The month of October is busy at the Augusta Mini Theatre with multiple events to mark the 49th anniversary of its founding.
One major highlight of the month is something founder Tyrone Butler has worked toward for the lion’s share of his career – the construction of a 142-seat theater on the grounds of the arts’ school’s Deans Bridge Road campus.
A groundbreaking is set for 11 a.m. Oct. 10, just days after the organization’s 49th anniversary. Plans are to have the ribbon cutting on the new facility on its 50th anniversary, he said.
“The lesson is don’t quit; keep at it,” said Butler at a July press conference.
Other special events include a donation drop-off from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at the Deans Bridge Road center. All donations are appreciated; however, a $49 suggested donation accentuates the anniversary.
Also, Sunshine’s Roast and Toast is set for Oct. 8 to honor the remarkable legacies of ‘Distinguished Ladies’ Mrs. Judith F. Ruffin, Dr. Cheryl Evans Jones and Mrs. Norma W. Delley with an unforgettable evening of entertainment and camaraderie,” according to a news release.
The event will begin at 7 p.m. at the parish hall of the Church of the Good Shepherd, 2230 Walton Way. Tickets are $50 for ages 2 and older.
“The Augusta Mini Theatre’s Annual Sunshine’s Roast and Toast serves as a heartfelt celebration and tribute, offering an extraordinary opportunity to honor distinguished and accomplished women who have made significant contributions to our community,” said Butler, in a Sept. 26 email. “This event not only expresses our deep gratitude, but also highlights the exceptional talents of our students, fostering their growth and visibility. Through this gathering, we are able to provide essential support for our alumni, helping them secure college books, while also raising much-needed funds to ensure the continued operation of the theatre. Importantly, the Roast and Toast carries a profound sense of remembrance, as we honor the lasting legacies of Alesia ‘Sunshine’ Johnson and, my mother, Mariah McKie Butler, two women whose spirits continue to inspire our mission.”
The Oct. 10 groundbreaking will be the culminating event for the five days.
Butler started his program on Oct. 8, 1975, at the Wallace Branch Library.
As a young man, Butler had envisioned becoming the next James Brown. He loved to sing and dance, but he had no formal training.
“I wanted to start a program for people like me,” he said at the July press conference, explaining that “like him” meant someone with the desire to learn but not the opportunity or money. Students at the Augusta Mini Theatre don’t pay tuition fees.
For about two decades, it was located on Eighth Street.
In 2008, the organization opened its Deans Bridge Road campus on the former site of a night club. The initial plan included a theater; however, there was only enough money for the land purchase and the building with its classrooms and black box theater.
A large grassy lot was designated for Phase 2, and the Augusta Mini Theatre saved its contributions while receiving funding from one of the city’s Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax referendums.
The plans for the theater have had to be modified multiple times. It was downsized from its original 300 seats to 100 but reconfigured to 142 seats.
Butler said $250,000 had been designated for extra parking, but there’s enough parking so that figure was reabsorbed in the budget.
Already Butler and the Mini Theatre’s staff are planning for that grand opening event. Initial thoughts are to open it like he used to open his shows at the Wallace Library by singing one song. Other parts of the night would include an alumni walk and possible snippets from Judith Simon Butler’s one-woman show “The Johnny Williams’ Story” and a performance by theater students.
Charmain Z. Brackett, the publisher of Augusta Good News and Inspiring: Women of Augusta, has covered Augusta’s news for more than 35 years and is a Georgia Press Association award winner. Reach her at charmain@augustagoodnews.com. Sign up for the newsletter here.
