The Paramount Theatre

One of the most frequently reported paranormal encounters involves a ghostly usher dressed in period clothing from the 1920s or 1930s. Multiple patrons have described being escorted to their seats by a courteous gentleman in vintage attire, complete with a bow tie and formal jacket.

The phantom usher is said to guide late arrivals to their seats with a polite gesture, only to vanish once the patron is seated. When guests turn to thank their helpful guide, they find no one there. Staff members have confirmed that no such usher works at the theater, and the described uniform hasn't been part of the dress code for nearly a century.

Some believe this spirit is a former employee who loved his job so much that he continues to perform his duties long after death. Others speculate he's ensuring that the theater maintains the high standards of service it was known for in its golden age.

Theater employees working late hours have reported hearing music and singing coming from the empty stage. When they investigate, the sounds abruptly stop, and the theater is found completely vacant.

One particularly chilling account comes from a night security guard who heard a full orchestra playing during his rounds. As he approached the main auditorium, he could hear the instruments clearly - violins, brass, and percussion - performing what sounded like a 1920s vaudeville number.

When he opened the theater doors, expecting to find an unauthorized rehearsal, the music stopped instantly. The stage was empty, dark, and silent. Not a single music stand or instrument was in sight.

Some believe this phantom performance is a residual haunting - an echo of the countless shows that graced the Paramount's stage during its heyday as a premier vaudeville venue.

The backstage areas of the Paramount Theatre are reportedly among the most haunted sections of the building. Performers and crew members have experienced:

• Cold spots that appear suddenly in dressing rooms, even during hot Texas summers
• Unexplained footsteps heard on the catwalks above the stage when no one is there
• Doors that open and close on their own, sometimes locking from the inside
• Shadow figures seen moving through corridors and disappearing through walls
• Equipment malfunctions that defy logical explanation, with lights and sound systems activating without human intervention

One stage manager reported setting up props in a specific arrangement for a production, only to return minutes later to find everything moved to different positions. Security footage showed no one entering the area during that time.

Another crew member described feeling an invisible hand on their shoulder while alone backstage, accompanied by a whispered voice saying, 'Break a leg' - the traditional theater good luck phrase. When they turned around, no one was there.

Several witnesses have reported seeing a woman in a flowing white dress in the upper balcony sections. She's described as wearing clothing from the early 20th century and often appears to be watching performances intently.

Unlike other apparitions that vanish when noticed, the Lady in White sometimes remains visible for several minutes, seemingly absorbed in the show. Patrons who have tried to approach her report that she fades away as they get closer, like a mist dissipating in sunlight.

The identity of this spirit remains a mystery, though some speculate she may have been a performer or devoted patron from the theater's early years who couldn't bear to leave her beloved Paramount behind.

During its early years, the Majestic Theatre was a premier vaudeville house, hosting touring acts from across the country. The stage saw performances by legendary entertainers including Harry Houdini, Helen Hayes, and the Marx Brothers.

The theater quickly became Austin's entertainment crown jewel, drawing crowds from across Central Texas. On any given night, audiences might witness acrobats, singers, comedians, and magicians - all for the price of admission that cost less than a dollar.

The vaudeville era was a time of rapid change in American entertainment, and the Majestic Theatre stood at the forefront of this cultural revolution.

In 1930, as vaudeville gave way to motion pictures, the theater was renamed the Paramount Theatre and transitioned to showing films. The building underwent renovations to accommodate the new technology required for 'talking pictures.'

By the 1970s, the theater had fallen into disrepair, and there were plans to demolish the historic building. However, a dedicated group of preservationists rallied to save the Paramount. In 1975, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places, and a massive restoration project began.

The restoration returned the theater to its original 1915 splendor, with artisans meticulously recreating period details. When the Paramount reopened, it once again became a centerpiece of Austin's cultural scene, hosting films, live performances, and special events.

Today, the Paramount Theatre continues to operate as a beloved Austin institution. It hosts live performances, classic film screenings, and serves as a venue for Austin City Limits tapings and other prestigious events.

The theater has managed to bridge its historic past with modern entertainment, maintaining its original charm while embracing new technology and programming. It stands as a testament to Austin's commitment to preserving its cultural heritage while continuing to innovate.