The Paramount Theatre
Student groups interested in performing arts, landmark local history, or just a fun night on the town will love a visit to The Paramount Theatre, Austin's original performing arts venue that has stood the test of time.
First built in 1915 as a Vaudeville theatre, Paramount stands as one of Austin's most historic venues, one of the first and few remaining examples of early theatrical architecture. The building stands in a classical revival style structure and has a place on the National Register of Historic Places.
Here at the Paramount, you can enjoy film festivals, comedy, drama, dance, concerts, and parties, the theatre hosting over 200,000 audience members each year. That is quite an impressive number, and it doesn't stop there. There are over 250 performances here each year, 100 films a year, and the place has seen over 10,000 artists total in its time.
From Houdini to Katharine Hepburn, to current artists like Bonnie Raitt, Lyle Lovett and Sheryl Crow, the Paramount, and its audiences, have seen it all over the past 100 years…here’s to the next century!
Not only that, but it has provided access to performing arts for over 20,000 students each year, offering up educational outreach programs such as the Discovery Series, Student Matinees, and the coveted Access to the Arts program. As is best said by Paramount themselves, the theater really works to 'inspire the intellect and imagination of young people by providing them opportunities to experience, perform, and learn through the arts.'
The Paramount Theater is still considered to be the best venue in town for classic movies and 'recapturing the glorious atmosphere of cinema's golden age' in general, the theater still devoted to 35mm and 70mm film exhibitions. So come visit with your group and enjoy a history-filled tour, a classic film showing, or an exciting live concert or performance!
