Paramount Theatre For the Performing Arts

I love the Paramount Theatre. It’s the place where everyone in Austin should go at least once and actually, I bet Austinites will end up coming here at least once in their lifetime.
This theatre was built in 1915 which was a vaudeville house and then it became a movie palace. The interior décor is still intact and of course recently they put up a new neon sign which stands out more when you drive north of Congress. Just be warned the seats maybe uncomfortable.
I came here for the Paramount Summer Classic Film Series. I saw the LABRYINTH and PURPLE RAIN double feature. The Summer Classic Film Series is an annual event and lasts around 3 — 4 months.

Fun older theater that hasn’t seem much of a face lift since it was built but thats what I loved about it. Drink prices are high and leg room is lacking and seats are narrow but again, its all part of the old theater experience!

We visited the Paramount Theatre in January to attend The Magicians Premier Tour. It was a great venue choice for this event.
Unfortunately, the theatre itself could use some updating. It was clean, but you could definitely tell it’s age. I understand keeping the historical value, but you can maintain it even with a new coat of paint or replacing the carpet.
Even still, the Paramount was perfect for the event we were there for. The acoustics were great for the premier of the show, and even the live music sounded great in here (not that I’m a huge fan of Bebe Rexa, but even she sounded decent in here).
Hopefully the next time we end up in Austin, we can go back to the Paramount — Maybe they’ll have updated it a bit by then!

Have loved the Paramount since the 1^st time we set foot in it after moving to Austin in 2007. The Grand Old Dame is a spectacular venue and a true treasure for the city. And the remodel of the State Theater next door is also a plus as it is actually a better music venue for sound quality than the Paramount.
We’ve been season subscribers ever since our arrival but the Spring Season 2016 will be our last. Ever since Jim Ritts’ arrival three yrs ago as Director of the theater it’s been downhill. The variety and quality of the shows, though still good, has declined and it’s harder each season to subscribe to the required number of shows. And it becomes clearer every yr that unless your suggested «contribution» over and above the already rising tkt prices is significant your seats are going to get worse every year… as they have for us. Our annual contribution of $ 250 + the minimum additional $ 60 with each season package has actually garnered us worse seats each season. And now a minimal $ 5 for parking in the garage has been added for each show as the final little jab. It’s a significant expense for us to support the Paramount each year and one for which the juice ain’t worth the squeeze anymore. We can take the hint. Unless you’re among Austin’s financially elite you’re going to be in the back of the bus.

I was at the Paramount on tour with a YouTube duo selling t-​shirts, and I never made it out of the lobby. That lobby was filled with the delicious smells of fresh popcorn, which actually got nauseating after a while. All the staff was super friendly. Just wished there was more room in the lobby so the merch line wouldn’t have to be so disorganized.

One of my favorite places to see a show in Austin! but make sure to give yourself enough time to find parking cause it is downtown and you never know.

We saw Miracle on 34^th Street tonight. This beautifully preserved theater makes going there fun. The staff are friendly and smile and the cocktail at the bar was well made too.

Beautiful architecture and décor with outstanding acoustics. Seats are comfortable though the space between rows is limited. Sat directly in the middle seven rows back on orchestra level for concert we came on town for. Love the location in walking distance to 6^th Street and near so many wonderful restaurants. Could live without the introduction of upcoming shows and sponsors, but the staff working events are very friendly and helpful. The discounted parking information is found on their website and very convenient if you don’t find a spot on the street. Jealous Austin has this treasure!

Came here as part of the Austin Film Festival. Only the first floor was open for seating, so it was a little cramped. There are visibility issues on the far ends of the rows due to the upper seating. Other than that, sound was fine, movie ran smoothly (although a bit small of a screen for the size of the theater). Staff was friendly.

This GORGEOUS theatre was refurbished in the 1970’s, but it needs more love. The paint is peeling. And yes, we know that costs a LOT of money. And they have lots of donors and sponsors who keep the place afloat.
But… if the board of directors is reading this… WTF? We went to see John Fullbright last night, and his music appeals to all age groups, and there wasn’t ONE young person in attendence. Not a single UT student that we could see, and the seats were less than 50% sold out. The average age of the audience was 60+ years of age and I think it’s the Paramount’s fault. They should be giving students all of the unsold seats at $ 10 a pop (not to make money, that’s less than a movie ticket — but because it’s the right thing to do). And why not sell out the empty seats to the general public 1 hour before curtain time at a discounted rate? The performer would like to play to a full house, and young people can’t afford to pay $ 50+ per ticket.

