WACT

History of the Ritz

The Grand Theater opened in June 1913, featuring vaudeville, opera and live performance. The name was changed in 1917, to the Orpheum Theater. Extensive interior and exterior renovations were made in 1935, by noted Jacksonville, Florida Art Deco architect Roy A. Benjamin (1888-1963).

The theater was renamed the Ritz Theater. In the 1950's the north exterior wall of the theater served as a memorial to local men who served in World War II. Their names having been stenciled on the brick wall.

Waycross Area Community Theater purchased the building on May,6 1986. The Ritz returned to its original purpose, live entertainment. WACT produces 4 major productions each year. WACT is committed to the ongoing restoration of the Ritz Theater. After the roof collapsed in 1997, the group raised thousands of dollars to rebuild the historic theater. One feature is the stadium type seating that assures there is not a bad seat in the house. In 1994 the neon lighting was restored to the Marquee. The Grand Curtain returns this season.

WACT would like to thank the people of south east Georgia for supporting the Ritz and assuring that its legacy lives and continues to inspire,entertain and educate for many years and decades to come.