What Miller Theater Augusta does

Miller Theater Augusta is a nonprofit historic entertainment venue located at 708 Broad Street in downtown Augusta, Georgia. Originally opened in 1940 as an Art Moderne movie palace (designed by architect Roy Benjamin) and the second-largest theater in Georgia, it was purchased by philanthropist Peter Knox IV in 2005, gifted to the Symphony Orchestra Augusta in 2011, and reopened in January 2018 after a nearly $25 million renovation that preserved Italian marble terrazzo, black walnut millwork, and fluted columns while installing modern audio and lighting. The venue operates three distinct event spaces under one roof: the Brian J. Marks Hall main auditorium (seating nearly 1,300 with state-of-the-art audio and lighting), the Founders Room private lounge (up to 100 guests with a premium bar), and the Knox Music Institute (a 1,300-square-foot second-floor space).

The business model is multi-stream. Primary revenue comes from ticketed performances (concerts, comedy, ballet, symphony, and family shows) sold via in-house box office, the Etix platform, and phone sales, with prices ranging from free (Movies at the Miller) to approximately $189.65 for premium events. Secondary revenue includes private venue rentals starting at $2,500 per booking (with full buyout capacity up to 2,000 attendees), annual memberships at $125 per household providing presale and lounge benefits, branded merchandise, marquee rentals ($250/day), corporate sponsorships, and donations via the Give-a-Seat inscription program. The nonprofit structure, parent-subsidiary governance by the Augusta Symphony, and a staff of 11 underscore a cost-conscious operation reliant on community donors, SPLOST funds, and historic preservation tax credits.

The theater serves the CSRA (Central Savannah River Area) community with diverse programming anchored by resident Augusta Symphony performances and supplemented by touring presenting partnerships (Grand Kyiv Ballet, Classical Arts Entertainment, JCGT, Icon Concerts). Distribution is multichannel: physical box office (710 Broad Street), Etix online, phone sales, and group-discount channels for 10+ patrons. Marketing leverages an official website, social media, email newsletters, sponsor partnerships (notably Queensborough National Bank for Movies at the Miller), community programming (Community Chords Music Therapy), and earned media (Forbes, Billboard, Georgia Connector coverage). Accessibility infrastructure includes assisted listening devices, sign-interpreted performances, wheelchair-accessible seating, and elevator access.

Name

Miller Theater Augusta

Legal name

Miller Theater Augusta

Website

https://millertheateraugusta.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1940

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Miller Theater Augusta is a nonprofit historic entertainment venue in downtown Augusta, Georgia, hosting concerts, comedy, ballet, films, and Augusta Symphony performances across three event spaces (1,300-seat Brian J. Marks Hall, Founders Room, Knox Music Institute) for the CSRA community.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Performing Arts Venue

NAICS

Promoters of Performing Arts, Sports, and Similar Events with Facilities (71131), Performing Arts Companies (7111), Theater Companies and Dinner Theaters (711110)

SIC

Services-Amusement & Recreation Services (7900), Services-Miscellaneous Amusement & Recreation (7990)

akta.pro primary industry

Music Venues & Venue Operators (Clubs, Theaters, Arenas) (MPAIAFAB)

akta.pro secondary industries

Theater & Performing Arts Venue Operations (Playhouses, Opera Houses) (MPAGALAB), Concert Halls & Music Venue Operations (Symphony Halls, Recital Venues) (MPAGALAC), Event Operations & Venue Services (Box Office, FOH/BOH, Concessions) (MPAIAFAL)

Keywords

• Live entertainment venue
• Performing arts theater
• Concert hall rental
• Historic theater venue
• Event space rental