Read this like its 7 stars.
I grew up in love with the Senator theatre in Baltimore. It was my go to film experience. Classic décor, old, HUGE (900 seats — one screen). I loved this place and went as often as possible to see movies — classic and otherwise.
I have a new love.
This theatre is amazing. I really wanted to see the balcony, but it was closed for a private party. My eyes kept going to all of the detail, the amazing detail, on the floor, seats, ceiling, balconies — although to be true I kept hearing Statler and Waldorf from the Muppet show saying things like:
Statler: You think this show is educational?
Waldorf: Yes, it will drive people to read books.
All being said, I cannot WAIT to come back and give this place some more of my money. You should also.

After I had put my ticket back in my wallet and into my purse and was about to head up the stairs, one of the ushers came out from nowhere, grabbed my arm and said «THERE’S NO OUTSIDE FOOD OR DRINK.» I was totally caught off-​guard so I just stared at her, trying to figure out what was going on. She proceeded with, «I SAW YOU TRY TO HIDE YOUR OUTSIDE DRINK IN YOUR PURSE.» Wait… you mean my EMPTY Klean Kanteen bottle that lives in my bag ²⁴⁄₇? Is it that unusual for someone in Austin to have a reusable bottle in their bag, especially in the dead of summer? I completely understand one of her job requirements is to make sure no outside food or drink comes in, but there were about 358 more professional ways for her to approach the potential «hazard» I was apparently posing. Had she chosen any one of those «professional» options, I would have been more than happy to open the container and show her that it was, in fact, empty.
Regardless, the Paramount is a beautiful old theater that makes you feel like you’ve gone back in time a few handful of decades once stepping through the doors. It is downtown and parking can get tricky, so make sure and budget in extra time for that.

No single organization does more to keep the arts alive in Austin than the Paramount Theatre. At it’s core, the Paramount Theatre has the purest most genuine motives, and that becomes apparent when talking to any staff member. They are all truly passionate about the theatre and what they do.
The theatre hosts a multitude of amazing artists — from comedians, to musicians, to influential speakers. No matter what you’re into, there is something for you to see. In addition to the live shows, this classic theatre is the best way to watch one of the many classic films they play.
Besides being a place of entertainment, the Paramount does community outreach — helping kids and the arts. They are celebrating their 100^th year this year so it’s a great time to check out the theatre if you haven’t been there before!
In short: Simply Stunning.

What can you say about a place you’ve been visiting off and on for your entire life. At the tender age of seven I stepped into this hallowed theatre and now I’m fifty-​seven. The awe and wonder I felt as a child is now matured into an appreciation for an iconic structure that cannot be duplicated. If you haven’t been you should go to see what a time machine looks like. Architecture that has long been forgotten, elegance that you won’t find anywhere and when you’re there you can imagine what it was like back almost 100 years ago when it was constructed in 1915.

The Paramount is quite the venue! I think your experience depends on who/​what you’re seeing as it can definitely set the mood. A wonderful theater representative of a wonderful town!
I was there for the Nick Offerman/​Megan Mulally show which did not disappoint. First of all, will call was a breeze to get through and the long, well staffed bar is immediately to your right as you walk in. Long line? Don’t you fret my dear! There is another bar just outside of where the ushers stand to serve you a nice, tasty beverage. The ushers lead you to your seats (even if you’re not in the aisle they’re ushering in) and the first thing you spot is the gorgeous ceiling and fantastic pillars connecting the balconies. Just beautiful! No bad seat in the house though, they are tiny and narrow. I felt like I was in the auditorium at my old high school but, that would be an insult to my high school. There isn’t much in the way of parking although, the theater has an arrangement with the building across the street. Parking downtown for $ 8 isn’t bad but, having to move your car 30 minutes after your show feels kind of tacky/​money grubby. I was not a big fan of their fundraiser cocktail, it was quite expensive for a plastic souvenir cup and a nasty drink. Just an opinion, you may not have the same as mine.
I was also not a fan of their bathrooms. Quite small and definitely in need of a remodel or renovation and the urinals may vaccuum you into this seedy underbelly of the theater. They were quite strong and it’s apparent that issue is because of it’s age. Nothing they could do about it right now, I suppose but, perhaps it could be included into some kind of future renovation plans.
Those seats tho.

