Supporting live theater supports the entire community. The Palace is more than just entertainment; it’s part of what makes Georgetown such a special place. ~Ron Watson
For nearly a century, the Palace Theater has stood proudly on the Square as a community hub and cultural landmark. Since its opening in the 1920s, the historic theater has evolved to become a cornerstone of live local entertainment and at its helm today is Executive Artistic Director Ron Watson. With a deep passion for the arts and an enduring commitment to the Palace, Ron has been instrumental in preserving its history while guiding it toward a vibrant future.
Rooted in the Community
The Palace Theater has always been more than just a building. “We are a community theater,” says Ron. “We have amazing education programs and shows year-round. We’re always meeting new people who haven’t heard of us, and we want everyone in this fast-growing area to know we’re here and all are welcome.”
As one of Georgetown’s most recognizable landmarks, the Palace remains a vital part of the town’s cultural and social fabric. And, thanks to the Square’s continued revitalization, the Palace is perfectly centered among local arts and entertainment.
BALANCING HISTORY AND MODERNITY
While the Palace Theater holds a special place in the hearts of locals for its historical significance, it has not shied away from adapting to meet the needs of modern entertainment. One of its most significant recent changes came with the addition of the Doug Smith Performance Center. This dedicated space allows the Palace to provide program areas for education without having to share class and performance space with the Springer and Playhouse venues — a challenge the theater previously faced.
“Before we had the education building, we juggled everything in the same spaces,” Ron recalls. “We’d have to rearrange everything — with performances, rehearsals, and classes all happening in one place. Now, we can produce plays and musicals while continuing to offer our education programs without constantly reshuffling. It’s a game changer.”
This flexibility allows the theater to invest more time and resources into productions, elevating the quality and creativity of every show that hits the stage.
The Magic of Live Performance
From classic musicals to innovative plays, the Palace Theater offers a wide variety of performances to suit all tastes. Upcoming shows include the holiday favorite White Christmas and the delightful twist on a classic, Dickens’ Christmas Carol, which pokes fun at the struggles of putting on a play within a play.
As artistic director, Ron plays a pivotal role in choosing the season lineup. “I listen to everyone’s ideas then decide what’s best for the Palace,” he says. “It’s a balancing act between selecting shows our audience wants to see and those our actors want to perform. We need to sell enough tickets to keep going, but I also aim to push the envelope with each season.”
Ron believes that balance is key to the theater’s long-term success. Though it is a nonprofit, the theater operates with the goal of sustainability, ensuring staff can earn a living, and the quality of performances continues to improve.
In the Community
The Palace Theater is a stage for the community. Ron and his team maintain an open audition policy, ensuring local talent has the opportunity to shine. “We rarely precast shows,” he says. “That’s important to us because it builds trust within the community. We want everyone to feel like they can be part of what we’re doing.”
For visitors, the Palace offers a warm, welcoming experience. Whether you’re a seasoned theatergoer or attending your first live performance, you can expect an immersive, intimate environment where the magic of live theater truly comes alive.
The Palace’s Future
To ensure the Palace continues to thrive, Ron encourages the community to support the theater through ticket purchases, flex passes, or by joining the Patron Club. The latter offers members special perks like invitations to donor events and priority seating, making it a perfect way to stay connected to the theater’s vibrant offerings.
The Palace Theater is constantly evolving, with exciting future plans. While they’ve been providing sensory-friendly performances free of charge for many years, they hope to add more inclusive elements, such as live translations for Spanish-speaking audiences, which will make their productions accessible to even more people.