About Sandy Springs reporter. (Sandy Springs, GA) 2007-current | View Entire Issue (May 2, 2019)
MAY 2019 ■ www.ReporterNewspapers.net Art & Entertainment | 13 creating a new company, and Blocker, Lyr ic’s former managing artistic director, was picked to lead it. When he left Lyric, which is celebrating its 40th anniversary next year, it had about 3,000 subscribers. “To think in our first year, we are over 4,000 subscribers...Tve never seen any thing like that,” he said. “That really shows again that this is a very special communi ty-” A new venue can spur extra excitement, but Blocker said the strong ticket sales are continuing into the next season. Over 3,200 subscribers have renewed so far, he said. “I think that really speaks to this com munity that has taken this idea and real ly given us an opportunity to create some thing really special here,” he said. One big challenge the company had ear ly on was a lack of space to rehearse, but a donation helped it secure a large space in an office complex on the city’s north end. It moved into the space in January. The space holds the offices, a dance studio, work shop, rehearsal halls and private rehearsal rooms and was funded by donation from Ken Byers, whose gift also secured the naming rights to the Byers Theatre in City Springs. The personal piano of Eva Galam- bos, the city’s founding mayor, is in one of the private rehearsal rooms. Another challenge was the operator of City Springs, Blocker said. The city con tracted with Comcast’s Spectra company to run the theater and manage bookings. But Spectra was an arena-based group that did not understand community theater, he said. “I just think it wasn’t the right fit. It was unfortunate it didn’t work out, but I think it was a very wise decision to part ways,” Blocker said. The theater company coordinates with the city on booking its shows in City Springs, but operates independently, shap ing the season and running auditions for the shows. While the first two seasons have been completely musical theater, it may not al ways be that way. Surveys found what the community most wanted from the com pany was musicals, so that it the focus for now, Blocker said, but the staff tries to “build a season for everyone.” If that fails, the company will try to pro duce shows so well “you’ll want to see it anyway,” he said. Another one of the nonprofit’s respon sibilities is running the educational pro grams, a vital piece of City Springs set as a priority by Mayor Rusty Paul and the city. Blocker said that has “kicked off quite well.” Programs include discounted mat inees available to students for shows that are playing in the Performing Arts Center. “Master classes” are also being offered, in cluding a class observation and discussion about shows. Another allows students to go behind the scenes on the show to learn about the set design, construction, lighting and sound design and stage management. “That’s really a crucial component to the success of the theater company,” he said. And the educational programs are planned to grow next season, according to a presentation given by Natalie DeLancey, the theater company’s managing director, at the April 16 City Council meeting. Par ticipation in this season’s programs is pro jected to reach 5,500 students. The goal for next season is 14,480. Right, set pieces are put together in this workshop at the nonprofit’s rehearsal and office space. Left, Sandy Springs Founding- Mayor Eva Galambos’ piano is tuned in a rehearsal room. While the nonprofit theater company is funded through ticket sales and donations, the educational programs are funded by the Sandy Springs Art Foundation, a non profit originally formed by the city that is now a private organization. Let us spoil your mom on Mother’s Day with one of Chef’s dessert specials. One per mum, please! GLOBAL CUISINE LOCATED INSIDE Le Meridien Atlanta Perimeter 111 Perimeter Center West. Atlanta, GA 30346 . 770 396 6800 • QopenTable- Booking MOTHER’S DAY reservations now.
