Built in 1966 by the Scott Foundation, this 468-seat theatre is crawling with poltergeists. Are one of these spirits the foundation’s founder?
When the esteemed William Edrington Scott died five years before, he left $3,000,000 in trust as the Scott Foundation. Scott intended to develop Fort Worth's Cultural District, so the Scott Theatre was born. Despite Scott's death, paranormal enthusiasts think Scott stuck around.
Although Scott was never able to see his theatre, he allegedly tends to it from the grave. His most infamous activity is straightening his portraits whenever he sees they're off-kilter. Vibrations from the street rattle the walls, disrupting the frames.
He's harmless, so theatre-goers can rest easy. Perhaps he only wants to enjoy the shows.
There’s an eerie apparition in the Scott Theatre.
In 1970, Kenneth Walker Yandle committed suicide in the prop room, leading some to suspect that his spirit still lingers. The actor, who was hired as a stagehand, had recently undergone a breakup.
Witnesses allege that he had been acting aloof before the tragedy – uncharacteristic for this remarkably dedicated entertainer.
He was found hanged from two beams.
Paranormal enthusiasts claim that his poltergeist walks across the stage, donning a brown suit. Some have even heard the sound of his laughter. Yet, the spookiest experience came from a fellow stagehand…
One stagehand alleges that he heard phantom footsteps descending the staircase then turn into the dungeon. The stagehand went to investigate but became increasingly more disturbed by the surrounding, ominous energies. Suddenly, objects began to fall from the shelves.
Even a nearby drill turned itself on, terrifying the witness. Rumor has it that he saw Yandle's poltergeist whenever he turned around… His eyes were gouged, and his mouth was wide. The stagehand was aghast at the sight. He lost consciousness and fell to the floor.
An acquaintance found him shortly after he came to, the drill still running in his hand.
Although Rita Cook of Haunted Fort Worth remains skeptical, she details bizarre, paranormal occurrences at Scott Theatre. Electrical anomalies have occurred near the stage, such as the turning on of theatre machinery. Rita also discusses how laughter is heard beneath the stage. Is this William Edrington Scott… or Kenneth Walker Yandle?
William Edrington Scott held a deep appreciation for Fort Worth. He wanted to bolster Fort Worth's cultural presence, leaving three million in trust for the district's development.
Allegedly, Scott always wanted a theatre in the region. Although he would never see the finished product, the Scott Foundation saw that his wishes came true.
Today, the Scott Theatre is a performing arts venue that caters to events, concerts, companies, and celebrities.
One of the theatre's most impressive features is an iridescent, eight-foot chandelier. Visitors will also encounter a lobby mural, which showcases the architecture of Greek and Roman theaters.
Visitors can find the Scott Theatre on the corner of W. Lancaster Avenue and Gendy Street. Scott Theatre is part of the Fort Worth Community Arts Center, located in the Cultural District. Catch a show… and a spirit!
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