Theatre Dublin seeks more outside lighting

When it comes to entertainment, the first word out of the director’s mouth is normally “lights” followed by “action.” While the action has been on the rise at Theatre Dublin during the last four years, there is a big need for more lights around the venue.

“We have asked the city of Dublin if we can have additional lights outside of the building,” Glenda Berry, Theatre Dublin director, informed the Dublin Downtown Development Authority during its recent meeting held on Sept. 26. “I just want people to be safe around there.”

The theater’s marquee needs repair and a floor for the stage is also needed. Berry said there is always something that needs to be done at the theater.

“I am so grateful for the chance to do live theater,” Berry said. “We are expecting to gross at least $160 thousand for our shows. I think we will have a strong upcoming season.”

Berry mentioned multiple Dublin Community Theatre productions in the works, including “Elf Jr. The Musical” (Nov. 20-22), “Greater Tuna” (Jan. 28-30) and “Steel Magnolias” (Feb. 19-21).

Berry reported that the use of Theatre Dublin has tripled since 2022.

“We went from 71 days of use, and that’s outside the use of Connection Church, to 236 days of projected in 2026,” she said. “I’m proud that we are using the theater more. I’d like to see us get up close to 300 days of use.”

Board members appreciated the information about the use of the theater.

“That theater has never been used like it is right now,” said board member Jack Walker. “It’s amazing.”

Berry said they have been asked to make a presentation for the Georgia Presenters at the Fox Theatre in Atlanta on Oct. 5.

“We will be talking about what we have been doing to grow our theater,” she said. “I’m really happy and excited that they have asked us to do that.”

Office space

The board talked about a new office needed and a plan to move at least two of its members – Berry and Cochran – out of Theatre Dublin. Currently, Padgett, Berry and Cochran work in very small office spaces at the theater.

“The theater office is kind of tight with three people working in there,” said DDA chairman Rob Miller. “I think it will be well worth it.”

Board members will look at a particular location soon and make a decision later.

Website needs improvement

The need to improve the DDA’s website is something that needs to be done.

“It is on life support,” Miller said. “We had somebody now on staff ( Hannah Cochran) who is going to start bios correct, updating pictures and basically, we’ll take over operating and maintaining our website on Nov. 1. We have her on staff and we’ll let her do it.”

Everybody on the DDA board has new titles.

Cochran, marketing and events coordinator assistant, would like to get photos of the board to run on the website.

“Obviously, that needs to be updated,” she said. “I promise I will make it a site you are proud of.”

She informed the board that they will do more videos for social media. The DDA is also on Tik Tok.

“We are trying to get our younger audience more involved,” Cochran said.

October events

DDA MainStreet Director Nichole Padgett announced that Dean Brown and Dubshak will perform during their First Friday event, the last of this year, at 7 p.m. at the Market on Madison. There will also be giant outdoor games from The GameBoys and food and drinks from Deez Shrimp, Island Pot JA and Muddy Cups. Admission is free.

“We’re going to have a fun time,” Padgett said.

DDA employees Padgett, Berry, Jason Keyton, director of business development, and Miriam Lewis, executive director of Dublin Visit GA, will be speaking at the First Friday Means Business.

Padgett went over a list of events coming up beginning with The Prehistoric Inhabitants of Southeast Georgia – From Ice Age to Spanish Contact by guest speaker Joseph Sumner speaking at the Carnagie Library on Oct. 15 at 5:30 p.m. Tickets are $15.

The next Downtown Coffee Break will be on Oct. 16 at Vallant Bank’s downtown branch at 8 a.m.

The Eagles tribute, “Take It To The Limit,” will be held at Theatre Dublin on Oct. 16.

“That consistently does well for us,” Berry said.

On Oct. 17, the DDA will hold its annual Chili Cook-off.

“I’m really excited about this,” Padgett said. “Things are coming along great. We have about 12 cook teams and we have about 32 vendors. We’ll have kid zones, pumpkin painting contest, cake walks and DJ (Brandon) Chain will be the DJ.”

It is not too late for a team to join the competition. The cut off date is Oct. 2, though Padgett said they have been known to add teams at the last minute. The cost is $25 for a company, $10 for individual and free for nonprofit. For more information, call (478) 272-2560 or email Padgett at nichole@dublinmainstreet.com

The DDA will also hold its annual Spooky Treats in the streets from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Oct. 22.

The Farmers Market will end on Oct. 10. The market is open from 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

“It’s a sad time because this is my favorite season,” Padgett said.

At the movies

Berry mentioned that they plan to have a week of Christmas movies in December, which will include other special entertaining features like singing Christmas carols, wearing ugly Christmas sweaters and more.

“People really love that instant connection, and it makes the movie experience fun for those attending,” Berry said.

She also informed the board that they plan to hold a youth film festival in Dublin in June 2027, for young filmmakers who are 13 to 18 years old.