AUGUSTA, Ga. () – On October 8th, 1975, the Augusta Mini Theatre was established, and now, 50 years later, Tyrone and Judith Simon Butler, the recipients of the September Mary L. Jones Black Affirmation Award, are celebrating this significant anniversary.

For years, the Butlers have been dedicating their efforts to young people, and now they are reflecting on their contributions to the arts community as they mark the 50th anniversary of the Augusta Mini Theatre.

“Our initial focus was on teaching life skills. The Mini Theatre has never been solely about teaching classes. It’s about utilizing the arts to help young people develop into positive, productive individuals,” explains Tyrone Butler.

“I believe our influence on the students stems from our commitment to working with them beyond just their time at the theatre. We reach out to them beyond the facility’s walls, offering genuine love and support. That’s what motivates us every day to say, ‘This isn’t work. We’re simply heading to the Mini Theatre,'” adds Judith Simon Butler.

The Augusta Mini Theatre will be having their 50th Birthday Celebration Annual Donation Drive Thru on Wednesday, October 8th from 4 PM to 7 PM.

The grand opening of the new 142-seat instructional and performance facility is scheduled for November 14th-16th. The ribbon-cutting event will occur on the 14th at 5 P.M., followed by a walkthrough tour until 7:30 P.M., open to the public free of charge. On the 15th, the event will start at 5 P.M. with a performance at 7:30 P.M., with tickets priced at $100. Lastly, on the 16th, the grand opening show will be at 3 P.M., with doors opening for tours at 1 P.M. Ticket prices are $50 for adults and $16 for students.

The Augusta Mini Theatre is located at 2548 Deans Bridge Road. For more information or to enroll students, visit augustaminitheatre.org or call (706) 722-0598.