An Explosive Season Comes Alive With New Direction for the Springer Opera House
From full-scale, colorful Broadway productions, to children’s theater classes, to ghost tours, the Springer Opera House has something for everyone.
A beacon of laughter, drama, entertainment, and fun in our community since 1871, the Springer has shaped the Chattahoochee Valley into the artistic hub it is today. It has provided a place where all are invited to explore what it means to truly be human. No matter the decade or season, the Springer is always in style, because its message is always one of creative expression, acceptance, and a celebration of life.
Although the Springer’s mission and work remains the same, some recent changes in staff are bringing in a resurgence of vitality, with some new, exciting experiences in store.
Danielle Patterson-Varner has recently been named the Springer’s new Executive Producer and CEO, but she has long been a familiar face at the Springer. She has worked with the Springer for the past twenty-one years, beginning with volunteer work as a high-schooler in the 90’s. She went on to work in the box office for eleven years before moving into development. Danielle worked in Audience Development, went on to become the Director of Development, and then the Managing Director. Her role at the Springer has evolved over the years as her commitment to the organization has led to her current position.
While Danielle works with the Springer in CEO functions, her co-worker Keith McCoy works in artistic functions. “He’s been doing shows since 2009,” Danielle explains. Keith’s work spans from teaching in the Springer Academy to directing and choreographing all shows. Now serving as Artistic Director, Keith works closely with Danielle to develop and expand the Springer’s programs and services to the community.
Danielle and Keith share a fresh, vibrant enthusiasm for the Springer’s future, and are excited to introduce some new opportunities for the community to get involved. A newly developed program, Springer Unplugged, is a live lunch series held in the Springer saloon where attendees have the chance to experience a behind-the-scenes preview of a show as well as interviews with the cast, all during their lunch break. This free event will take place every first Friday for mainstage musicals from noon until 1:00 pm. Attendees do not need reservations and are invited to bring their own lunch or order a box lunch from the Springer.
More interactive experiences are in the works with Friday night galas, an opportunity for the audience to meet the cast after the show. The galas are held in the saloon directly following the show, and champagne is available for an extra special touch.
On Saturdays after the evening show, a Cabaret-style event will take place in the saloon. Actors from the show will entertain attendees with singing, and coffee and desserts will be on sale. And on Sundays, an ask-the-actor talkback time will take place after the show, giving the audience a chance to engage with the actors and learn more about the production.
It’s no secret that the Springer Opera House is a space beloved not just by the living. Many stories of ghost activity draw curious crowds, and Danielle tells me the popular Springer ghost tours have been reformatted, and are now taking place every month. Tickets to ghost tours can be purchased on the Springer website at springeroperahouse.org.
The Springer anticipates celebrating Paul Pierce, who has been on staff with them since 1988, serving for 35 years as producing artistic director, and currently serving as the Senior Advisor. All are invited to the “Paul Fall Festival” taking place at the Springer on November 18 from 5:30 – 10:00 pm. The street party will include a live band, food trucks, vendors, games, and “Paul merchandise” as Paul’s contributions to the Springer and our community are celebrated.
Danielle’s feet have hit the ground running as she moves into her new position, and she’s excited for the opportunity to introduce new things to the community. “We’re taking it to another level,” she says with a smile. “There’s a new, fresh take on each show with Keith’s vision, [and] we’re bringing some new, exciting elements to both stages.”
The Emily Woodruff Hall stage, also called the Mainstage, can hold 670 guests and provides dazzling large-scale performances, and the McClure Theatre, or the “Black Box” theater, can hold 250 guests and provides a more intimate space for shows.
Danielle looks forward to the gradual reintroduction of live orchestra accompaniment on Springer mainstage productions.
Community-focused, the Springer has added an opportunity for patrons to support local nonprofits at productions. “Heart of the Springer” spotlights a different nonprofit for each show and invites patrons to bring in a non-perishable item or give a donation to the featured nonprofit to receive a discount on their tickets. Information about the nonprofit will be available in the lobby at each show to raise awareness and support the work of these community organizations.
The Springer Opera House is always breathtaking, but during the holidays, it really dazzles. With a stunningly decorated holiday tree, excited children and families in attendance, and between 5,000-6,000 guests visiting the Springer just in December alone, Danielle says she loves celebrating the holidays at the theater. “It’s so full of joy in December,” she says. “We always try to focus on family-fun shows during the holidays. The Springer is definitely the place to be for the holidays.”
Upcoming productions include The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe, showing from November 10-19, Elf the musical, which Danielle says is one of the most popular holiday shows, showing from December 1 – 23, and Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express, taking place from January 18 – 28, 2024.
The Springer offers more than just top-notch live productions. Their Springer Theater Academy is an educational program for youth interested in theater. More than just an acting class, Springer Theater Academy builds confidence in youth by giving them opportunities to explore using their voice, practice creative expression, and build empathy by imagining themselves in different situations. The Springer Theater Academy has summer camp, fall and winter classes, and a spring break session.
Inclusion is important at the Springer, and Danielle emphasizes that they work hard to make sure they have something for everyone. “We want everyone to see themselves represented on stage, in classrooms, on our staff, and board,” she explains. Productions range from kid-friendly to adult audiences only, and even the youngest attendees are included, with the Springer’s “Theatre for the Very Young” productions.
The Springer offers season tickets and gift cards, which can be purchased at the box office, located at 103 10th Street, open Tuesday – Friday from 10:00 am – 5:30 pm. Be sure to always buy tickets directly from the Springer website or box office to avoid any scams. To view showtimes and plan your next experience, donate, learn more about volunteering, or explore Springer Theater Academy classes, visit their website at springeroperahouse.org.
By Natalie Downey