Frequently asked Questions- Answered
General Questions
Who owns the Averitt Center for the Arts/ Emma Kelly Theater?
The City of Statesboro owns the two buildings that house The Averitt Center and the Emma Kelly Theater and leases them to the Averitt Center Board of Directors.
Who makes up the Averitt Center Board of Directors?
The Averitt Center Board consists of a variety of area business professionals and art enthusiasts that volunteer their time, support, and expertise for the organization as a whole.
How many seats are in the Emma Kelly Theater?
The EKT has 359 seats including the balcony seating.
Does the Emma Kelly Theater show movies?
While the EKT has shown many movies in its previous life, its primary use and focus is a live event venue since it became part of the Averitt Center for the Arts.
What is there to do downtown after a show?
There are four restaurants/ bars located within easy walking distance of the Emma Kelly Theater; Tandoor & Tap, Eagle Creek Brewing Co., Sugar Magnolia Bakery & Cafe, and the Bull and Barrell Steakhouse.
Theater Rentals
How do I begin the process of renting the theater for an event?
First step: Fill out the Rental Request form and return it to our Rental Coordinator, Rachel Elkins. You can email your completed form to relkins@averittcenterforthearts.org, mail it to P.O. Box 926, Statesboro, Ga 30459, or bring it here in person to our main building located at 33 East Main Street in Downtown Statesboro.
Your event request form must be completed and returned to the Rental coordinator no fewer than 45 days prior to the requested performance date.
Does the event request form guarantee my rental?
Nope! Once received, your request will be reviewed by our Rental Coordinator, Production Manager, and Box office manager to ensure that we can meet all the requirements of the event including staffing needs, technical requirements, and whether or not the requested date is available. The Averitt Center reserves all right and discretion to approve or deny a rental request.
What happens next?
If your event request has been denied you will be notified by the Rental coordinator by phone or by email and informed as to why we cannot approve your request. If you are denied because of a scheduling conflict, you will have the option to choose another date.
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If you are approved, congratulations! Our Rental Coordinator will contact you by phone or email and a meeting will be scheduled at that time between the appropriate staff members and the renter. During this meeting, more specific details will be gathered and an official contract will be filled out. Upon signing this contract the renter's performance date is officially added to the Averitt Center's production calendar.
Will I need to pay a deposit?
Yes, a typical deposit of 50% of the total rental fee is due at the signing of the rental contract.
When is the final payment due on my rental?
Your final payment must be received by the Rental Coordinator, Rachel Elkins, 10 days prior to your event.
Is the use of the Marquee included with my theater rental?
Nope! The use of the EKT Marquee to advertise your event is considered to be an add on to your rental contract.
Am I allowed to sell merchandise at my event?
Yes, however, if the Averitt Center staff will be responsible for selling any of your merchandise, we will require 20% of total sales, not including sales tax, as payment.
Box Office
Where is this Box Office located?
Our Box Office is conveniently located at the welcome desk in the main gallery of the Averitt Center for the Arts. We are located at 33 East Main street, Downtown Statesboro, Ga, 30458. If you see our historic columns, arch, and bright red doors you've found us!
Can I buy my tickets in person?
Yep! The Averitt Center Box Office hours are Monday through Friday from 9 am until 5 pm. One of our wonderful Box office staff will be at the welcome desk ready to help.
Can I buy my tickets over the phone?
Yep! You can call us at 912- 212- 2787 during our Box Office hours Monday through Friday from 9 am until 5 pm.
Can I buy my tickets online?
Yep! All our tickets are available to purchase on our website! Click here to view all tickets avalible!
Do you have family discounts?
Yes! Our Family Bundle includes 2 general admission tickets, 2 student tickets, 4 sodas/water + 4 bags of popcorn, with an additional 20% discount off the total price.
If you purchase the family bundle early and need to add student tickets, they may be added at $2 off our regular student pricing for that event and would include the free popcorn + drink.
Do you have other discounts?
Also Yes! Military/ First Responders/City/ County employee discount is 10% of the event ticket price while our student discount is 20%
Are tickets general admission or reserved seating?
All of our tickets are sold as reserved seating, so please call/plan ahead if you really want particular seats.
Can I please reserve my tickets in advance without payment?
Nope! Tickets cannot be reserved or purchased without payment.
Can I bring any outside drinks or food into the theater?
Nope! But we do sell popcorn and beverages at every show for our patrons.
What is this year's Season Ticket Package?
​These 12 shows make up our season ticket package at $275.00. This price also includes a
complimentary concession at each show. Hotter Than July, A Stevie Wonder Tribute, Foster
Meeks feat. The Lamplighters (Dan Larkin & Tailer Ransom), The Malpass Brothers, Elvis: Rock My Soul
– 2024!, Harry O’Donoghue, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, Always Patsy
Cline, Nunsense, ONE: Series (David Brinson, Ethel Lane and Shay Morgan), The Nutcracker.
Advance Ticket Sales:
Current Members & Current Season Ticket Holders can purchase advance tickets beginning Tuesday, August 1 through Tuesday, August 15.
General Ticket Sales: Begin Wednesday, August 16.
Please call us at 912-212-2787 for any help with ticket purchases.
Education
How young do you enroll students for your classes?
While we love all your little ones, each class is labeled with an age range. Our youngest students are 3 years old
Is there paperwork involved before I take classes?
Yes. Parents of students younger than 18 years of age must fill out and sign our Contact/Waiver Form before beginning classes at the Averitt. Adults typically do not need to fill out paperwork before taking a class.
Are all the classes held at the main Averitt Center building?
​Some classes are taught at our main building. However, most of our classes are held at either our Roxie Remley Center for Fine Arts (31 East Vine Street), our 41 West Main Building or the Cotton Rose School of Dance building (5 North Main Street). The Roxie Remley Center houses most of our Visual Arts classes. Our performing arts classes (theater and dance) take place mostly at the West Main and Cotton Rose Buildings.
If we start late, will the class be discounted?
Yes. If the instructor approves the addition of a new student after the class start date, we will prorate the tuition based on the number of class meetings left on the schedule.
Do you have a preschool aged class?
Yes, our Little Artists Program is a daily class from 9am-12pm for 3- and 4-year-old students. This class meets during the school year and follows the Bulloch County School calendar. For more info click here.
Do you have a class each day after school for children?
Yes. Art Adventures meets every day after school. This class is for elementary-aged students and follows the Bulloch County School calendar. For more info click here.
Do you have classes for adults and/or senior adults?
Yes. We have many class and workshop opportunities for adults and/or senior adults. For a look at all of our classes, including those for adults, click here. Check out our workshops here.
Do you offer camps each summer?
Yes. We offer a variety of camps each year during the Bulloch County Schools Summer Break. For more Summer Camp info click here.
Are your classes for experienced artists because I am a beginner?
We have classes for all experience levels, including many for beginners of all ages.
What is the easiest way to sign up for a class?
The easiest way to sign up for our classes is to purchase them on our website here. You can also call or sign up in person during our hours of operation (9am-5pm weekdays). Call Annika and Cody at 912-212-2787 or stop by
33 East Main Street.
How can I pay for my dance classes here in 2023-2024?
Option 1: Putting cash in the black mailbox each month (this will require you to use an envelope with your name, child’s name, and classes on it each time).
Option 2: Put a check in the black mailbox (this will also require you to use an envelope with your name, child’s name, and classes on it each time).
Option 3: If you are not utilizing discounts, then, you will be going online each month and paying for your classes online each time.
Option 4: if you are utilizing discounts, then, you will be calling each month and paying each month with a card.
Option 5: Put your card number on automatic pay for the same amount each month.