Trustees Theater

Trustees Theater is the glittering stage of SCAD, a restored Art Deco masterpiece that anchors the pulse of creativity in downtown Savannah.

Originally opened in 1946 as the Weis Theater, the building's gleaming marquee and curved facade still radiate the glamour of a bygone cinema age. Today, SCAD has transformed it into a state-of-the-art performance and film venue, hosting everything from student showcases and animation festivals to headline concerts and the celebrated Savannah Film Festival. Step inside and you'll find a cinematic interior reborn, plush seating, golden accents, and the whisper of history mingling with the excitement of live art. Every performance feels larger than life here, not just because of the acoustics or the grandeur, but because the space itself invites you to dream as boldly as the artists on stage.

The theater's rebirth under SCAD ownership was nothing short of miraculous, a meticulous restoration that honored its postwar origins while equipping it for the digital age.

After years of disuse, the building was rescued in the 1990s by SCAD founder Paula Wallace, who saw in it both a historic gem and a home for the university's performing arts and film programs. The restoration revived its sweeping balcony, terrazzo floors, and iconic neon signage, reestablishing the theater as a cultural landmark. Today, Trustees Theater is more than a campus venue; it's a hub for the city's artistic calendar. It hosts international film premieres, student animation festivals, and live performances that draw crowds from across the region. In every detail, from the restored light fixtures to the digital projection technology, Trustees Theater stands as proof that great art deserves a stage worthy of its story.

Plan your visit around one of the theater's many events, from film screenings and concerts to lectures and award ceremonies.

If you're visiting during the annual Savannah Film Festival, this is where the red carpets roll and the stars meet the next generation of filmmakers. Arrive early to admire the glowing marquee against the evening sky, and don't miss the vintage lobby before the lights dim and the curtain rises. The theater's central location on Broughton Street also makes it an ideal starting point for exploring Savannah's cultural corridor, with cafes, galleries, and boutiques just steps away. Whether you're here for cinema, design, or the sheer thrill of live performance, Trustees Theater offers a front-row seat to SCAD's creative soul, a dazzling blend of past and future that keeps the city's artistic spirit alight.

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