Built in 1915, this theater is chalked full of character. Many talented actors and musicians have played here, and even the Hollywood première of The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas was at this theater! I bet if the walls could talk, they would have some truly entertaining stories to tell.
Because it’s located downtown parking can be tricky, but there is a garage just around the corner that we paid $ 10 for and it was less than a 5 minute walk.
They have both bars and concession stands that take credit cards, but if you prefer to use cash and forget to bring some there are ATMs out front too.
I love that the employees wear throwback uniforms and how the interior looks like it hasn’t been changed since the doors first opened. From the light up marquee out front to the ornate ceilings and cool balcony seats, this venue has clearly seen a lot throughout its life.
We were here to see the Summer of 69 tour: no apostrophe with Nick Offerman and Megan Mullally. It was hysterical! The space feels both large and intimate at the same time. We were about 10 rows back and could see everything crystal clearly. It’s an ideal venue for comedy shows, especially those who ask for audience participation because the stage is easily accessible.
I can now die happy after seeing two of my favorite TV characters of Ron Swanson and Karen Walker come to life. If someone you like is playing here, definitely go if you can. The experience itself of getting to watch a show here is worth the price of admission.
Pro tip: the drinks are expensive so fair warning. Also, make sure to keep a firm grasp on them. They allow you to take them into the theater, but while my husband went to the bathroom I set my $ 12 prosecco on the floor to clap for a split second only for him to barrel down the aisle and jump back into his seat kicking over the ¾ full glass onto the floor. T’was a sad moment indeed.

I saw Chris D’elia here, was an awesome show! Seating is comfortable and spacious. Bathrooms were clean and have an attendant (or I hope he was an attendant I tipped him) Bartenders are awesome and give a great pour. Great venue will def come back again.

So, Paramount is probably four stars if you aren’t tuned in their frequent flyer program, or Film Fan Club, or whatever it’s called. With it, and the free parties and popcorn and discounts and advanced movie notice, it’s five stars all the way.
My experience with Paramount is limited to the Summer Classics Film Series. So, you get to watch Lawrence of Arabia in 35 mm in an essentially unrestored 1915 movie theater that would have been long in the tooth by the time Gone with the Wind came out. (They played that in 35 mm, too.) Paramount is thus an amazing venue to see stuff that you’ve almost certainly seen but not in a theater, or at least not in a theater like this. We’ve caught Best Picture Award winner #1 (Wings, 1927), several of the original 1930s Paramount monster movies, a cool and stylish neo-​noir double feature – all stuff that is quintessentially cinematic and meant to be seen on the big screen.
Did I mention the Film Fan Club? Seventy bucks for a dual membership gets you better seating, $ 4-​$ 5 (!) off every ticket for a year, plus a free popcorn each time in, plus free additional screenings and a beginning and end-​of-​season party in which you get a film and two drinks. You can also use the membership to get already-​discounted books of tickets for $ 10 off. It pays for itself and then some if you like old movies.
As some have noted, drinks are pretty steep and the seats are made for the sizes that people were 100 years ago. If you have followed the size trend of the past century, well, be warned. The experience and the nice perks that they offer more than compensate for me. I’ll stop at Blue Royal on the way home if I’m thirsty for a beer.

Historic and very charming. That is where it ends. I usually avoid going to events here unless there is no other option. This is Texas, and if a show is sold out, beware… you will sweat. A lot. There is almost no air conditioning. The lobby is way worse than the actual theatre, and they will keep you trapped there until 10 minutes before a show is scheduled to start. It helps overpriced drink sales. Believe me, it smells awesome…
The seats are historic. And by that I mean small and well used. You will get to know the person sitting next to you almost biblically.

I have to revise my review of the Paramount. I think your experience here depends entirely on what you’re seeing. Tonight, the Austin Chronicle did a Master Pancake of Labyrinth and it was just great. Granted we had great seats and I didn’t have to pay for drinks so that might have upped the ante.
I do appreciate that they have 4 — 5 bars open for patrons, that the wait for the bathroom wasn’t heinous because there are options, that they show cool things like classic movies and Bruce Robison. They’ve got a robust program each year and it’s different than what you get at any old place.
The parking is a bear and I’d still recommend binoculars but as far as heritage theaters go, this one is pretty cool.