Headquarters

HQ city

Augusta

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Ticket Sales: Primary revenue stream from concerts, comedy shows, movies, ballet, symphony performances, and other events. Tickets sold through box office, website, Etix platform, and phone. Pricing varies by event from free (Movies at the Miller) to $189.65 for premium shows.
2. Venue Rentals: Three unique event spaces (Brian J. Marks Hall, Founders Room, KMI Loft) available for private events. Customizable packages start at $2,500. Accommodations up to 144 for seated dinners, 500 for standing receptions, or nearly 1,300 seated in main hall.
3. Membership Program: Annual memberships at $125 per household offering ticket presale access, fast pass entry, ticket discounts, complimentary Founders Room tickets, and exclusive offers. Active for one calendar year.
4. Merchandise Sales: Miller Theater branded merchandise including t-shirts, baseball tees, clear bags, and Tervis tumblers sold through the box office and online.
5. Donations: Nonprofit venue accepts donations for community events and historic theater maintenance. 'Give a Seat' program allows inscribed gold plates on theater seats for $100-$500.
6. Marquee Rentals: Marquee rental for birthday wishes, proposals, business announcements at $250 per day including two rounds of graphic edits.
7. Corporate Sponsorships: Customized sponsorships for businesses with various budget levels, offering digital, traditional, and creative marketing elements through event-specific or naming rights partnerships.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Miller Theater Augusta operates a multi-venue performing arts complex hosting live concerts, comedy, ballet, symphony performances, and free film screenings, complemented by private event rentals, an annual membership program, and branded merchandise. As the permanent home of the Augusta Symphony, it serves as the cultural and entertainment epicenter of Downtown Augusta with three distinct rental spaces accommodating groups from 100 to nearly 1,300 guests.

Product overview

Miller Theater Augusta operates as a multi-venue entertainment complex featuring three primary event spaces under one roof: the Brian J. Marks Hall (main auditorium seating nearly 1,300 with state-of-the-art audio/lighting), the Founders Room (exclusive lounge for up to 100 guests), and the Knox Music Institute (1,300 sq ft education/performance space). The venue hosts diverse programming including concerts, films (Movies at the Miller series), ballet performances, comedy shows, and serves as the permanent home of the Augusta Symphony. The venue also offers merchandise products, annual memberships at $125, and private event rental services with packages starting at $2,500.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Knox Music Institute: Phase two of the Miller Theater complex, located on the second floor, serving as a small performance and lecture hall for the Augusta Symphony, a rentable venue, office space, and home of the Community Chords Music Therapy program.
• Founders Room
• Brian J. Marks Hall
• Movies at The Miller

Products and services

• Brian J. Marks Hall The main performance auditorium of Miller Theater Augusta seating nearly 1,300 patrons, designed as a movie palace and music hall with exceptional sightlines and acoustics, combined with state-of-the-art audio and lighting systems. Available for ticketed performances and private event rentals.
• Founders Room A luxurious private lounge space within the Miller Theater complex featuring a built-in bar and central seating area, capable of hosting up to 100 people for small gatherings, receptions, meetings, and meals. Available as a premium ticket upgrade with dedicated bar access.
• Knox Music Institute (KMI) A modern 1,300 square foot event space on the second floor with dynamic lighting, custom sound and projection capabilities, original historic walls and beams, and tall ceilings with natural light. Available for small performances, lectures, and private event rentals. Also houses the Community Chords Music Therapy program.
• Movies at the Miller A free film screening series presented by Queensborough National Bank & Trust, featuring community movie showings in the historic theater that pays homage to the venue's origins as a 1940 movie palace.
• Annual Membership Program Annual household membership at $125 offering ticket presale access, fast pass entry, ticket discounts, complimentary Founders Room tickets (up to 4 per event), and exclusive offers. Active for one calendar year.
• Venue Rental Packages Private event rental services for the three event spaces with customizable packages starting at $2,500. Includes house sound and lighting, tables, chairs, and linens. Accommodates up to 144 for seated dinners, 500 for standing receptions, or nearly 1,300 seated in the main hall. Full venue buyout can host up to 2,000 people.
• Branded Merchandise

Quantifiable outcome

• Hundred of thousands of patrons entertained since 2018 reopening
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers8 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Nine partnerships are on record, tiered standard, core and minor.

