Saenger Overview
The Saenger Theatre was built in 1925, originally for Vaudeville and Silent Movies. Located near the railroad tracks, the theatre was part of a chain of Southeastern Theatres that were very popular with performers who were traveling by train. In 1940, Cinemascope was introduced and movies reigned as a staple of entertainment in Pensacola. During World War II the Saenger hosted News Reels 24 hours a day in addition to the regular movie schedule. This was especially important for military personnel serving at nearby NAS. The Saenger remained vibrant for many years.
But, in 1975, as downtown areas were being largely abandoned in favor of suburban malls, the aging building was closed in a deplorable condition. In 1976, ABC Southeastern Theatres donated the Saenger to the City of Pensacola. However, due to a lack of government funds, it was determined the building should be demolished, and the property would become a parking lot. Enter a group of citizens that would eventually become Friends of the Saenger (FOS). They rallied citizens, businesses, the City of Pensacola, and the University of West Florida to restore the Saenger as a performing arts center for Northwest Florida.
The Grand Reopening of the Saenger Theatre took place in 1981 to the sounds of the Duke Ellington Orchestra and much celebration. The newly renovated Saenger provided a home that served as a base for the development of Pensacola’s now vibrant arts community.
In 1995, FOS spearheaded the addition of a Grand Lobby at the Palafox Place entrance. As the arts grew, performance groups and audiences realized the shortcomings of a vaudeville theatre turned major arts venue.
In 2009, a massive $15 million renovation and expansion took place. It included restoring the Saenger’s original historic paint and decor. The theatre is now a world-class performing arts center.
The Saenger Theatre is also home to an original Robert Morton Theatre Pipe Organ which was installed in 1925 and underwent a FOS sponsored massive restoration and expansion in 2014.
As of 2017, the fully restored Saenger Theatre is counted among the best in the country. Touring Broadway Shows and world-renowned performing artists grace the original wooden stage regularly. The Saenger also hosts many local arts groups—The Pensacola Symphony, Ballet Pensacola, The Pensacola Opera, and The Pensacola Children’s Chorus all consider the Saenger Theatre to be their home venue.
Famous artists who have appeared in the historic Saenger include many ‘greats’. Itzhak Perlman, Lucille Ball, Bob Hope, Mikhail Baryshnikov, Burl Ives, George Carlin, Robin Williams and Ziggy Marley are just a few of the world-class performers too numerous to list.
Thank you for enjoying and supporting the beautiful Saenger Theatre.
The Friends of the Saenger
The Friends of the Saenger’s ongoing work to restore and maintain the theatre with such projects as production equipment upgrades, the organ restoration, and arts and entertainment advocacy efforts helps to ensure ‘The Grand Dame of Palafox’ continues as the premier venue in Northwest Florida for many generations to come.
The Saenger Theatre has been listed in the National Register of Historic Places by the United States Department of the Interior.
The Saenger relies on support from local government, corporations, patrons, artists, and individual donations to stay in excellent restored condition. 100% of your donations to Friends of the Saenger, Inc. go to support the theatre and are fully tax-deductible.
City of Pensacola
The City of Pensacola owns the Saenger Theatre, and it is managed through an agreement with ASM Global, a venue management powerhouse that spans five continents, 14 countries, and more than 300 of the world’s most prestigious arenas, stadiums, convention and exhibit centers, and performing arts venues.
Saenger Theatre Arts Groups
Pensacola is rich in arts and culture. The Saenger Theatre is privileged to host the local organizations that bring that rich culture to life throughout the year.
Ballet Pensacola
Since its founding in 1978, Ballet Pensacola has served Northwest Florida by developing an appreciation and knowledge of the art of dance through excellent performances and quality dance education. Presenting a varied repertoire of classical and contemporary works, Ballet Pensacola is the area’s only resident professional ballet company. The company is comprised of professional dancers from around the world and talented student dancers who perform in all main-stage productions during Ballet Pensacola’s season. These performances are held in several venues, including the Saenger Theatre and the Pensacola Cultural Center.
Broadway in Pensacola
Broadway in Pensacola is made possible through a partnership with Nederlander National Markets, an entertainment company that presents and produces Broadway engagements throughout North America, and the Friends of the Saenger which ensures continuing improvements and restoration to the Saenger Theatre.
Broadway in Pensacola is the best of the best touring Broadway shows from Jersey Boys to Chicago, from Rent to Disney’s Beauty and the Beast. Each year, season subscriptions, as well as individual tickets, are made available for all to enjoy Broadway in Pensacola!
Pensacola Children’s Chorus
The mission of the Pensacola Children’s Chorus is to provide quality music education and performances to include both classical choral training and musical theater to enrich the lives of children from all religious, racial, cultural, and economic backgrounds. Through its music activities, the Pensacola Children’s Chorus helps to foster the personal and social growth of its members and promotes their sense of self-esteem, accomplishment, and pride.
Pensacola Opera Company
The mission of Pensacola Opera is to enrich the culture of Northwest Florida by producing professional opera performances, educational programs, and other opera-related community events for people of all ages, interests, and backgrounds.
Pensacola Symphony Orchestra
The Pensacola Symphony Orchestra continues to seek ways to fulfill its mission of promoting the well-being of the Greater Pensacola community through excellence in live symphonic music and lifelong learning through engaging musical activities.
Sponsorship & Advertising
We will work with you to build a custom package tailored to your target audience and your specific needs to promote your business or service to the audiences of the Pensacola Saenger Theatre. For more information about sponsorship opportunities at the Pensacola Saenger Theatre, call 850-595-3882 or email info@pensacolasaenger.com.