Another place I haven't visited in over a decade but was so happy to return to! And there have been UPGRADES!!! The renovations are absolutely BEAUTIFUL! We attended a rendition of Cinderella. The acoustics are amazing. Comfortable and spacey seating. Easy parking. Generous lobby area. Ample restrooms and restroom space. 10/10 for sure! A wonderful afternoon outing and we'll definitely be back! read more

I visited this center due to having to vote early. This was one of the locations that offered early voting. The facility is nestled in a residential area of Cascade. The outside had plenty of parking in front and on the side of the building. The stone of the building has some sculpting in it that makes you pause. Inside there are many rooms for activites and murals. The one that stuck the most to me is that of Michael Jackson. I do hope to find another reason to visit this place very soon. read more

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Attended the opening show for Chicken &Biscuits written by a local artist, Douglas Lions. The theater is awesome, great acoustics and comfortable seating. Imagine going somewhere in Atlanta and you don't have to pay for parking. More people should support these organizations: Dominion Entertainment Group. read more

I came here from St. Louis to see True Colors' presentation of King Hedley II Saturday evening. It was well worth the trip! This theater is really nice and the leg room at my seat was considerably spacious. The set design, sound, acting, staging, etc. were all very well done! I was thoroughly pleased. If you have the opportunity to see a performance here, you won't be disappointed! Bravo! read more

Southwest Arts Center - Set of King Hedley II - Performing Arts Near Me - Atlanta, Georgia

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I went to the Southwest Arts Center to see Thornton Wilder's "Our Town" presented by Kenny Leon's True Colors theater company. Being that I live in town and am a slight intown snob, I've never been this far out on Cascade. But it was worth it. The theater is lovely. It's decorated in dark neutrals with standard sloping theater seating. The seats are comfy (this means a lot to a woman with hips). Initially, I had to sit in the back of the theater and wait until the first intermission to move into my seat down front (I wasn't late but my friends were!). But the seating didn't matter; because the theater is small any seat in the house provides an excellent view of the stage. There is plenty of parking with spaces wide enough for anyone's gas-guzzling, road-hogging, environmentally-hazardous SUV. And the parking lot is well-lit. (This is important because the surrounding area is residential and there aren't a lot of street lights.) I didn't give the center five stars because there's no area for drinks and snacks, and I really wanted a Sprite at one point. But they also do not allow food into the theater - which explains why it still looks brand new. I wouldn't come out here every weekend (gas is $2.75 a gallon for regular!), but it's worth a trip a few times a year. read more

This is an awesome theater located in the SWATS (southwest Atlanta)! I try to come at least a few shows here throughout the year. Kenny Leon's True Colors Theatre puts on some amazing plays here. There's plenty of free parking and the ticket prices are very reasonable. The theater itself is intimate, but there's been a great view from each seat I've sat in here. They are strict on starting the productions on time, so arrive early. They usually have a few refreshments at the concession stand including wine, sodas, chips and candy. If you haven't been to a play here, do yourself a favor and get here! The latest production I saw was "Between Riverside and Crazy". The actors were awesome and it was a great storyline. read more

Southwest Arts Center - Jess & I - Performing Arts Near Me - Atlanta, Georgia

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I voted here on Monday, 10/19/20...i was in/out n 10 mins, supervised via Fulton County police, instructed via very cordial, welcoming representatives. This made me comfortable, confident while tracking/confirming my vote "is counted"/registered. Thxsssssss 4 a display of efficiency!!!## read more

I've attended quite a few performances over the years and greatly enjoyed every one of them. Kenny Leon has built a premiere community based operation that is exceptional. However, he needs to hire more African Americans in management positions because white community theatre, nationwide, doesn't. But, I guess he needs to keep his white patrons by letting white women address the audience before performances. Nothing against whites having employment, but institutionalized racism in employment has robbed the Black community, leading to the current wealth gap between our races. Buy Black and Hire Black, whenever possible, is a basic Kwanzaa Principle. No excuses! read more

This is a nice intimate venue for plays, musicals and the like. It is located in Southwest Atlanta very close to Cascade Road. It reminds me of an elementary school by its looks from the outside. Inside it's all decked out for the holidays complete with a talking, singing black Santa. The folks taking the tickets and handing out the programs were not very friendly. No "welcome" or "enjoy the show" for anyone. No words at all for anyone. Oh well. The show I saw here, Urban Nutcracker, was enjoyable. It wasn't too long and I was entertained. The sound system was very nice. The performers did a great job. The sets were done well. Parking was adequate for this venue. I hope to enjoy more events at this location. read more