If you want to see a good show this place isn’t bad… except for the seats and the drinks and of course the parking. When visiting the paramount, there is such a thing as a bad seat.
If you sit up top something or someone’s head will be in the way. The ushers aren’t much help, I don’t know what it was but they didn’t do much if anything except stare as you walk cautiously up and down the stairs as if their waiting for you to fall and then they’ll help.
Ok, so maybe it’s a little bad but hey it could always be worse.

It’s a decent venue, but not amazing. The good stuff is that it’s relatively small, so there’s not very many bad seats and they seem to get good people as they come through. For example, I’ve seen Mike Birbiglia here and Luis Black Twice.
The theater is also pretty cool and historic with box balconies, a nice balcony and other things so it feels like going out to a show, not just a random comedy club.
The rest is just meh. The seats themselves are small and not very comfortable. The bar is really disappointing with no beer on tap and the beer which is there is disappointing and expensive. A «tall boy» can of of Guinness is $ 8.

We had an ok time at this venue tonight. Lewis Black and his opener put on a great show. Kudos to the Paramount for booking great acts. This is also a very beautiful theater with ornate designs and balconies which were pleasing to look at. Congratulations to it in lieu of its 2015 centennial. The ushers were very nice and helpful as well.
The reason why this review is only three stars is due to several factors:
1. It said that the theater doors opened at 6 when the show was at 7. They actually just meant the lobby/​bar I guess because when we got there at 6:40 people were crammed into the lobby like sardines, waiting for the actual theater doors to open.
2. So after the opening act there was an odd 20 minute intermission that honestly, made no sense. Most people sat in their seats and it made for a really long night. We had reservations — and during any other comedy act we’ve seen there have been no intermissions. Soooo… we actually missed our reservation by a half hour. At Perry’s. Bummer. Because the kitchen was closed so we had to scramble to find something else downtown at 10pm on a Sunday.
3. The seats, after sitting that long were oddly uncomfortable. The amount of leg room was nil — and I’m a shorty… I can only imagine how taller people must feel in this theater.
You know, not my favorite venue in Austin, but it was ok. Three stars… and I’ll probably only come back if there’s someone I super duper want to see.

I like it. It’s old, but it has an authentic feel to it. I had to sit in the corner because I came later for AFF, but audio and video was still good. Screen could be bigger.
Will come back again.

The historical qualities, as well as the obvious fantastic calibre of musicians and events they keep bringing in, have been beaten with a dead horse.
What I will tell you of use is that I was on the fence about buying a «partially obstructed seat» in the Dorkestra for the Steve Earle show. It turns out that the worry was all for naught; I had a great view of the opener, the Mastersons, as well as Steve.
The obstruction was so minor (the overhang of that fancy opera box looking thing) that I feel like I got a tremendous deal paying $ 5 less for my ticket than the dickhead Republican next to me — who I seriously wonder how he ended up with tickets to Steve Earle as he sat there looking all Republicany and frowny-​face as the Mastersons mentioned Hero Wendy Davis with Steve insulting both the investment bankers and the oil & gas industry; however my Republican neighbor left before hearing the latter, shortly after the Hero Wendy Davis commentary even.
I had to ding them one star for the drinks. Sure, I paid $ 6 for parking in their garage agreement with the American Center to already further subsidize the fees and stuff on the already expensive ticket I purchased. So a $ 6 can of Fireman’s 4 is just insulting for a number of reasons. What made it worse was the big guy (4u) surly bartender who looked shocked I did not give him another six dollars as a tip for him turning around behind him, opening the refrigerator, taking the can out, opening it, and placing it on the counter. I’ll check my statement to ensure he didn’t give himself a mighty tip, as several unethical Houston restaurants (like Boheme which is still open and the West Gray Tavern which was finally bulldozed into the Rancor Pit of Existence) have tried to pull over the years.
Besides that — there is no bad seat in the house for a concert, even if it is partially obstructed. You can hear and see everything you need to. The theatre is small enough if you want to save some money by being one seat over from a no obstruction seat, just do it. Unless you take one of the Doobie Brothers partially obstructed seats before I get the chance to buy it — then I don’t hate you, I h9 you.
More useful: plan out your pre-​gaming in advance. Besides CU-​29 there is not much worth drinking at close by. Drink elsewhere, like Frank, then only come here after doors open just before the announced time for the show to start. It was pointless to sit there and wait, nursing a $ 6 beer until 30 minutes before the show started before we could be seated. Spend that time getting hammered elsewhere.