Trustees Theatre

Was it a dream or a memory? The Trustees Theatre shimmered before me, a ghost of silver screens and echoing applause. The Trustees Theatre in Savannah is more than just a building. It’s a time capsule, a vessel carrying the dreams of generations past and present. Originally opened in 1946 as the Weis Theater, this Art Moderne masterpiece was designed by the talented duo of Albert Howell and McKendree A. Tucker. The Weis family, who also ran other theaters in Savannah and Macon, envisioned a grand space for both film and live entertainment. Imagine over 1,100 seats filled with eager patrons, the air thick with anticipation. The stage lights blaze, the orchestra tunes up, and the silver screen flickers to life. This was the reality for decades at the Weis Theater, a hub of entertainment in Savannah. It hosted everything from Hollywood premieres to local talent showcases. The theater boasted state-of-the-art sound and projection equipment, and a marvel of engineering for its time: modern air-conditioning. Can you feel the cool air washing over you as you escape the Savannah heat? Can you smell the buttery popcorn and hear the excited whispers? But like so many grand old theaters, the Weis eventually went dark, closing its doors in 1980. It seemed the final curtain had fallen. Yet, the story of the Trustees Theatre doesn’t end there. Like a phoenix rising from the ashes, the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) acquired the theater in 1989 and embarked on a loving restoration. They brought the Weis back to its former glory, preserving its Art Moderne style, the rounded walls, the recessed lighting, and even that iconic neon-lit marquee with its three-quarters of a mile of cathode tubing. The theater was reborn as the Trustees Theatre, a testament to the power of preservation and the enduring magic of the performing arts. Today, the Trustees Theatre serves as a vibrant venue for SCAD students and the Savannah community. It hosts film festivals, concerts, lectures, and student performances. The legacy of the Weis family continues, intertwined with the vibrant energy of SCAD, ensuring the Trustees Theatre remains a cherished landmark in Savannah. It stands as a symbol of resilience, a stage where stories continue to unfold, captivating audiences night after night.