The WDC Theater is a historical landmark - the newest music center in the Shreveport/Bossier City area - a century in the making. The building was erected in 1925 as the clubhouse for the Woman's Department Club.

     The club, born of the suffrage movement following the turn of the century, was founded and furthered by prominent Shreveport ladies who dedicated their time and effort to creating opportunities to expose women to eduction, literacy and equality opportunities in the local area.

     The club boasted many "departments" such as education, arts, home learning and other skills for developing stronger cultural ties and advancement for women. Those early pioneers of culture had the foresight to create a 400+ theater atop the second floor of the clubhouse.  This theater was used for lectures and performances, as well as other club related events.

     The WDC theater was built at the same time of the Strand Theater, which makes both facilities the oldest theaters in Northwest Louisiana. Today, the theater sits in almost pristine conditino with and excellent space for an elevated - but intimate - musical and performance experience.

     After struggling with the result of COVID-19, the club partnered with the Louisiana Grandstand in 2020 to help grow awareness and use of the historic building, affectionately known as the "Lady on Line". What started with monthly concerts billed as the Shreveport Opry has now blossomed into a growing schedule of touring artists, showcases of regional talent and a hub of music development. This partnership has worked tirelessly to restore the building in many ways, including an installation of a new roof and other cosmetic repair projects beginning in 2022.

     The Woman's Department Club is still active today and meets every Thursday with their variety of programs and exhibits for its members. Your patronage and enjoyment of the building with each of our events continues to help with the upkeep of the building and preserve an important historic landmark in our area.