Savannah Theatre

The oldest continuously operating theater in America, running since 1818. It's burned down and been rebuilt multiple times, but the show kept going — Oscar Wilde performed here.

The Savannah Theatre opened in December 1818 with a performance of "The Soldier's Daughter," making it the oldest continuously operating theater in America. Designed by architect William Jay, the theater has entertained audiences for over 200 years - and some performers never left.

Three ghosts are most frequently encountered. Betty was an actress who loved the stage so much she refused to move on after death. She appears most nights behind the curtain, still dressed in her costume, forever waiting for her cue. The 1948 fire claimed the life of a young boy named Benjamin, trampled as panicked theatergoers rushed for the exits. Benjamin haunts the upstairs balcony, turning lights on and off and pushing chairs in and out.

The most infamous spirit is known simply as "The Director." Having spent his life behind the scenes, he now relishes stepping from the shadows. Actors still hear him shouting criticism of their performances, never satisfied even in death.

As early as 1895, the Savannah Morning News reported that the theater was truly haunted. Police patrols often heard applause and ruckus emanating from the closed building, finding no one inside when they investigated. For more than 200 years, witnesses have reported ghostly encounters, shadowy figures in the balcony, phantom footsteps backstage, and chilling voices calling out in the darkness.

Today, the Savannah Theatre offers Haunted Theatre Tours that go beyond storytelling. Guests are armed with authentic ghost hunting equipment including EMF detectors, spirit boxes, infrared thermometers, and dowsing rods. Visitors gain access to restricted areas including backstage and the balcony where most ghost sightings occur - and where Betty, Benjamin, and The Director continue their eternal performances.