Today we’d like to introduce you to Jono Davis.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Jono. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
At a young age, my parents encouraged my sister and I to be involved in extracurricular activities. Look, I cried any time a soccer ball was kicked at me and, instead of sewing on a button in home economics, I sewed my backpack into a mini-skirt. Naturally, I ventured into theatre. Growing up, I was heavily involved in community theatre (favorite role: the Gander in Charlotte’s Web; least favorite role: a cloud in Aladdin). Even when I was a teenager, I considered theatre my passion. It’s something I knew I wanted to pursue, in some form or fashion, for the rest of my life. I majored in Theatre Performance at Columbus State University. Did it take me 7+ years to graduate? Yes. Am I in the worst debt imaginable? Of course. But I would not be where I am with the skill set I have today if it weren’t for the extra courses I took, or the on and off-stage experiences I had when I was in college. The journey is just as important as the destination.
After college, I joined the union with my first professional gig which was working with the Alliance Theatre and Andre 3000. It was an incredible experience that makes me question whether my career peaked at the age of 24. (I’m joking, I think.) Since then, I’ve had the honor and pleasure of working with the Atlanta Lyric Theatre, Aurora Theatre, Actor’s Express, Georgia Ensemble Theatre & Conservatory, and other great Atlanta organizations. However, I began working in theatre administration not long after moving to the city; this sparked a new passion within me. I worked hard as a production manager, then a box office manager, and now I manage the Jennie T. Anderson Theatre at the Cobb County Civic Center.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
My career certainly hasn’t been a smooth road, but I can’t deny that it hasn’t been fun. When I was a full-time actor, I was at my most insecure. It really did a number on my self-esteem and endurance. I’m very goal-oriented, but I was alarmed that I wasn’t sure of what my goals were, at that point in my life. Theatre management and administration really honed in on those goals and I found a fulfilling purpose that can keep one foot in the door with theatre, and one foot advocating for the arts while sitting behind a desk. That doesn’t mean I still don’t get in my head; I’m brimming with insecurities. Though, I have found what works for me and keeps me very happy/less anxious. By the way, I fully support and admire those who practice their craft while continuing to battle their demons.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Jennie T. Anderson Theatre – what should we know?
I am responsible for the bookings, marketing, and upkeep of the Jennie T. Anderson Theatre. A couple of times throughout the year, I also produce shows that perform on the stage. In 2019, I have the Anderson Theatre booked for 350 days and recently we were nominated for “Best Concert Venue” and “Best Event Space” in CobbLife’s Best of Cobb. We are the home of the Atlanta Lyric Theatre and Georgia Ballet, we have dances shows, camps, concerts, and musicals. Over the years, we’ve had many memorable events, but I’m particularly proud of bringing Oprah and Stacey Abrams to the Anderson Theatre in November 2018. The venue is also the primary location in the Jennifer Aniston/Netflix film, Dumplin’. In 2020, we’re starting an ongoing musical theatre in concert series, something Atlanta doesn’t have right now.
We have a lot going on at this space and I have to give a lot of that credit to Cobb County. They have taken several chances and risks on the wacky ideas that I’ve proposed to them. Maybe they see something in me. I’m also a talker and maybe I’m starting to wear them down! Ha! Either way, I’m grateful to be here and to be given this platform to share my love for the arts. I support and am very protective of my rentals. My staff and I will go above and beyond typical management duties to ensure a positive work and rental environment. We want what’s best for the organizations that trust us to house their performances because their quality is ultimately a reflection on us and the county. Rentals are not just events that fill the space; they compose every fiber of my advocacy and passion; that is what sets me apart from other theatre managers.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
Compared to my sister, I was the “good child”. (Let’s be real, the good child exists in families!) I’ve always been quirky and whimsical, yet balanced and opinionated. When I was a kid, I went through a phase where I wore my mom’s dresses and pretended to be the witches from The Wizard of Oz. I’ve always enjoyed entertaining others, even if others weren’t entertained by me. The hard truth: I don’t look good in caftans. I try not to take life too seriously and I’m the first to laugh at myself. I was born in South Korea, my parents adopted me and brought me to the states. 30-something years later, do you think they regret it, as I ruin family reunions with my various renditions of “Don’t Rain on My Parade”? I have been happily married for four years and my husband and I just bought our first house. As I get older, I enjoy discovering other hobbies and interests outside of theatre. I am the host of a podcast, I love to cook, and I’m a self-proclaimed expert of James Bond and RuPaul’s Drag Race.
Contact Info:
- Address: Jennie T. Anderson Theatre – 548 S. Marietta Pkwy. SE, Marietta, GA 30060 (located at the Cobb County Civic Center complex)
- Website: www.andersontheatre.org
- Phone: 770-528-8490
- Email: jonathan.davis2@cobbcounty.org
- Instagram: instagram.com/jennietanderson
- Facebook: facebook.com/andersontheatre
Image Credit:
Terry Chandler, Kevin Harry Photography, A. E. Davis Photography
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