Today we’d like to introduce you to Joan McElroy.
Joan, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I guess my story started in 2013 when I was diagnosed with breast cancer. After I finished treatment, I remembered what a friend told me who had been through a similar experience – she said “life is short; do the things you want or wish you always had!” I had been involved in local theatre at that point for about 13 years or more, but wanted to produce works that I didn’t see in other theatres or work with folks I had never had the opportunity to. So I did! I started “self-producing” with the first production of Proof; then God of Carnage; then Clybourne Park with a few trusted individuals who were my “staff”. We rehearsed off site then rented theatres to perform.
After a while, I figured I could just continue working for other theatres when I received a message from a friend who was in a reading at the Atlanta Cuban Club in Doraville. I went to check out the space, and that’s how I discovered the grass roots effort in Doraville to get the arts thriving there. A group called D’Art was composed of residents who were forming a 501c3 to get public art and classes and workshops going. That’s how I started networking with the people of Doraville.
When the Atlanta Cuban Club closed, we moved into the Doraville Civic Center and converted the basement into a black box theatre. That’s when we started having full seasons. Now, we are on the move again to King Avenue, just a block away from the former Civic Center. The City of Doraville is now under “reconstruction” as they are building new municipal buildings, multi-purpose buildings, shops and other venues that will be within walking distance of our new space!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The roughest part I would say has been the recent renovation of our new space on King Avenue. I have never been a part of a renovation and there are lots of things I never dealt with (codes, inspections, contractors, power installation, water main breaks… you name it!). But I have such a great group surrounding me that are committed to seeing this space come to fruition that it’s hard to become disheartened. Our volunteers, board, and staff are the hardest working, most committed group of individuals and it’s definitely a village that is making our dream a reality!
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I guess what I am most proud of with our theatre is the level of talent we have been able to attract and do a lot with a small budget. That is one of the remarks we constantly get – how surprised audiences are at the tremendous talent in such a small space with limited means. You really can get a lot from a little if you surround yourself with the right people.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
What I love best about the City of Doraville is the people! It’s like a huge neighborhood. The folks are friendly, active in the community, participate in all aspects from the government to the social to the arts level. They have been incredibly supportive of the arts demonstrated by their making a space for both Merely Players Presents and Doraville Art (D’Art).
What do I like least? I know it’s been said before but the traffic! One thing I love about our location in Doraville is its proximity to MARTA (we are right across the street) and I-85/285.
Pricing:
- $25 – General Admission
- $15 – Early Bird Purchasing
- $15 – Senior (60 and over)
- $10 – Groups of5 to 10 people
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.merelyplayerspresents.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/merelypp2/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/merelyplayerspresents/
Image Credits
Photo credits include Jerry Jobe, Brian Bates Photos, and Southern Exposure Media Group
