The company is part of the theatre and annually selects a group of actors to perform on stage throughout the year.

Mark Hadley, the theatre’s managing director, told Dallas News: “The passion and support that Diane and Hal have shown for the arts and for Dallas Theater Center through their generous donations, tireless efforts as board members and volunteers herald them as true champions of the arts in Dallas. Without the confidence and faith of benefactors like the Brierleys, DTC’s work simply wouldn’t be possible.”

Diane Brierley added: “The arts are very important to a city’s civic health and vitality, and Dallas Theater Center is an organisation dear to us that consistently produces work of the highest quality for our community.”