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The Majestic Empire Foundation
Founded in 1988 as part of the effort behind the restoration of San Antonio’s historic Majestic and Empire Theatres, The Majestic Empire Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to the development of the performing arts through education and scholarships and the restoration and preservation of historic theatres.
The San Antonio Performing Arts Center, the name for the combined venues of the Majestic Theatre and the Charline McCombs Empire Theatre, was officially dedicated on September 11, 1989.
THE MAJESTIC EMPIRE FOUNDATION TAKES CENTER STAGE WITH REBRAND
As we embark on our 36th year of unwavering commitment to the performing arts in San Antonio, we are excited to announce a pivotal moment in its evolution. Las Casas Foundation is transitioning to a new identity as The Majestic Empire Foundation. This change, articulated by our newly appointed Executive Director, Jaselyn Blanchard-Pace, aligns with our anticipation of the Majestic Theatre’s centennial in 2029. This rebranding not only honors the legacy of our founder, the late Joci Straus, but also showcases our commitment to nurturing the performing arts and restoring historic theatres — in particular our crown jewels, The Majestic Theater and The Charline McCombs Empire Theatre. It underscores our support for emerging talent and our dedication to enriching the cultural landscape of San Antonio all the way to the Lower Rio Grande Valley.
The Majestic Empire Foundation invests in the past, present, and future of the performing arts by preserving historic theaters and empowering the next generation through accessible arts education and transformative scholarships.
To be a catalyst for transformation, empowering young artists to dream boldly, defy expectations, and redefine their futures through unparalleled access to the performing arts. With an unwavering commitment to nurturing talent, championing diversity, and breaking down barriers, the Joci Awards and The Majestic Empire Foundation are shaping the next generation of visionary leaders. By offering life-changing scholarships, mentorship with industry professionals, and immersive theater experiences, we are building a lasting legacy where every student—regardless of background—has the opportunity to shine on stage, in their lives, and as changemakers in their communities and beyond.
The Majestic Empire Foundation’s first commitment was to restore the Majestic Theatre as the cornerstone of the San Antonio Performing Arts Center®. In 1928-1929, it took 11 months to build at a cost of $3 million. In 1988-1989, it took 11 months to restore at an approximate cost of $4.5 million.
The San Antonio Performing Arts Center®, the name for the combined venues of the Majestic Theatre and the Charline McCombs Empire Theatre, was officially dedicated on September 11, 1989.
The Empire Theatre was renamed by the City of San Antonio in 1998 as the Charline McCombs Empire Theatre to recognize a $1 million gift by Charline and B.J. (Red) McCombs. After being dark for nearly 25 years, this golden jewel was restored in 1998 at an approximate cost of $5.5 million.
The San Antonio Performing Arts Center® is now formally known as The Joci Straus Performing Arts Center in honor of Straus’ tireless dedication to the San Antonio performing arts community.
MEF has always recognized that the vitality of these historic spaces depends not only on preserving their architectural beauty but also on filling them with vibrant performances and engaged audiences. From the beginning, our mission has been about more than just safeguarding the past—it’s been about creating a thriving future for the performing arts.
To ensure that these theaters remain dynamic cultural hubs, we expanded our focus to include transformative educational and scholarship programs designed to empower students across San Antonio and South Texas. This vision came to life in 2009 with the creation of the Joci Awards, now celebrated as the largest and most comprehensive performing arts scholarship initiative of its kind in the nation. With over $1.6 million in scholarships awarded to more than 500 talented students, the Joci Awards have opened doors for young artists, providing them with opportunities to pursue their dreams, hone their skills, and realize their fullest potential.
But the Joci Awards are more than just a showcase of talent—they are a springboard for lifelong success. Our scholarships are not limited to those pursuing careers in the performing arts; instead, they are designed to cultivate well-rounded, confident individuals equipped with the critical thinking, communication, and leadership skills that are essential for success in any field. Whether recipients go on to perform on stage or lead in boardrooms, they carry with them the lessons and values nurtured through their involvement in the arts.
As we look to the future, the Foundation is expanding its reach and deepening its impact. With arts education facing serious funding challenges, we have committed to strengthening high school arts programs throughout San Antonio and the Lower Rio Grande Valley. Our initiatives now provide direct support to students, teachers, and struggling arts programs, offering resources, professional development, and educational opportunities to ensure that every young person, regardless of background, can experience the transformative power of the performing arts.
As the Majestic Theatre approaches its centennial, we remain dedicated to enriching the cultural landscape of San Antonio and South Texas. With each new initiative and every scholarship awarded, the Majestic Empire Foundation isn’t just preserving history—we are shaping a brighter future, where the arts are at the heart of our community, creating opportunities for disadvantaged students and empowering them to succeed in life.
Education, Preservation & Invigoration
JUST A FEW OF OUR AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE
Thank you to The Majestic Empire Foundation
We invest in the past, present, and future of the performing arts by preserving historic theatres and nurturing young theater artists.
