The Karrh Center Theatre

In Its Former Glory

First opening its doors in 1934, the Historic Theatre was one to be marveled. The theatre presented feature films in addition to a variety of vaudeville attractions. Many locals remember “Fine Time For A Dime” features, which allowed them to see the latest picture shows for just 10 cents.

Due to the rising popularity of television, the theatre closed in the late 1960s. The building was then used as a retail space as a part of the Delores & Woody’s department store, which featured seven shops in one. The theatre’s lobby housed the shop’s snack bar, and many remember stopping in for a snack while their parents and grandparents completed their shopping.

The Karrh Center Theatre Renovation Project

In 2014, theatre proprietor W.M. Karrh’s grandsons donated the property to the City of Swainsboro for redevelopment into a community arts center. The Barbara & Tobe Karrh Community Arts Center will be a 16,000+ square foot home for arts and culture in Emanuel County, anchored by the Karrh Center Theatre, a cultural and architectural landmark in downtown Swainsboro.

The completed project will feature:

-         A newly restored Karrh Center Theatre that will offer a state-of-the-art movie going experience. The theatre will have the comforts of modern cinemas in a unique, historic building. In addition to cinema, the theatre will also feature a stage and equipment needed for live performances such as concerts, seminars, plays, recitals, and more.

-         Two dressing rooms

-         A new plaza in front of the theatre to provide a space for gathering before or after an event

-         Offices for the Emanuel Arts Council

-         Art gallery

-         Community meeting and educational space

Education & Community

The Historic Theatre has always been a fond memory and favorite pastime of the people of Emanuel County. With the theatre restoration project and development of the Barbara & Tobe Karrh Community Arts Center, Emanuel County hopes to provide that same love and entertainment for future generations. The new community arts center will provide a home for the Emanuel Arts Council, partnerships with schools, a community meeting space, social offerings, affordable entertainment, and a better quality of life for residents of Emanuel County and beyond.

We Need Your Help!

The development of the Barbara & Tobe Karrh Community Arts Center and renovation of the Karrh Center Theatre will be approached in two phases. The first phase is expected to cost $1.5 million and will include a fully renovated theatre, art gallery and offices for the Emanuel Arts Council, and community meeting space. While project leaders continue to pursue a variety of funding opportunities, including grants and corporate sponsorships, personal donations will play an important role in meeting our goal and fully funding this exciting project. 

No donation is too big or too small. Every dollar counts, and we need your help in ensuring that the Barbara & Tobe Karrh Community Arts Center featuring the Karrh Center Theatre becomes a reality for our community.

Opportunities For Giving

There are multiple opportunities for supporting the renovation of the Historic Theatre and development of the Barbara & Tobe Karrh Community Arts Center, including a variety of naming opportunities. All donations are tax-deductible and appropriate verification will be mailed to donors.

Naming of a seat will include a brass plate with your inscription that will be affixed to the seat. Please note that naming a seat does not entitle ownership, special access, or seating rights during events. Please include inscription information in comments box. Max 3 lines, 25 characters per line.

Leadership

The Barbara & Tobe Karrh Community Arts Center and the Karrh Center Theatre renovation is a project of the City of Swainsboro, with the leadership and support of the Emanuel Coalition for Cultural & Economic Development (ECCED), a non-profit organization dedicated to enriching the quality of life in Emanuel County through using the arts and other cultural offerings to provide educational resources, strengthen the community's economic base, and build community spirit.