It’s amazing what can happen when you have a dream and believe it can come true. This is the story of such a dream.
In the 1990s, the notion of opening a small professional theatre was conceived by Norma Richardson and today Main Street Players is a vibrant reality.
After years of planning, the theatre was incorporated in the fall off 1999, and received its 501(c) 3) non-profit status in August of 2000. A Board of Directors was assembled and plans were underway for the new theatre. Needing a performance space, Richardson purchased the abandoned F.W. Woolworth building, located in Griffin’s historic downtown and renovations were begun. By the fall of 2001, the deserted five and dime morphed into an intimate 120 seat black-box theatre.
Three Griffin natives, who also returned to Griffin after many years, joined Norma Richardson in the endeavor. Charles Walker, scenic and lighting designer, Louie Dan Strickland, musician and Joe McKaughan, former Vice President of Marketing and Public Relations for Lincoln Center, added their expertise in the arts. The team was in place.
On September 20, 2001, nine days after the horrific events of 9/11, Main Street opened it’s first production, Yours Ann. This sensitive musical adaptation of The Diary of Anne Frank captured the horror and humanity of the victims and survivors of the Holocaust. How ironic that play was chosen in view of the unseen events that were to unfold. Yours Anne played to full houses and had to be extended from two weekends to three.
That was the beginning…. since then, Main Street has produced over 100 productions with more than 1000 performances, 9 student productions and 3 Theatre For Young Audiences shows.
As part of community outreach, free and discounted tickets are provided for students, seniors and volunteers. Another aspect of outreach focuses on presenting plays that deal with socially relevant topics. These provide educational opportunities for after show discussions regarding the issues.
Main Street Players has become a cornerstone of the downtown revitalization…having a major economic impact by bringing over 50,000 people to the area. Patrons come from five surrounding counties and other areas resulting in revenue not only for the theater but also for local restaurants and businesses.
The theatre has an additional economic impact by utilizing local vendors and businesses for products and services.
With seasoned professionals at the helm guiding the management and artistic value, Main Street strives to maintain high artistic standards and production value. While successfully operating on a modest budget, actors, directors, designers, musicians and technical teams receive compensation for their services. In addition, our volunteers are invaluable to the operation. In a typical year, our Board of Directors and other volunteers spend over 3500 hours assisting on sets, box office and as ushers. We believe that this speaks to the integrity of the endeavor.
Main Street Players is community-based and community-committed to being part of helping our community grow and prosper. By design, the theater is located in the heart of the historic downtown district. Part of its founding mission was to be a destination that would help revitalize the district. As we look in the future, Main Street is dedicated to artistic endeavors that enhance our community with theatre that entertains, educates and inspires.
Our mission is to tell stories. Everyone has a story...and it’s our stories that connect us.
Artistic Director - Norma Richardson
BLACK BOX THEATRE
