Photo: Michael Barera / CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Theater / Performance Venue

Perot Theatre (Historic Saenger Theatre)

Italian Renaissance theater built in 1924 for the Saenger chain, now home to documented reports of phantom applause, a mischievous stage hand named Mitch, and child apparitions playing hide-and-seek in the wings.

221 Main St, Texarkana, TX 75501

Wheelchair Accessible Research-Backed · 3 sources

Research updated June 2026

Age

All Ages

Cost

$

Ghost tours are ticketed seasonal events; performance ticket prices vary. See venue website.

Access

Wheelchair OK

Historic theater with accessible entrances; interior includes stairs to upper seating levels.

Equipment

Photos OK

Phantom applause from empty houseWhispering voicesPhantom footstepsApparitions of two childrenApparition of male figure (Mitch)Doors opening autonomouslySensation of being watched

The Perot's paranormal accounts center on a presence known as 'Mitch,' described by staff as a former theater employee who died at the property and continues his habit of backstage mischief. Reports attribute to Mitch a range of activity: doors opening on their own, objects displaced overnight, and the sense of being watched in the dimly lit corridors between the stage and the dressing rooms. A commenter who worked at the venue has described the basement and the tunnel areas beneath the stage as particularly unsettling.

Separate accounts describe phantom applause rising from an empty house — the sound of a full audience clapping in an auditorium where no audience sits — and whispering voices that seem to be reading through pages of scripts backstage. The swishing of costumes and footsteps in empty corridors have been noted by multiple staff members working late.

The most specific visual accounts involve two child-sized apparitions reported by actors and crew: a small boy and a girl described as playing hide-and-seek in the wings. At least one actor reported following what appeared to be a real person through the backstage area, only to watch the figure walk directly into a wall. TRAHC has institutionalized the theater's paranormal reputation through annual Halloween ghost tours that walk participants through the building's dark interior.

Notable Entities

Mitch (former employee)Child apparitions (boy and girl)

Plan Your Visit

2 ways to experience
Guided Tour

Ghost Tours at the Perot Theatre

Seasonal ghost tours presented by the Texarkana Regional Arts and Humanities Council (TRAHC), led by guides, storytellers, and Perot Theatre staff through the darkened hallways, rooms, basement, and other areas of the building. Tours raise funds for the theater.

Duration:
1.5 hr
Self-Guided Visit Booking Required

Performance Attendance

The Perot presents touring performances, concerts, and local productions year-round. The theater's interior — including the Italian Renaissance auditorium with original ornamental plasterwork — is accessible to all ticketed performances.

Duration:
2 hr
Book this experience

Sources & Further Reading

Every HauntBound history is researched from documented sources. We clearly separate verified historical fact from paranormal folklore.

  1. 1.cinematreasures.org/theaters/690
  2. 2.perottheatre.org
  3. 3.loc.gov/item/2014630239

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Exterior of the Perot Theatre in downtown Texarkana, Texas, showing the 1924 Italian Renaissance building
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The theater opened November 18, 1924, built by the Saenger Amusement Company as its Texarkana flagship, designed by architect Emil Weil in Italian Renaissance style. After closing in 1977, it reopened in 1979–80 following a $2.5 million restoration, was listed on the National Register of Historic Places and designated a Texas State Landmark, and was renamed for Texas billionaire Ross Perot.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Perot Theatre (Historic Saenger Theatre) family-friendly?
Ghost tour content is theatrical rather than gory. Child apparition legends may interest younger visitors. Appropriate for all ages. Overall family fit: High.
How much does it cost to visit Perot Theatre (Historic Saenger Theatre)?
Ghost tours are ticketed seasonal events; performance ticket prices vary. See venue website.
Do I need to book in advance?
No advance booking is required, but checking availability is recommended.
Is Perot Theatre (Historic Saenger Theatre) wheelchair accessible?
Yes, Perot Theatre (Historic Saenger Theatre) is wheelchair accessible. Terrain: Historic theater with accessible entrances; interior includes stairs to upper seating levels..