EAST POINT

The ATL Guide’s largest community and MARTA’s second stop from the airport, East Point is a diverse community offering a melting pot of culture, dining & shopping. East Point neighborhoods are vibrant, offering an eclectic mix of housing options. Camp Creek Marketplace offers an expansive shopping district with national retailers, specialty stores, assorted services & popular national chain restaurants.

Clayton County

Clayton County, one of the original Metro Atlanta counties, is comprised of 7 cities in 4 districts governed by a Board of Commissioners (one per district) and the Board Chairman elected by the voting constituency of the County.

Clayton County is a dynamic, multicultural community: home to the Georgia Archives & one of the locations for the National Archives and Records Administration, the county also boasts a multifaceted arts program including Clayton County Schools Performing Arts Center, the world renown Spivey Hall at Clayton State University, and Arts Clayton with a

Georgia Sports Park offers international quality soccer fields booked all year for games & tournaments. In Downtown East Point, you will find local cuisine, from fresh smoothies & southern classics to Caribbean & Raw Vegan dishes. East Point Farmers Market is a weekly market with seasonal produce, baked goods & handmade arts/crafts items. Races at Dick Lane Velodrome showcase the only Olympic-style cycling venue in the State!

• East Point Farmers Market: every Wednesday

• The Dick Lane Velodrome Pro Race series

• Georgia Sports Park

• Downtown East Point

• Camp Creek Marketplace (Camp Creek Pkwy @ I-285) full time public arts gallery & educational programs for all age groups.

Clayton County contains over 896 acres of parkland, 32 parks, a nature preserve & numerous facilities offering a variety of recreational opportunities.

Home to the most traveled airport in the world, Clayton County is a major player in many industries: film, food/beverage processing & manufacturing, health services, logistics & distribution and aviation & aerospace manufacturing. With air service, rail service, port accessibility & access along major interstates, Clayton County is the “Logical Choice for Logistics.”

Formed in 2014, the Aerotropolis Alliance has been the driving force behind the revitalization of the area around the airport. Their mission is to improve and sustain the quality of life for those who live, work and play here.

It’s Music, It’s Comedy, It’s Improv, It’s Drama! It’s the Academy Theatre!

Located just seven miles from Atlanta’s bustling downtown and in close proximity to the world’s busiest airport, the city of Hapeville has undergone a remarkable transformation from a post-WWII industrial town to a captivating destination for artistic expression in recent decades. With its downtown dotted with striking sculptures and vibrant murals, the city has been aptly dubbed “a home for the arts”. At the heart of the community’s creative fabric lies the Academy Theatre, an enduring institution that o ers a diverse range of performances – everything from dramas, musicals, magic shows, and improv comedy – that captivate locals and visitors alike.

Founded in 1956, the Academy Theatre holds the distinction of being Georgia’s longest-running professional theater. Throughout its storied history, the theater has nurtured the careers of numerous notable talents, including acclaimed artists such as Samuel L. Jackson, Kenny Leon, Brenda Porter, Chris Kayser, Rosemary Newcott, Tim Stoltenberg, Gary Anthony Williams, Phillip DePoy, Lauren Gunderson, and David Hasselho , as well as leading national arts administrators such as Amanda Washington from Actors Express. This enduring success can be attributed, in part, to the remarkable leadership provided by managing director Lorenne Fey and artistic director Robert Drake. With a shared passion for the arts and decades of experience, Fey and Drake have played instrumental roles in shaping the theater’s trajectory and ensuring its longevity.

While the Academy Theatre has called several locations in the metro Atlanta area home over the years, Fey and Drake agree that Hapeville feels like its forever home. Ten years ago, when the theater moved to Hapeville, Fey, with the help of David Burt (City of Hapeville’s Economic Development Consultant), had the opportunity to design a space that catered specifically to the theater’s needs. In addition to the main theater, which comfortably seats 128 patrons along with 8 VIP box seats, they also created an intimate cabaret space called the Diamond Stage, capable of accommodating up to 65 guests. The Diamond Stage has quickly become a renowned “listening room,” hosting smaller acts and captivating performances by talents such as Atlanta-based cabaret performer Dom L’Amour, who has already sold out two shows at the theater. One of the main attractions at the Academy Theatre is the popular Sunday Variety Series, held every Sunday evening from 6:30 to 8:30. This series showcases a diverse range of acts, from talented Frank Sinatra impersonators to mesmerizing magicians. Drake leverages his extensive experi- ence and reputation within the Atlanta theater community to curate the series with discerning quality, attracting both established and emerging talents. The Sunday Variety Series has not only become a favorite among theater enthusiasts but also a weekly community-building event. The theater’s accessibility and welcoming atmosphere make it an ideal destination for locals to enjoy a delightful Sunday evening show. their chosen careers. The internship program has proven to be a sought-after resume builder, with past interns making notable contributions both on and off the stage.

An important part of the Academy’s mission is its commitment to outreach into the community. The Academy has reestablished its Academy Theatre Institute for Educators, a highly successful teacher training program. Part of its community outreach belief is that artists working together over a long period of time create better art. With this in mind, the Academy collaborates with four (4) in residence companies: IMPACT Theatre Atlanta, Lynna Schmidt Productions, Laughing Matters, and Giwayen Mata - the dynamic, soul stirring, all sistah, dance, percussion, and vocal ensemble. This 67-year commitment to community outreach is what differentiates the Academy from other theatres. Continued on page

Beyond its commitment to producing an eight-play mainstage season of exceptional performances, the Academy Theatre is dedicated to nurturing the future of theater through its internship program. Each year, Robert Drake takes aspiring theater enthusiasts, ranging from high-school seniors to post-graduate students, under his wing, sharing his passion and extensive knowledge of the craft. These interns, affectionately referred to as “ducklings,” gain invaluable skills that serve them well in

Academy Theatre Continued from page 11

During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Academy Theatre faced unprecedented challenges. However, through resilience and innovation, Fey and Drake found ways to bring performances to the community safely. With the incredible support of the City of Hapeville leadership and an art-appreciating community, the theater weathered the darkest days of the pandemic. As society adapts to the post-COVID new normal, Fey and Drake have noticed changes in audience behavior, including a hesitancy to explore completely new experiences in a theater setting. Recognizing this, Drake emphasizes the importance and power of live theater, encouraging audiences to embrace the unique intimacy it offers and to take chances on new productions. To entice audiences of all ages to return to pre-COVID theater habits, the theater offers a diverse range of shows, including classic American dramas, spoken word poetry, and captivating music performances.

Looking Ahead: Celebrating 10 Years and

Beyond

Fall of 2023 marks a significant milestone for the Academy Theatre as it celebrates its ten-year an- niversary in Hapeville. Plans are already underway to commemorate this achievement in a grand fashion. Drake envisions showcasing a quintessential American play, such as the classic drama “Death of a Salesman,” or paying homage to the longest-running musical in the United States, “The Fantasticks,” as a tribute to the theater’s rich history. Even more exciting than marking a decade in Hapeville is the prospect of the next ten years in this supportive community that has warmly embraced the Academy Theatre.

As the Academy Theatre continues to thrive in Hapeville, it solidifies the city’s reputation as a true home for the arts. With its rich heritage, commitment to fostering talent, and a diverse array of performances, the theater captivates audiences and fosters a sense of community. As the theater looks towards the future, it embraces new challenges and opportunities, further cementing its position as a haven for artistic expression in the heart of Hapeville, GA.

The Academy Theatre wishes to express its gratitude and heartfelt thanks to the city of Hapeville: its mayor, city council and all its residents for their support throughout the past 10 years.