Augusta, GA
Augusta Mini Theatre celebrates brand-new instructional, performance center
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WJBF) – The city of Augusta is celebrating a milestone moment in the arts community.
After decades of growth from a small downtown space to a brand-new home, the Augusta Mini Theatre is opening the doors to its new instructional and performance center.
October 8th, 1975 is a day that has been cemented in history as Butler took the initial steps in creating what would be known as the Augusta Mini Theatre.
Butler along with his wife and the artistic director of the Augusta Mini Theatre, Judith Simon-Butler, began their voyage of servitude to the arts in becoming the first performing arts school in Augusta to offer all of the disciplines which include acting, singing, dance, and visual arts, under one roof.
The Augusta Mini Theatre moved into its current home on Deans Bridge Road in 2008, using a $1.3 Million grant from the city and $400,000 that the organization raised on its own.
History Of The Augusta Mini Theatre
On Friday, January 16th, the Augusta Mini Theatre held a ribbon cutting ceremony, and patrons had the opportunity to walk through the brand new instructional and performing arts center, which includes the Judith Simon Butler Theatre.
For the current students, alumni, faculty, staff, and attendees in general, this is truly a monumental moment.
“I’m feeling butterflies, and I’m overwhelmed with joy because when I started in the theater, I was in the second grade, and we were downtown in this little bit of space and the floor creaked, and it was so tiny. And now we just have this huge space to spread out, and it’s just so special to us,” says Brittany Dent, the Augusta Mini Theatre Alumni Chairperson. “The importance of this building is just so monumental because we have literally started from the bottom, and Mr. and Mrs. Butler have built their way out. The dream of just having a community center for the arts in Augusta… It’s so monumental to be able to have a 140-foot theater where we can do our own plays and shows and anything. It’s just a very special thing. After the celebration, we’re going forward. We pray for another 50 years of celebrations. We hope that there are so many kids that are able to pass through these doors, are able to earn the scholarship, and are able to just get all the programs that they have to offer.”
The Augusta Mini Theatre is located on Deans Bridge Road, and for more information, you can visit their website, https://augustaminitheatre.org/.
Photojournalist: Avery Van Dusen
NJ apartment dwellers, renters have these options for help with rent
State and local officials say several programs are designed to help low and moderate-income households stay housed in the face of financial distress.
As rent prices continue to strain budgets, a new study is highlighting where Georgians can save the most by splitting housing costs.
According to a report from SmartAsset, some cities in Georgia offer major savings for renters who choose to live with a roommate.
Here’s what to know.
Where can you save the most in Georgia?
The study ranks Augusta as the top city in Georgia for roommate savings, and No. 6 in the country.
Renters there can save about 45% on monthly rent, or roughly $450 per month, by sharing an apartment.
Here’s how the costs compare in Augusta:
- One-bedroom rent: $1,000
- Two-bedroom rent: $1,100
- Estimated monthly savings with a roommate: $450
Why are roommate savings so high?
With rent prices rising, splitting costs has become one of the easiest ways to cut monthly expenses.
The study shows that sharing rent can significantly reduce housing costs, especially in cities where prices have climbed in recent years.
How does Georgia compare to the rest of the country?
Here’s the top 10 cities in the US for saving with a roomate:
- Cleveland, OH
- Baton Rouge, LA
- Jersey City, NJ
- Memphis, TN
- Boise, ID
- Augusta, GA
- New Haven, CT
- Chattanooga, TN
- Virginia Beach, VA
- Shreveport, LA
Methodology
The study analyzed 100 U.S. cities using rental data from March 2025 to March 2026 from Zumper, comparing one-bedroom rents to half the cost of two-bedroom apartments to estimate savings from sharing with a roommate.
For more information, visit smartasset.com/data-studies/roommate-savings-2026.
Vanessa Johns is the Trending Topics Reporter for the Deep South Connect Team Georgia. Email her at Vcountryman@gannett.com.
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Families had the chance to sharpen their money skills at a financial literacy event hosted by local nonprofit Crown Her Mentoring at the Bernie Ward Community Center.
The free event offered resources for all ages, from kids learning the basics to adults planning for their financial future.
Attendees could sit in sessions about budgeting, credit, opening banking accounts and insurance options.
Organizers said the event was designed to make financial education accessible during Financial Literacy Month.
“People need to understand the importance of a checking account, a savings account—how to manage your money. How to invest your money. People need to learn about life insurance,” said Torrecka Davis, organizer.
Crown Her Mentoring will host a mental health awareness event on May 23. Open enrollment for new mentees will begin on May 10.
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Shoppers in Augusta will soon lose a longtime retail option, as Lane Bryant’s store inside Augusta Mall is set to close for good this weekend.
Employees at Lane Bryant inside Augusta Mall confirmed that the store will permanently close starting Sunday, April 19.
After the closure, the nearest Lane Bryant location for customers will be in Lexington.
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
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