Great stories come from the seats, too. To celebrate the Paramount and help raise critical year-end funds, we asked you to share your favorite moments from the theatre.

Memories matter. They are carrying us through to that time when we can gather again to connect, get inspired, and make even more of those unforgettable moments happen. You’ll find just a small sampling of the thoughtful stories shared by patrons, donors, and staff below. 

All donations of $100 or more by December 31st will receive a temporary seat decal with your name that will be up for at least a year when shows are back on. This special recognition to honor patrons stepping up now while our stages are dark also includes a professional photograph of your dedicated seats. Donors will be contacted in January for preferred dedication name.

“The Paramount has always been an extension of our family’s living room. We subscribed to the family Discovery Series when our child was born. A favorite memory was taking our son to see his first show (Goodnight Moon) when he was 16 months old. He was so small that I had to keep a leg on his seat during the show to keep the seat from flipping up and squeezing him.” – Edward Tasch, Donor, Member, and Summer Camp Parent

“I first went to the Paramount when I was a kid growing up in Austin. I remember being in awe of the grandness of it. Still my favorite theatre from anywhere in the world. More recently, the 2019 Moontower Comedy Festival with the cast of Schitt’s Creek. Every Bruce & Kelly holiday shindig. Ira Glass and getting to meet him pre-show! The Classic Film Series (getting to be there for CASABLANCA in a mask is memorable)! I will always be thrilled I got to be there for the blade relighting for the 100th birthday, from the terrace next door.

Lastly, the kindness and efforts of the staff—in particular, Tess and Erin—when they were able to get my twins set for the meet & greet with the cast of NAPOLEON DYNAMITE at the anniversary show. The last movie they saw with their dad when they were about to be 9 before he died. The photos are priceless, the cast was so kind. I love my Paramount people! – Molly Collie, Donor and Member

“There is nothing quite like celebrating the holidays at the Paramount Theatre. A particular moment I’ll never forget is seeing WHITE CHRISTMAS on the big screen. I’ve seen that film dozens of times, but never with the spirit of a live crowd. We were clapping, singing along, and laughing at the classic jokes. And we all wept a little at the end. I’ll wrap up in that memory this year as we work toward being together again!” - Trevor Scott, We Are Austin Host and Member

“Kirk Franklin is a pinnacle of the Black community. His larger-than-life personality gives way to some of the most upbeat, exciting hits that the gospel community has ever heard. When I saw that he was coming to the Paramount, it was a no brainer, I had to see him.

Walking into the theatre that day felt special, to say the least. I was all dressed in my Sunday best, and just a tad bit nervous. Two parts of my life that I so often keep separate were colliding: my faith, and my job. But the most enchanting part of it all, was how effortless the collision happened.

You see, for the Black community, church is a sacred place. It’s a place of joy, and reverence and love. No matter what was going on in your life, you left it all behind and lost yourself in praise and worship. And even if you absolutely don't know the person sitting next to you, you show them love, you treat them like family.

I took my seat in the theatre and was immediately greeted by two older ladies next to me. They complimented my pants, we chatted about our excitement for the show, and it immediately took me back to being that little boy sitting in church with my mom and sisters. I was already beginning to get emotional. Kirk Franklin came out and did a quick montage of some of his oldest hits. I caught myself losing it a few times. These songs were such intricate parts of my childhood. I remember catching myself looking around, seeing if any of the ushers had noticed me. I didn’t want any of my co-workers to see that side of me.

Seeing everyone in the theatre dancing, worshipping, and singing out loud against the backdrop of this 104-year-old (at the time) theatre was something so special to me. I had seen comedy shows, live music shows, live podcasts and more at this theatre and all had moved me in different ways. But tonight, worship filled the theatre and I remembered thinking to myself, ‘there is no other place I'd rather be right now.’ This was a way I had only been moved at church.

I had grown up praise-dancing to many of Kirk Franklin's songs. We listened to him at family reunions, at weddings, and even funerals. And this particular moment, with the lights dim and the comforting sounds of Kirk Franklin leading us into the spirit brought me to tears.

One of the ladies next to me put her hand on my back, and began to comfort me, and just like that, I was home. I was home in the church that I was reared by, the church that I had been molded in. The audience sang in unison, so effortlessly. I felt connected to every single person in the theatre. Was I at church, or was at my place of work? I had been completely transported. I didn't care if any of my co-workers noticed me.

I'll never forget the day my two worlds collided. That is the power of the Paramount.” – Ryan Thompson, Paramount & Stateside Theatres Email Communications Associate 

“The Paramount Theatre has a long, colorful, and unique place in the history of Austin. The sense of community and intimacy the theatre and its staff creates, as well as the history of the theatre itself, is priceless and impossible to duplicate. It is a rare gem.

We never tire of seeing CASABLANCA on the big screen amid an audience of film goers that know the classic lines by heart.” – Aileen Krassner, Donor, Member, and Volunteer

“The theatre draws me into a world that brings joy to my heart. The volunteers, the house managers, the bartenders, the entire staff could not be more authentically welcoming. Historically, the building is a cultural gem. I feel fortunate that it has been preserved (and continues to be restored), still offering our community so much pleasure. For over a century this majestic and magical theatre has introduced a variety of musical, theatrical, and educational programs to young and old alike. What a gift!” – Yolanda Uribe Rangel, Century Club and Paramount Board Member

Generations of Austinites before us have safeguarded the beloved Paramount & Stateside Theatres. Community support has protected these landmarks from permanent closure and demolition; it has ensured our survival through two World Wars, multiple recessions and the 1918 Spanish Flu pandemic. Our incredible present-day community is stepping up to do the same thing now.

Please consider making a gift today to preserve and protect the Paramount for current and future generations to create lasting memories.

We wish you and your loved ones good health and happiness heading into the new year. Thank you for making memories with us – we can’t wait to welcome you back to make more!

P.S. – Don’t forget to make your 100% tax-deductible gift of $100 by December 31^st to receive a seat dedication for at least a year when shows are back on!