So this isn't Broadway and it's not the Fox. This is a small community-type theater and I appreciated the efforts of the actors and the volunteers for the performance I went to see. This has a "grassroots" feel that is still quite polished and professional. The theater, as another reviewer said, is lovely. It is nice and quite well-maintained. It's also very clean and parking is plentiful. There's a small concessions area which I found really helpful during intermission when I needed to get my blood sugar up a bit. There are also comfy benches that line the front window - so I sat there as I ate my snack. There's also a little gallery - perfectly sized for perusing during intermission or while you are waiting for the performance to start. I saw Pill Hill - which was a nice performance about some workers in Chicago who were all trying to make it. I enjoyed it and I hope to visit the SWAC again soon. read more

Great theatre. Parking was free and close. Seats were comfortable, play and stage/lighting was well done. Actors were phenomenal.Saw "From Riverside to Crazy" 7/2017. I'd return and refer others. read more

Southwest Arts Center - View from right side (facing stage) of the stage. All seats have great view. Sound isnt that great or maybe it was my poor hearing - Performing Arts Near Me - Atlanta, Georgia

Went here for play with some friends. Nice building and set up. The staff are really nice and helpful. location...boo. too far for me, but if there's another play there...i would probably go again (if i didn't drive) :-) read more

Performed here this week and was pleasantly surprised by such a warm greeting staff and beautiful clean backstage. You don't always find that in southern theaters. The dressing rooms were immaculate and the whole place just felt open and welcoming. I would love to perform here again. The audience was so nice and appreciative and there was so much parking too! It's a little out of the way but I think it's worth the drive. read more

Nice quaint theatre. i went this past Saturday to see Race and I will definitely be back to see Phylicia Rashad and Kenny Leon in July. It's nice to have another place to go watch great stage productions that's not the overhyped Fox Theatre or the dingy Civic Center. Speaking of the Civic Center this place has a great sound system...unlike the Civic Center. I too was not impressed by the staff. About 30 minutes after the play was over someone started flicking the lights off and on as if to say "you aint got to go home but..." I bet it was the same woman that didn't say anthing as she handed out the programs...oh well. I was there for the show and fellowship with new and old friends so I wasn't too bothered. I will be back soon. read more

I came to the southwest arts center to see the play "For Colored Girls...". we decided to go to the sold out show at the last minute and ended up in the very last row! BUT, they were not bad seats at all. The theatre is small and intimate, I don't think there is a bad seat in the house. The center itself is very nice, clean, bright, and well kept. This place is a hidden jewel, I had no idea it even existed before planning to see the play. If the opportunity arise, I'd go again. The only downside is the location, it's a "off in the cut". read more

This is the worst experience I've had with coming to this COMMUNITY THEATER. We arrived 5 minutes late and yes I understand that is my fault. In saying that, waiting until intermission 1 HOUR to get seated is completely ridiculous. This doesn't happen at Fox Theater and the only explanation is, "The actors request not to let people in because it's a distraction." Yet, the user's/door maids can keep opening and closing the door. I truly believe this will be my last play at this COMMUNITY CENTER!!! read more

Nice community theater. I've seen several performances here. I'd recommend this venue to anyone who needs a facility.

This is a great theatre. I have seen several plays here and have really enjoyed them all. The theatre is kind of far from the city but I don't mind driving the long distance because the onsite parking is free and the facility is nice. Any seat in the house is decent and you won't have any problems hearing the cast. The productions are always very professional and insightful. I even participated in a Q & A session with the cast after a show. I recommend seeing any play that comes here and I know you will have a great experience. read more

Very intimate and cute theater, it's well lit, with comfy seats and plenty of leg room. I will definitely be back!

August Wilson's now classic rendering of a Pittsburgh car service in 1977, "Jitney", was ably performed at this remarkable venue by Kenny Leon's "True Colors" troupe. Cedric Young's performance notwithstanding, the real star of this story is the performance space, with its accompanying gallery and community programs. Nestled in the far reaches of Cascade, the setting is that of a small college campus. The stage facilities are of such quality that I left contemplating a return to the theater. Complimenting the performance space is a separate arts center building for exhibitions and instruction. The graphic arts, music and dance are taught to a broad spectrum of participants. There are even classes for infants. As commented on by other reviewers, the facility is not in-town per se and therefore may present a difficulty for those with mobility issues. However, for quality theater done professionally in an aesthetically pleasing surrounding, the Southwest Arts Center is a must do. read more

I love The Southwest Arts Center. It is close to home, they offer great classes for all ages. The kids enjoy their dance and drama classes. It's a great addition to the community, well worth my tax dollars. Plus the staff is helpful, and friendly. Hard to come by in the black community!! read more