FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact Person: Kristen Delaney
February 2, 2009
Atlanta, GA
404-881-2099
Director of
Marketing & PR
MEDIA ALERT
The Fox Theatre Institute Presents the Unveiling
of the Fully Restored DeSoto Theatre Vestibule in
Rome, GA
The Fox Theater Institute (FTI) is excited to announce the completed restoration of the theatre vestibule for the DeSoto Theatre in
Rome,
GA.
To celebrate the occasion, FTI and the Historic DeSoto Theatre Foundation are hosting a private event and viewing of the restored vestibule on Thursday, February 19, 2009 from 5:30 – 7:30pm.
The restoration project was one of the pilot projects undertaken by the Fox Theatre Institute in its first year. FTI, which was launched in July 2008, is a division of Atlanta Landmarks, Inc., the owner and operator of
Atlanta’s Fox Theatre.
FTI seeks to provide a viable model for linking communities and historic performing venues by providing successful preservation and operations expertise and experience.
“The DeSoto Theatre has meant so much to so many lives in our community through the years,” says Jo Heyman, who is a fixture in
Rome’s art’s community.
Both she and her husband, Lyons, are big proponents of the DeSoto’s restoration and preservation.
“We are so happy the DeSoto will be restored to its former glory so generations to come can enjoy attending concerts, plays and events in downtown
Rome,” says the couple.
“The Historic DeSoto Theatre Foundation was formed to relieve the Rome Little Theatre of the tremendous burden of maintaining such a historic structure,” according to Paul Griffin, President of the Historic DeSoto Theatre Foundation. “This will allow them to concentrate on their mission of providing quality live theater to Rome and
Northwest Georgia.
The foundation will facilitate the renovation and preservation of the historic DeSoto Theatre through events, programs and education.
Our goal is to not only bring the DeSoto back to its original grandeur, but to also create an economic impact for
Rome.”
“Successful restorations of historic theatres inspire communities and have a positive impact on their cultural landscape,” says Adina Erwin, Assistant General Manager of the Fox Theatre. “The DeSoto is a wonderful example of how a theatre restoration plays an integral part in the success of their city’s overall ‘
Main Street
’ approach.”
Since its inception, FTI has been working closely with 15 historic theatres in cities around Georgia including member theatres in Brunswick, Canton, Rome, Dahlonega, Fitzgerald, Athens, Marietta, Americus, Calhoun, Thomaston, Augusta,
Macon and Statesboro.
FTI provides guidance to the theatres in areas including programming, preservation, community building, operations, and economic development.
“At FTI we feel we have a responsibility to lead by example, inspire other leaders and share the wisdom and resources from our own challenging past and successful present,” says Erwin.
In addition to vestibule restoration, FTI is working with the DeSoto Theatre regarding programming and strategic planning assistance.
Guests at the event on February 19th will get the first glimpse of the restored arcade, which is the first phase of a comprehensive restoration planned for the theatre. Continued support from the
Rome community, along with local and statewide partners, will ensure that the rest of the building, including the auditorium, is returned to its former glory.
ABOUT the Fox Theatre InstituteIt is the mission of The Fox Theatre Institute (FTI) to provide a viable model for linking communities and historic performing venues by providing successful preservation and operations expertise and experience. FTI seeks to be a nationally recognized leader in preservation and operations expertise for the building of theatre audiences and economic revitalization resulting in strong communities. For more information, visit www.foxtheatreinstitute.org. ABOUT the Fox Theatre
The Fox Theatre is one of
Atlanta’s premiere venues for live entertainment.
The Fox’s 4,674 seat theatre is booked more than 300 performances out of the year.
An impressive range of events from Broadway to concerts to operas, ballets and movies continue to attract over 750,000 visitors per year.
In addition, The Fox is host to wedding receptions, trade shows, corporate meetings and association functions in its fabulous ballrooms, lounge and outdoor terrace.
As a 501(c)(3)not-for-profit arts organization, the Fox Theatre stands today as a fiercely protected National Historic Landmark and a nationally acclaimed theater, and it proudly celebrates its 80
th year in 2009.
Tickets for all events are available at The Fox Theatre box office or for group sales information contact The Fox Theatre at (404) 881-2000, or visit The Fox Theatre website at
www.foxtheatre.org. The Fox Theatre is located at
660 Peachtree Street NE.
ABOUT the Historic DeSoto Theatre Foundation:The Historic DeSoto Theatre Foundation’s Mission Statement is: To facilitate a community effort to restore, maintain and operate the Desoto Theatre as a cultural, historical and economic asset. The goal of the Foundation is to provide the necessary organization and structure for the renovation and preservation of the Historic DeSoto Theater through events, programs and education. All efforts are directed toward restoring and maintaining the DeSoto in a historic and accurate representation that respects the facility as a tremendous community asset. For more information about the HDTF contact Jim Powell at (706)346-2532.