Since its inception in 1915, The Paramount Theatre has established roots in Austin as a safe haven for community members from all walks of life and interests. While the theatre has seen many changes in physical attributes and ownership, its presence as a community staple has remained strong throughout the decades.
How we got here
Jim Ritts, CEO and executive director of nonprofit Austin Theatre Alliance—which operates the theatre—said the milestone is an accomplishment for theatres nationwide, not just the local Austin community. He said it’s rare for a theatre to operate for over 100 consecutive years and remain in their same location without closing.
“Us having been here since 1915, it means when we opened, we were in the middle of World War I,” Ritts said. “We survived the Spanish flu which killed tens of millions of people all over the world and we came back from World War II, and obviously this last bit of the pandemic. We have always been there for the community to be able to come together.”
