Rylander Theatre
Billed as "the finest playhouse south of Atlanta" when it opened in 1921, the Rylander Theatre filled downtown Americus with vaudeville, films, and graduations until it went dark in 1951, sitting silent for nearly half a century before a loving restoration brought it back to life in 1999. The staff who reopened those doors swear they were never truly alone — a gentle presence they call Frank, a caretaker spirit, is said to keep watch over the old house. The most-told story comes from a young woman running spotlight on the third level who lost her footing on the steep stairs and felt an unseen hand press the small of her back, steadying her before she could fall. As the managing director has put it, if you must have a ghost, better one who helps you up the stairs than one who shoves you down. To this day the crew greets him each morning when the lights come up — "Good morning, Frank" — and bids him goodnight when they lock up, just in case he is still lingering in the dark.
📍 310 W. Lamar St., Americus, GA 31709, Americus, GA · Get directions