Downtown Austin in Travis County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

Cactus Theater

521 E. Sixth Street

Photographed by Jamie Cox, October 25, 2013

1. Cactus Theater Marker

Inscription.

In the 1930's and 40's, the Cactus Theater was owned by legendary vaudeville performer Richard “Skinny” Pryor, and featured cowboy and Spanish language movies. His son, Cactus Pryor, would sell patrons their tickets, pop the popcorn, and run the projector, all the while spouting stories and jokes, perfect training ground for his future as Austin journalist, TV-radio personality, and Texas' favorite political humorist. Cactus finished every radio broadcast with his favorite sign-off phrase, a series of nonsense words, “thermostrockermortimer.”

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Entertainment.

Location. 30° 15.988′ N, 97° 44.248′ W. Marker is in Austin, Texas, in Travis County. It is in Downtown Austin. It is at the intersection of East 6th Street and Red River Street, on the left when traveling west on East 6th Street. Located in front of the Velveeta Room. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 521 East 6th Street, Austin TX 78701, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker

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is in Central Texas.

It is also in the American South.

Globally, it is in North America,

a Gulf of Mexico state,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain,

the Republic of Texas,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Triple J Tavern (a few steps from this marker); Carrington Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Commission-General Provisions Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Risher-Nicholas Building (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Paggi Carriage Shop (about 400 feet away); Quast Building (about 400 feet away); Nalle Building (about 500 feet away); Shamrock Saloon (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Austin.

The Cactus Theater and Marker, now the Velveeta Room Comedy Club image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Jamie Cox, October 25, 2013

2. The Cactus Theater and Marker, now the Velveeta Room Comedy Club

The view of the Cactus Theater and Marker from across the street image. Click for full size.

Photographed by James Hulse, February 22, 2025

3. The view of the Cactus Theater and Marker from across the street

Credits. This page was last revised on February 28, 2025. It was originally submitted on October 27, 2013, by Jamie Cox of Melbourne, Florida. This page has been viewed 1,261 times since then and 86 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 27, 2013, by Jamie Cox of Melbourne, Florida. 3. submitted on February 28, 2025, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.