The Kalita Humphreys Theater opened on December 27, 1959, with a presentation of "Of Time and the River" by Thomas Wolfe.

[4] In 2009, Dallas Theater Center moved its administrative offices to the Dee and Charles Wyly Theatre at the AT&T Performing Arts Center in the Dallas Arts District, but continues to produce shows in both spaces and continues to manage the Kalita Humphreys Theater.

Weighing 127 tons, Wright designed the drum to be counterbalanced by the corresponding weight and structure of the three-flight dressing room area behind the stage.

In 1990 the lobby was expanded and Art Rodgers,[8] a local architect, worked with the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation to create new additions to the theater.

Stairs next to the auditorium were straightened, a kitchen space was removed and a spiral staircase added to provide additional access to lower level restrooms, which were also enlarged.

It also allowed for the addition of a gift shop and beverage bar, and a large opening was made to help the flow of patrons into the auditorium.

[7] Located off one side of the theater was the library and conference room, named for Mr. Robert D. Stecker, who was an original committee member and the dedicated President of the organization.

[7] Northwest of the Kalita Humphreys Theater is this more functional block built in 1990 and designed by Dallas architect Art Rogers.

The building is built into a limestone bluff and cantilevered over the heavily wooded site overlooking Turtle Creek.

The entrance to the theater faces Southeast and original plans called for patrons parking on the other side of the elevated railroad tracks (now the Katy Trail).

Wright repeats this process of experience throughout the theater in his creative design of the stairways, large terraces and fountains.