Augusta, GA

Augusta Mini Theatre announces upcoming groundbreaking and event plans

Published

2 years ago

July 12, 2024

Augusta Mini Theatre announces upcoming groundbreaking and event plans

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WJBF) – The Augusta Mini Theatre has big plans for the future.

Augusta Mini Theatre held a press conference Wednesday, July 10 to talk about new opportunities ahead in the near future and the changes to come at their campus located at 2548 Deans Bridge Road in Augusta, GA.

During the press conference, they announced a series of significant upcoming events and initiatives that will shape the mini theatre’s future. Pushing to events later this year, they reveal details about the groundbreaking event for the new theater building, as well as some design details.

Founded in 1975, the Augusta Mini Theatre’s focus is to help kids who have a love for acting, singing, and dancing.

After a successful fundraising campaign, construction of a new 150-seat theatre is set for this October, with plans to celebrate with festive grand opening in October 2025.

“The Facility will be more than performing space, “ Augusta Mini Theatre’s founder Tyrone Butler said. “It’s going to be a teaching space. We’ll be teaching lighting and sound design, and students will run the show. They’ll learn the backstage life of the theatre of the arts – so that will bring in more students to learn that.”

This improvements will mark a significant step forward in Augusta Mini Theatre`s mission to provide a state-of-the-art facility for the arts in Augusta.

Other announcements included news that the Augusta Mini Theatre has been invited to participate in the prestigious International Black Theatre Festival, providing an incredible opportunity for students to showcase their skills on an international stage.

For the first time ever, students from the Augusta Mini Theatre will be attending the International Black Theatre Festival in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. In doing so, they will become the youngest group to ever perform at the event.

They also discussed event plans for their upcoming 50th Anniversary Weekend and updates on their 2024 Summer Fundraising Campaign, including their monetary goals and how the community can support the Augusta Mini Theatre’s efforts to continue delivering high-quality arts education and performances.

You can learn more by visiting their website.

Photojournalist credit: Gary Hipps.

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Augusta, GA

Lock and Dam Park closing to public for a month in Augusta

Published

5 hours ago

February 28, 2026

Press Room

Lock and Dam Park closing to public for a month in Augusta

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The city of Augusta announced a temporary closure of New Savannah Bluff Lock and Dam Park.

Closure of the park at 2105 Lock and Dam Road will allow the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to repair the lock and dam structure.

The park will be closed from March 4 to April 7.

All areas of the park will be closed.

However, the Baurle Boat Ramp will remain open and accessible to the public for fishing and boating activities.

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Augusta, GA

Augusta 911 call center earns statewide honor

Published

17 hours ago

February 28, 2026

Press Room

Augusta 911 call center earns statewide honor

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The Augusta 911 center has been named 2025 Communications Center of the Year at the Georgia Emergency Communications Conference in Athens.

The award recognizes excellence in public safety communications, innovation, leadership and service.

The award recognizes a center that demonstrates strong performance in emergency response coordination, training, technology and community engagement.

The Augusta center was selected among agencies statewide for its consistent service, professional standards and coordination with public safety partners.

“This recognition reflects the work our team does every single day,” said Daniel R. Dunlap, 911 director. “Our communications officers are the first point of contact during some of the most difficult moments in a person’s life. They provide reassurance, direction and critical coordination until help arrives. I am incredibly proud of the dedication and strength they show.”

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Augusta, GA

Popn’ Off Gourmet Popcorn opens on Broad Street in Augusta

Published

1 day ago

February 27, 2026

Press Room

Popn’ Off Gourmet Popcorn opens on Broad Street in Augusta

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – A new gourmet popcorn shop has opened on Broad Street, bringing a Chicago-style twist to downtown Augusta.

Popn’ Off Gourmet Popcorn and Nuts, located at 716 Broad Street next to the Miller Theater, opened late last year. Owner Sheila Jones moved to Augusta from Chicago, where she said gourmet popcorn has a strong following.

“I’m from Chicago where gourmet popcorn is kind of a big deal,” Jones said.

Specialty flavors made in house

The shop offers specialty flavors including caramel, strawberry drizzle, peppermint, Oreo, green apple, and peanut butter — all made in house. Jones said the experience starts before customers even reach the counter.

“The smell is part of the experience. Green apple, strawberry, strawberry drizzle with chocolate. We have a new peanut butter flavor I just did,” Jones said.

A business built for family

Jones said her move to Augusta and her decision to open the business were driven by her son, who is on the autism spectrum. She said she believed he would be more comfortable in Augusta and wanted to build something that would benefit him long-term.

“I wanted him to have something when he gets older. He has a job already if he wants one. He already has a business,” Jones said.

Jones said starting the business has been harder than she expected. She handles most operations herself, with some help from family. She said the purpose behind the shop keeps her motivated.

“Coming into this every day is fulfilling because I built it. I’m building it and I just wanna see how high we’ll go,” Jones said.

Popn’ Off Gourmet Popcorn and Nuts is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. The shop is also holding a pop-up Saturday at noon on Gordon Highway.

Here’s a link to their Facebook page: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61584084467886#

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