March 14, 2017

Meet Kevin Gillese of Dad’s Garage Theatre in Old Fourth Ward

Local Stories

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kevin Gillese.

Founded in 1995, Dad’s Garage Theatre Company has grown from a small volunteer led organization to a thriving mid-size theatre led by professional artistic and administrative staff that includes over 300 volunteers and performers. We now entertain more than 33,000 people each year in Atlanta, at public events across the state, and at improv festivals across the continent. In addition to outrageous original productions, Dad’s Garage produces improv shows year-round, educates young improvisers in a high school outreach program, and facilitates classes and workshops for the general public.

Their Mission: Dad’s Garage engages, cultivates and inspires artists and audiences alike by producing innovative, scripted and improvised works that are recognized locally, nationally and internationally for being undeniably awesome.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
In 2013, Dad’s Garage lost our rented home of two decades to redevelopment of the Inman Park Neighborhood. We were “homeless” for two years and crashed at our friend’s at 7 Stages Theatre in Little Five Points. After an exhaustive search, we located the perfect venue for our “forever home” — a cute little brick church in the Old Fourth Ward. After leading the most profitable live theatre campaign in Kickstarter history, securing donations, and signing a favorable bank loan — we were able to purchase and renovate “The House of Dad’s” at 569 Ezzard Street SE in Atlanta. We are proud to be long-term residents of a changing neighborhood, and we look forward to helping make this area incredibly awesome.

Can you tell us a little more about Dad’s Garage, what you specialize in, etc?
Dad’s Garage specializes in improv and scripted comedy, and we have been doing it for 22 seasons! There’s something happening at Dad’s Garage every weekend, around the Calendar year. So unless it’s Christmas, or we have been abducted by aliens, you can bet we’re going to make you laugh. In addition to our shows, we offer improv education, corporate workshops, and collaborations with local arts organizations.

Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
Luck doesn’t matter. What matters is that you constantly move forward, and say “Yes” to the right opportunities. That’s improv!

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