Mercer University today announced it has acquired downtown Macon’s historic Capitol Theatre and that Robins Financial Credit Union has committed to a multi-year naming sponsorship for the more than century-old venue.

Located only two blocks away from each other, The Robins Financial Theatre and The Piedmont Grand Opera House will be jointly managed by the University, which has programmed and operated The Grand for more than 30 years. Mercer acquired The Capitol Theatre in December in a “bargain sale” from previous owner Wes Griffith.

“The University is pleased to preserve this important historic performing arts venue in downtown Macon, and we are grateful to Wes Griffith for his stewardship of the theater for the last dozen years,” said Mercer President Dr. Penny L. Elkins. “We look forward to The Robins Financial Capitol Theatre continuing to contribute to downtown Macon’s vitality.”

In addition to presenting concerts consistent with its past lineups, The Robins Financial Capitol Theatre, with a capacity of about 650 for concerts, will host performances of Mercer’s Townsend School of Music. It will also serve as a learning lab for students in the music school’s new music production and music business degree programs, which will launch this fall. As it has been in the past, the theater will be available for special event rentals, such as corporate meetings, receptions and weddings.

The Mercer Jazz Ensemble has already booked two performances at the theater next academic year.

“Robins Financial Credit Union is proud to partner with Mercer University to help preserve and re-energize one of downtown Macon's most iconic landmarks,” said Christina O'Brien, president and CEO of Robins Financial Credit Union. “The Capitol Theatre represents creativity, history and community, and we are honored to support a space that brings people together and invests in future generations.”

This will not be the first time The Grand Opera House and The Capitol Theatre have been jointly managed. As far back as 1917, shortly after The Capitol opened as “one of the South’s most modern and up-to-date motion picture houses,” the two venues were owned and operated by the Macon Photo-Play Theatres Co. As recently as the mid-1960s, the two theaters were owned and operated by The Georgia Theatre Co. 

NewTown Macon last August approached Mercer’s then-President William D. Underwood with a proposal to help broker the purchase of the theater from Griffith, who was looking to sell the building after operating The Capitol since 2014. The sale was completed shortly before Underwood stepped down as Mercer’s 18th president to return to full-time teaching in the law school.

“Having attended a number of concerts and other events at The Capitol over the last 20 years, I am thankful that this jewel of downtown Macon will continue to delight audiences for years to come,” Underwood said.

After sitting vacant for many years, a group of local business leaders, including Griffith, acquired The Capitol and completed a major renovation of the theater in 2006. For the next few years, it was operated as a non-profit organization. The Urban Development Authority purchased the building in 2013 before leasing it to Griffith in 2014. He later purchased the building from the UDA. 

“Operating The Capitol Theatre these last 12 years will undoubtedly be one of the coolest things I ever do. With the support of this community, we hosted some legends, caught some shooting stars and created a lot of memories,” Griffith said. “Thank you to every single person that bought a ticket. What a pleasure it was bringing joy to so many people. What an honor it was to continue the efforts of the many that revived it and kept it going. And what a blessing it is to have such an amazing institution like Mercer University willing to take the reins. I’m thankful for their leadership and commitment to arts and culture in our community. I'll be in the front row for the next chapter.”

The University is completing some minor physical improvements to the theater, but they will not affect operations. 

To see upcoming events and to purchase tickets, visit capitoltheatremacon.com.