Meet Richard Frazier of Theatre Macon

Today we’d like to introduce you to Richard Frazier.

Richard, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
In 2011, I graduated with my Bachelor of Science in Theatre Education from Columbus State University and was getting ready to begin my teaching at Northside High School (Warner Robins) that upcoming Fall. My cooperating teacher, Brian Barnett, was heavily involved in the theatre scene in Macon and informed that Theatre Macon was looking for a choreographer for its upcoming production of The Rocky Horror Picture Show.

He set up a meeting between the Founding Artistic Director, Jim Crisp, and my myself and the rest was history. Since Rocky Horror I have choreographed and directed several productions over the last 7 years to include 42nd Street, Les Miserables, Avenue Q, Anything Goes, Monty Python’s Spamalot, The Drowsy Chaperone, and (most recently) Disney’s Beauty and the Beast.

Jim Crisp announced his retirement in 2015 and that the theatre was looking for someone to replace him as the new Artistic Director. Jim, myself, and the Theatre Macon Board had many conversations before a final decision has reached that beginning August 1, 2018, I would become the new Artistic Director of Theatre Macon.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I don’t know that I would say the road has been smooth, but I also wouldn’t say that I have experienced many struggles either. The most difficult part of this transition period is that I am still teaching full-time, in addition to directing shows, attending board meetings, and planning my first season at Theatre Macon.

Trying to plan for the future, while keeping focused on the day-to-day tasks of my current job. Teaching and running a theatre (business) have a lot of similarities, but also have a lot of differences so I’ve really been taking the time to listen, learn, and grow into this new opportunity and I will continue to do so once I officially begin next August. I will say that the Theatre Macon Staff and Board and the Northside High School Faculty and Staff have both made this transition easier and I am so grateful for that. I have approached this transition with a “let’s take this one day at a time” philosophy and that seems to be helping me to keep focused.

Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Theatre Macon – what should we know?
Theatre Macon is a nonprofit theatre located in the heart of Historic Downtown Macon. Our theatre is in its thirty-second season of producing high-quality theatre. Each year we produce six shows (musical and non-musical) during our regular season and one splashy summer musical.

Theatre Macon is also home to the Youth Actors’ Company which offers the opportunity for young people around the middle Georgia area to get involved both onstage and backstage at Theatre Macon. The Youth Actors’ Company produces two shows each season separately from the Main Stage season. Theatre Macon is an intimate 225 seat theatre which produces everything from Shakespeare and Neil Simon to Irving Berlin and Stephen Sondheim.

What sets our theatre apart and one of the things we are most proud of is that Theatre Macon has a professional, full-time Artistic Director on Staff. We are the only theatre in the Middle Georgia area who offers this to our patrons.

Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
I don’t believe that there is simply one characteristic or quality that has made me successful in life. The three characteristics that I tend to abide by include: Setting high goals for myself that push me to learn and grow, working hard and surrounding myself with like-minded people who are willing to do the work to create the best possible end product, and (most importantly) treating others as I would like to be treated. I am so thankful for the many opportunities I have been fortunate enough to have been a part of and I look forward to getting down to work and the opportunities to come.

Pricing:

• $25 Tickets for Adults
• $20 Tickets for Seniors
• $15 Tickets for Students/Military

Contact Info:

• Address: 438 Cherry Street
  Macon, Georgia 31208
• Website: theatremacon.com
• Phone:478.746.9485
• Email:[email protected]
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theatremacon/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theatremacon438/
• Other: https://www.youtube.com/user/TheatreMacon

Image Credit:
Amy Maddox Photography, Jessica Whitley Photography, Jessica Mae Photography

Getting in touch: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.