or the comfort of a traditional indoor stage?