
Notable Guests to the Millett Opera Houseĭuring its reign as one of the top theatres in Texas, the Millett’s stage was graced by the country’s finest entertainers of the era. The Millett Opera House was even used by the Legislature of the State of Texas while the Capital Building was under construction. Medicine shows, church services, graduations, dances, and recitals were all hosted upin the property. Of course, the Theatre did not limit itself to opera alone, and the Millett played host to a myriad of events. It’s no surprise since the establishment was also the second largest theatre in the State of Texas. About the Millett Opera HouseĪble to seat 800 patrons a single show, Millett Opera House became the go-to venue for those seeking entertainment. Ruffini was a highly esteemed architect and recent winner of an architectural competition in Chicago. When Millett hired Frederick Ruffini to design the structure in a move, the exchange was so noteworthy it was mentioned in the newspapers. One newspaper reported that Millett was “the most successful businessman in Austin.” Designing the Millett Opera House It was built by “Captain” Charles Millett, who was widely considered to be one of the city’s most respected men. Was Priscilla attempting to dance with this involuntary playmate? Or, was this far more sinister activity? The History of the Millett Opera Houseīuilt on the site of a lumberyard owned by Charles Millett, the Opera House was intended to hold nearly ten percent of Austin’s population. The employee then claims that he was pushed from behind before being spun around. Suddenly, the room dropped to near freezing temperatures. While he was walking from the elevator, the plate was slapped from his hands by an unseen force. One employee claims she attacked him while he carried a plate of food. Yet Priscilla isn’t always such a friendly specter, and there are times when she straddles the line between good and evil. Her other innocuous activity involves pulling curtains out of their tiebacks. Witnesses claim that Priscilla’s poltergeist rides the elevator continuously throughout the night, delighted by the opera’s updated technology. The most common paranormal disturbance occurs every night upon closing. Those who haven’t seen her apparition still claim to feel her presence. Staff frequently witness Priscilla as a full-bodied apparition in a long gown and loose fitting necklace. It’s no surprise that she now haunts the house. Rumor has it that she lost her footing and ultimately fell to her death. Prescilla was so overcome by the experience that she worked herself into a tizzy. She was to be wed the following day, so she’d retreated to the catwalk to reflect upon her illustrious career. Some believe that Priscilla was a traveling actress who graced Millett’s stage sometime during the later nineteenth century, while others claim that she was an opera singer who fell to her death.Įither way, legend goes that Priscilla had been in the catwalk above the theatre’s stage the night of her last performance. Millett’s most popular poltergeist goes by the name of Priscilla. While all historical structures creak and screech, the Millett Opera House take their hauntings to the next level. The establishment is populated by so many poltergeists that it's impossible to keep track. The Millett Opera House isn’t for you if you’re looking for a headcount. As one of the most paranormally active sites in South Texas, this spine-chilling property will follow you long after you’ve left. Every Opera House must have their Phantom, and the Millett is no exception.
