A New Chapter for The Martin Theatre
I’ve sat down to write this more than once…and closed my laptop just as many times. I didn’t want to just say something that sounded right. I wanted it to actually be right.
Stepping into the role of Executive Director for The Martin Theatre is an honor. But it’s also something I feel the weight of (in the best way).
This place is not just a building.
It’s memories. History. Community.
The kind of place people talk about with a story attached.
“I remember when…”
“We used to…”
“My mama brought me here…”
“I saw my first show there…”
That matters.
And the more I learn, the more I realize The Martin didn’t just survive by “accident.” It was kept alive by people who cared when it would have been easier not to.
People who gave their time, energy, resources, and probably more patience than they want to admit.
People who believed this place was worth saving before everyone could see what it might become again.
That is not something I take lightly.
So…before I talk about what’s next, I think it’s only right to say this: Thank you.
To the people who kept showing up. The ones who protected the history, and the ones who swept floors, opened doors, answered calls, solved problems, made decisions, and kept believing.
The Martin is still here because of you.
And now, we get to ask a new question.
What can it become from here?
Right now, a lot of my work is happening behind the scenes. And I’ll be honest…that’s not always the flashy part. It looks like:
Learning the systems.
Walking the building.
Asking questions.
Reviewing contracts.
Looking at calendars.
Figuring out what works, what needs attention, and what needs to be built from the ground up.
It’s the kind of work that doesn’t always make for a pretty social media post.
But it matters.
If The Martin is going to grow in a healthy, sustainable way, we have to make sure the foundation is strong. Not just for one event or one season, but for the long haul. And that’s what excites me.
There is so much potential here! Not in a vague, “wouldn’t that be nice” kind of way, either. I mean real potential.
For live performances.
For community events.
For students and families.
For partnerships.
For downtown.
For memories we haven’t even made yet.
And what’s happening here connects to something bigger, too.
Across Georgia, there is growing investment in arts and cultural spaces because people are recognizing what communities have known all along:
Places like this matter.
They give people a reason to gather.
They support local businesses.
They create energy.
They preserve history while making room for something new.
And right here in Downtown Douglas, we already have one of those places. That’s the part I keep coming back to.
We don’t have to create meaning out of thin air. It’s already here (we just have to steward it well).
I’m not going to pretend I have every answer yet.
I don’t.
But I can tell you what I do have:
A deep respect for what this place has been.
A clear sense that this moment matters.
And a real desire to help build something that lasts.
There are conversations happening. Ideas taking shape. Systems being strengthened. Relationships being built.
Some of it you’ll see soon.
Some of it is still being worked out in meetings, in emails, in notes, and probably in the middle of the night when my brain decides it’s time to solve everything at once. (Which, if you know me, tracks.)
But here’s what I know:
The future of The Martin will not be built by one person.
It can’t be.
It will take people who show up.
People who attend.
People who volunteer.
People who partner.
People who give.
People who talk about it, invite others, and believe with us.
So if you’ve supported The Martin before, thank you.
If you’re just starting to pay attention, welcome.
And if you’ve been wondering whether there’s a place for you in this next chapter, there is.
There is room for you here.
This is a new chapter for The Martin Theatre.
One rooted in gratitude.
Built with intention.
And open to everyone willing to be part of what comes next.
I’m really glad you’re here.