• Classical Arts EntertainmentstandardGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026Presenting family ballet productions including Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs and Cinderella. Productions feature the United European Ballet Company with international artists from across Europe.
• Grand Kyiv BalletstandardGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026Presenting Swan Lake: Symphony of Lights featuring world-class international dancers with vivid light design and illuminated costumes.
• JCGT EntertainmentstandardGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026Presenting Night of Soul featuring The Manhattans with Gerald Alston and special guest Tony Howard & The Motowners.
• Icon ConcertsstandardGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026Presenting Karlous Miller and Friends comedy show at Miller Theater on October 17, 2026.
• Queensborough National Bank & Trust Co.coreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2022Presenting sponsor of the 'Movies at the Miller' series offering free community movie screenings. This sponsorship enables the theater to provide free entertainment to the community as a 'thank you' for support in reopening the venue. Movies include National Treasure, Cars, Raiders of the Lost Ark, Casper, Mary Poppins, and Elf.
• Community Organizations (CSRA)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2019Partnership with four CSRA organizations to provide free group music therapy at the Knox Music Institute to approximately 50 adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Program targets clinical goals including socialization, communication, self-expression, motor function, and cognitive stimulation.
• Augusta SymphonycoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2018Augusta Symphony (SOA) is the primary resident tenant and home of the Miller Theater. The Symphony Orchestra Augusta accepted the gift of the Miller Theater from Peter Knox IV in 2011. The theater serves as the permanent home for symphony performances including Masterworks Series and Pops Series. Symphony Board of Directors manages the venue operations.
• Georgia's Own Credit UnionminorGTM or Marketing PartnerConcession sponsor for Miller Theater events.
• Azalea InvestmentsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerParking sponsor providing multiple parking lots for Miller Theater patrons including Azalea Lot 1, 2, and 3.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves9 records

Expansion highlights7 records

Direct peers

• Peace Center (Greenville): The Peace Center is a multi-venue performing arts campus in Greenville, SC, with a main hall, smaller venues, and resident symphony tenancy. It is comparable to Miller Theater as a multi-space performing arts complex anchoring a mid-sized Southeast city.
• Durham Performing Arts Center (DPAC): DPAC is a 2,700-seat performing arts venue in Durham, NC, hosting Broadway, concerts, comedy, and family events. It compares to Miller Theater as a regional touring-driven live entertainment venue in a mid-sized Carolinas/Southeast market.
• Fox Theatre (Atlanta): The Fox Theatre is a historic 1929 movie palace and performing arts venue in Atlanta, GA. Like Miller Theater, it hosts Broadway tours, concerts, ballet, and is a marquee regional entertainment venue, making it the most direct mid-sized historic-theater peer in the same state.
• Ryman Auditorium: Ryman Auditorium is a historic 2,362-seat Nashville venue operating as a live music hall and former home of the Grand Ole Opry. It is closely comparable to Miller Theater as a heritage performing arts venue with restored architecture, a premium hospitality product, and touring artist-driven calendar.
• Beacon Theatre (New York): The Beacon Theatre is a historic 1934 Upper West Side venue operated as a live music and events hall. It is comparable to Miller Theater as a heritage theater operator running concerts, comedy, and special events with a premium hospitality product, although at a much larger market scale.
• Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre: Cobb Energy Centre is a 2,750-seat performing arts venue northwest of Atlanta hosting symphony, Broadway, concerts, and family shows. It is a comparable Georgia-market performing arts venue competing for similar touring acts and patrons as Miller Theater.
• Saenger Theatre (New Orleans): Saenger Theatre is a restored 1927 atmospheric theater hosting touring Broadway, concerts, comedy, and ballet. Like Miller Theater, it pairs a multi-million-dollar historic restoration with a resident orchestra partnership and broad touring-act programming in the Southeast.
• Tennessee Theatre: The Tennessee Theatre is a historic 1928 movie palace in Knoxville hosting Broadway, symphony, concerts, and film events. It mirrors Miller Theater's hybrid role as a restored historic theater with symphony tenancy and diverse touring programming in a mid-sized Southeast market.
• Tabernacle Atlanta: Tabernacle is a restored historic church-turned-music venue in downtown Atlanta. Comparable to Miller Theater as a mid-sized, historic-feel live music and comedy venue in the Georgia/Southeast market, with a similar ticket-price band and touring-act-driven programming model.

Regional players

• Blossom Music Center: Blossom is a 19,500-seat outdoor amphitheater in Cuyahoga Falls, OH, home to the Cleveland Orchestra and summer touring concerts. It is comparable as a performing arts venue with an orchestra anchor, but is primarily seasonal/outdoor rather than the year-round indoor model Miller Theater operates.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/MillerTheater
• Facebookfacebook.com/millertheater
• Instagraminstagram.com/millertheater
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/miller-theater-augusta

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles7 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Miller Theater Augusta