The Lucas Theatre For The Arts @lucastheatre
The Lucas Theatre is named after Arthur Lucas, who had built more than forty (40) theatres throughout the South in the 1920’s, with the Lucas Theatre the only one bearing his name. Built in 1920, construction of the theatre began on the site of the Houston-Screven House at the corner of Abercorn and Congress Street.
The Lucas Theatre was at one point the most extravagantly designed movie theatre in Savannah. During the 1970’s and 1980’s there were several petitions to demolish the theatre. Luckily, the non-profit group – The Lucas Theatre for the Arts – committed to restoring the theatre.
After several years and an intensive restoration, the Lucas Theatre for the Arts held its Grand Opening December 1, 2000 with three showings of Gone With The Wind.
Today The Lucas Theatre for the Arts is supported by the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), which allows for a wide range of community uses in addition to top-notch local and international entertainment such as opera, orchestras, country stars and film series. The Lucas Theatre for the Arts is also host to the Savannah Film Festival, Philharmonic, and Savannah Music Festival.
The Savannah Theatre first opened its doors on December 1818 and happens to be one of the oldest theatres in America. The original structure was designed by renowned architect William Jay.
Over the past two centuries that theatre has undergone several restorations as a result of damage from fires. As a result of a fire in 1948, the Savannah Theatre was restored as a wonderful example of the 1940’s Art Deco architectural style. The theatre re-opened as a movie house in October 1950.
Currently, there’s a wide range of productions offered by this theatre, particularly of the spooky kind – this theatre hosts ‘paranormal’ investigations for the hit show ‘Paranormal Activity’. The theatre is reported to be one of the most haunted locations in Savannah.
One of the most recognized theaters in Savannah, the iconic Trustees Theater was built in 1946 for the Weis family as part of Savannah’s grand theater district. At the time, the theater was considered an engineering marvel.
The bright neon-lit Art Moderne marquee attracted moviegoers to Savannah’s first air-conditioned theater, complete with advanced sound and projection equipment.
50 years later, the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) restored the theater with new seats and interior details. Today Trustees Theater is modernized and equipped with assisted listening devices and accommodates wheelchair seating.
Currently, the 1,100 seat theater hosts events and screenings at the SCAD Savannah Film Festival, the annual eight day celebration of cinematic excellence.
- The 2023 Savannah Film Festival is October 21 – October 28
First constructed in 1974 in Savannah’s Historic District, the Johnny Mercer Theatre is located inside the Savannah Civic Center. The Savannah Civic Center is a first-class multi-purpose facility which hosts over 500 annual offerings, including a wide spectrum of entertainment, sports, and cultural events.
The Johnny Mercer Theatre seats 2,566 and boasts one of the largest prosceniums in the Southeast. The Proscenium is the part of the theatre in front of the curtain.
The Johnny Mercer Theatre has played host to musicals, plays, concerts, and some of the biggest touring Broadway Productions. Many ballet companies, comedians and popular music artists come to the Johnny Mercer Theatre on a regular basis to thrill and enchant Savannah residents!
Founded in 2016, Savannah Repertory (known as Savannah Rep) has become part of the cultural fabric of Savannah as the city’s flagship professional non-profit theatre. They strive to entertain and engage all of Savannah’s neighborhoods and communities. Savannah Rep intentionally produces vibrant works of modern theater and is compelled to create space for a new generation of storytellers.
The theater company broke ground at 402 E. Broughton Street in June 2022, which was the former Southern Motors dealership. The goal was to establish roots downtown, which is the centerpiece of Savannah’s arts and culture scene.
Savannah Rep is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization operating under an agreement with Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States.
