Hmmmm, trying to decide where to have that very SPECIAL night out? event? or a daytime party? Like a ‘SPECIAL’ Birthday -- maybe your 50th, 60th, 70th, 80th, 90th? Engagement party or Rehearsal party or just your weekly/monthly DATE NIGHT with your SPECIAL someone?
WELL, after much research, I found the answer: The AVERITT CENTER FOR THE ARTS. You do NOT have to leave Statesboro or Bulloch County to celebrate, and you could still HIRE a limousine if you want (or maybe NOT) and get ready for a FUN evening in town.
The AVERITT CENTER FOR THE ARTS is NOT only for Music, Theater, Visual Arts, and Dance Performing, though it is all those things, too. Did you know they can also cater to SPECIAL EVENTS and make it just PERFECT, the way you want it?
Let's hear from THE AVERITT CENTER TEAM!
On my visit to the AVERITT CENTER, I met with Rachel Elkins, Communications Officer for the AVERITT CENTER FOR THE ARTS. Rachel has been with the AVERITT since 2017 and is currently seeking her Master's degree from Georgia Southern, in Professional Communications and Leadership. She told me she likes to perform at Emma Kelly in plays and singing concerts, in addition to working at the AVERITT.
I asked her, ‘What would attract people for a ‘Date Night?’ She replied, “The Gallery Receptions are a great ‘Date Night.’ Every 2 months, we unveil a NEW Gallery Show with a Gallery Reception with FREE finger food and wine. I have literally seen people ‘fall in love’ right in front of my eyes!!”
Rachel continued telling me, the AVERITT has Ballroom Dance Classes, Paint Parties, and Clay and Pottery Workshops. They've hosted Engagement/Rehearsal parties, and a few Weddings have also been on the calendar. Any size event (intimate or family style), can be personalized to make it JUST RIGHT and ideal for your ‘Special Night.’ I LOVE it already!!!
The AVERITT CENTER FOR THE ARTS is celebrating 20 Seasons this year. On September 4, 2024, the AVERITT CENTER will celebrate its 20th Birthday of the day it opened its doors for the first time, September 4, 2004. This is their 20th opportunity to provide a year of Arts and Entertainment for YOU from the Emma Kelly Theater stage. This year will be packed with events, some family-friendly comedy, recitals like The Nutcracker and the Statesboro String Orchestra Concert, and of course annual special and community events. All of these would be a PERFECT opportunity for you to get away and CELEBRATE your Occasion!!
Tony Phillips, Deputy Executive Director, has just finished 18 years with the AVERITT. He is also the Superintendent of Education and oversees all the Camps, Classes, and Workshops, in addition to his other duties.
Tony says, “I have seen so many couples here doing a ‘Date Night.’ We offer adult beverages and live entertainment, and OUR THEATER is just so comfortable.” He continued saying, “Yes, shows are great, but there are couples that like Painting Parties. They have a BLAST together!”
Abigail DeRubbo joined the AVERITT in 2022. Abigail (Abby) is originally from the small town of Gray, Georgia. She came to Statesboro for college and fell in love with the Southern Charm. She now works in Graphic Design and Marketing at the AVERITT. Just a sidebar, if you have not had an opportunity to look at the newest ‘20th SEASON EDITION’ of the AVERITT CENTER FOR THE ARTS 2023-2024 marketing magazine, you are missing out! Abby designed this brochure with a few team members. This marketing magazine gives in exquisite detail the HISTORY and UPCOMING events the AVERITT will offer in the 2023-2024 season.
Abby gave me a few ‘BUZZ WORDS’ to describe the AVERITT COMMUNITY. Creativity, unique and passionate staff, art education, skill discovery and cultivation, and supportive encouragement are just a few she added to make this place ‘YOUR SPECIAL PLACE.’’
Abby continued to say, “The AVERITT CENTER as a special ‘Date Place’ blends the small southern town charms of Statesboro with truly unique experiences that bring people together to create, cherish memories, and discover one’s artistic side. In our historic theater, we hold passionate, live music concerts, relatable stand-up comedy, and enchanting theater performances that invoke emotions that you can only experience from live performances and being in the moment with your special someone or friend group. Opportunities like these are rare to find in Rural Georgia, since normally one has to travel hours to a crowded busy city to find events like these, which can dampen everyone's mood.”
Options, options, options -- what will it be ???
You can request these workshops online, over the phone, or in person at least a day before. Sounds GREAT!
Abby concluded our visit by saying, “We pride ourselves in being a safe place for one to be creative and explore their interests. Not everyone is a natural artist, but that's OK! We provide knowledgeable and patient instructors for a wide range of artistic outlets. We can guide you and your partner through your activities, and not only can you BOND with friends and partner(s), you can add new skills to your tool belt that can be used to express yourself in positive ways now and in the future. BONUS POINTS, you can impress your date while you're at it.”
Well! Well! Well! Statesboro and Bulloch County, I'm ready. I'm excited. I'm checking the calendar. Let's make this another GREAT Senior Moment!
