[2] The Theatre currently operates as a rental facility that hosts a wide range of dramatic, musical, and dance performances as well as special events.

Duke Ellington, Cab Calloway, Bessie Smith, Louis Armstrong and Ma Rainey performed at the Morton during its heyday.

After a fire marshal's inspection, the 500-plus seat theatre was padlocked for failing to offer adequate emergency exits.

In 1980, using a combination of state and federal funds, the building was purchased by the nonprofit Morton Theatre Corporation.

In 1987, the citizens of Athens-Clarke County came to the rescue of the Morton through the passage of the Special-purpose local-option sales tax referendum that included the rehabilitation of the theatre.