We had such a fun time here watching "How the Grinch Stole Christmas". Very nostalgic atmosphere with velvet seats and plaster walls. So festive for the holidays. One thing - we sat in the balcony front row. I do not recommend this spot as you are always trying to look through a brass rail. Sit one or two rows back so you are not always fighting to look through the rail. read more

Imperial Theatre - Curtain for the stage before How the Grinch Stole Christmas. - Performing Arts Near Me - Augusta, Georgia

Beautiful old theatre in downtown Augusta. It could use a little TLC but I think it's cozy and somewhat funky. We sat in the upper balcony (it's really steep!) and had a great view to see Marty Stuart & His Fabulous Superlatives. They were awesome by the way!! The sound was okay, but fortunately the band made up for it. The staff was friendly and accommodating. Wouldn't hesitate to see another show here. read more

Imperial Theatre - Performing Arts Near Me - Augusta, Georgia

I've been to the Imperial twice, each time to see a ballet. Last year we saw Swan Lake and had seats up in the second balcony aka furthest from the stage. This year we got seats in the Mezzanine section to see The Nutcracker. I'd have to agree with another reviewer, there isn't a bad seat in the house. You can clearly see the stage and hear everything well no matter where you sit. It's an intimate setting, you will be close to the other patrons. I only wish there was enough space to accommodate an orchestra, I think that would've truly enhanced the performances. Nevertheless, the theatre has a lot of old charm to it and the staff has been consistently helpful and friendly. Both times I've gone, it's been an early Christmas present for our daughter, who is under the age of 5, and in love with ballet. A little advice to other parent's who may be doing the same: 1.) Choose an afternoon performance, not only will you save some money but you'll be attending with a lot of other parents and children too. It's a wonderful way to teach your child about the importance of the arts and how to conduct oneself in that setting...without expecting perfect behavior. Let's just say, the first show we saw was an evening show and another patron was not impressed with my daughter's outward excitement during the opening of Swan Lake. Someone told my husband and I we were "bold" to bring her...eh, she was very well-behaved overall. 2.) The line is incredibly long for the women's bathroom. It's a small bathroom and it makes me wish they would remove the vanity section and add in some more stalls but I understand renovating historical sites are challenging and costly. 3.) Definitely stretch your legs during intermission! They do have concessions and vendors selling novelty items. We've made it a tradition to buy an ornament each year and by buying during intermission, you can just leave after the performance...unless you like large groups of people descending upon you to buy something or leave the theatre. Overall, it's a great experience and affordable. I love how the performers will often pose for pictures with the children too! The experience is one I will cherish and I know my daughter will too (who is currently spinning around and making up her own choreography in the living room). read more

There has been plenty of discussions and conversations around the other downtown theater and arena, but we cannot overlook this beauty. The seating is around 500 total (floor and balcony) and the architure is magnificent. It has recently went through some renovations which also helps. I have been here for a documentary premiere as well as a author discussion and book signing. There is parking nearby and the covered entrance is close to the curb (for those rainy and/or cold nights). The will call window is to your left (facing the front). Upon entering, be aware that any food or drink being served will be to your right. Further up, on the same side, is the restrooms. If you haven't been before, arrive early and take the time to walk through the place. You can feel the history around every corner. There are shows happening all of the time (including RENT this summer) so keep a eye on their schedule. *Insider's Tip -They have "The Nutcracker" every December (but it sells out quick) and they show free movies on Saturday's during the summer. read more

To be nice: it's a quaint, rustic, and beautiful theatre located right in downtown Augusta. There really isn't a bad seat inside. The architecture is beautiful and it holds at least 500 people. The sound quality is sub par and if you see a play with live orchestra it is best! They are partnered with the Augusta Players and, trust me, they PUT ON A SHOW! To be picky: at the end of the day, the Imperial Theatre is old. They really need to consider updating the seats, carpet, paint, update the balcony stairs, bigger/better bathrooms, and a larger concessions. The takeaways: Definitely get tickets to see the Augusta Players. Sit in the balcony because you will see everything. The theatre is old...keep your bar low. As said before, it's downtown off Broad...so make a night of it! Grab a sandwich at Groucho's or grab a craft brew at Stillwater, or one of my favorites - grab an Old Fashioned at Metro Coffeehouse! read more

Visited for the Complexions Contemporary Ballet presented by Westobou Festival. As we walked up to the building, you can't help but notice the bright marquee. Lots of folks gathered outside to mix, mingle and take photos before the show. The Imperial Theatre also offered concessions. I'm not sure what was available. I ate prior to the show. The ballet was great. We had great seats. We walked to the theatre, so no parking issues. It's located downtown, so finding parking isn't too difficult. The Imperial is an historic landmark in Augusta, GA and needs a little TLC on the inside, but they are currently in a campaign that is raising funds for renovations. Overall, great place to see shows, but I'm looking forward to the much needed upgrades. read more

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I have only attended one play at this theater, which was A Christmas Story in 2018. The Augusta Players are the bomb.com! Fantastic production that was the perfect end to the holiday season. The theater is certainly grand and is like stepping back into time. I did notice that the ceiling needed serious work and was cracked/peeling, but I also understand the massive amount of time and effort that goes into preserving these venues. This is the perfect "hometown" venue and perfect for date night or family weekends! read more

Quaint. Old. Needs some serious TLC. Seats are very uncomfortable. Sound is okay. We sat in first row of upper balcony and could see really well. The place just needs a wealthy donor to give it a facelift and keep the charm. read more

Imperial Theatre - Stage right - Performing Arts Near Me - Augusta, Georgia

After living in the Augusta area over 28 years I had never visited the Imperial Theater, what a shame on my part. I took one of my grandchildren there this past Saturday to enjoy a free movie called Jumani which I myself enjoyed some years ago. My experience was pleasurably memorable. The audience seemed to really enjoy the day as well. The history behind this theater was shed upon us prior to the of the films beginning by a very knowledgeable man who himself was a patron there at a young age. He gave the history of the theater which will be 100 years old this month! In spite of any negative comments on deterioration of this lovely theater I felt it was an awesome experience and would gladly recommend others who hadn't had the privilege to patron this piece of southern history. read more

Imperial Theatre - Performing Arts Near Me - Augusta, Georgia

I hope they find the money to restore this building. You don't find places like this anymore. Be prepared though, the seats are in horrible shape and need to be replaced and make it difficult to sit in for long periods. That being said it is great for small venue performances. read more

Was in town seeing my daughter and her school was doing this show. Place needs work but they know it as this was a fundraiser for them. Drink prices more then fair and they let you take your drinks and food in the show. Over all its worth the price of a ticket. read more

This place is a dump! Literally falling apart. The seats are in horrible shape and need to be replaced. To sit thru 2 hours in those uncomfortable seats is shear torture. It's really quite pathetic that this is the best a city the size of Augusta can do for theatrical performances. The city should be embarrassed. The place ought to be condemned. feels like the ceiling could fall in at any minute. Maybe they should have spent more money fixing the interior of the theater instead of on that big fancy marquee out front. read more