The Talkies of The Ritz

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What does a 1920s cinema built for the very first talkies have in common with a modern comedy powerhouse? They are both part of the rich history of The Ritz, a historic theater located in Austin’s bustling Sixth Street district. Built by J.J.

Hegman and designed by architect Hugo Kuehne, this landmark building opened its doors on October 13, 1929. It made history as the first theater in Austin built specifically to show movies with sound. Over the decades, the versatile building wore many hats, operating as a movie theater, a music hall, a club, and a comedy house.

It even reopened as a dedicated music venue in October 1974. Its latest chapter began in 2022, when the building was purchased by Joe Rogan, who renovated the historic space and opened it in 2023 as The Comedy Mothership. It’s a prime example of Austin's unique ability to honor its historic roots while constantly reinventing itself for the next generation of entertainment.

Updated June 2026