Page 20 - Columbus VG 2018

ALL OUT THEATRICS

Springer Opera Academy, the largest theatre academy for the
HOUSE training of young actors (5-18 years) in the
Catch a musical, drama or comedy at the Southeast. springeroperahouse.org
Springer Opera House, the State Theatre of
Georgia. Opened in 1871, the Springer is now “Gorgeous building, great shows!”
one of only seven producing theatres that
is also a National Historic Landmark. When
it opened, the Springer was the grandest Historic
theatre between New York and New Orleans LIBERTY THEATRE
and served as a venue for shows traveling from Opened in 1924, Columbus’ first Black theatre
the Big Apple to the Big Easy, allowing them continues to host musical events, plays, and
to play and recoup some travel expenses. classes. Placed on the National Register of
Legendary talents who have appeared on the Historic Places in 1984, the theater has
Springer’s stage include such luminaries as hosted such ground-breaking performers
Edwin Booth, Buffalo Bill, John Phillip Sousa, as Marian Anderson, Ella Fitzgerald, and
Ma Rainey, Ethel Barrymore, Tom Thumb, Columbus’ own Ma Rainey and her protégé,
W.C. Fields, Chet Atkins, Burt Reynolds, and Bessie Smith. libertycolumbusga.org
Garrison Keillor. Today, the Springer is home
to the Georgia Repertory Theatre which
produces Mainstage, Studio II and Children’s “The Liberty Theatre Cultural Center
series of musicals and plays. The Springer is an AMAZING place for aspiring
is also the home of the Springer Theatre artists to utilize their gifts…”
11

20 800.999.1613 | VisitColumbusGa.com