The Theatre program at Texas Tech began in 1925, as part of the Speech Division. The first official production was The Youngest performed May 4, 1928, in the school gym. Over the years the program has grown and expanded. In 1964 the University Theatre was built and in 1986 the addition of the laboratory theatre gave Tech its present Theatre facilities. In the summer of 1967 the Theatre expanded its regular season to include a yearly Summer Repertory Theatre. In 2002, the Theatre changed its name to the Charles E. Maedgen Jr. Theatre. The theatre is now part of the Department of Theatre and Dance.
From the guide to the University Theatre Records, U 187. 8., 1995-2008, (Southwest Collection/Special Collections Library, Texas Tech University)