Come with us to “Hotlanta” where the sun is shining, the peaches are sweet, and live entertainment is abundant!
Population: Over 450,000
Average Age: 33
Transportation: You can take MARTA—Atlanta’s rapid transit rail system, Atlanta’s streetcar located in the heart of the convention and entertainment district, taxis, or get some fresh air and ride a bike, or use your own two feet.
Average Cost of Living: $1,600 per month
Fun Fact: It’s evident that Atlanta is known for its sweet, juicy peaches. But be warned if you type Peachtree into your GPS as your destination. Why? There are over 55 streets with the name in Atlanta, and West Peachtree Street runs one way north.
Live Entertainment: There are tons of great theatres such as Center Stage Theater, Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, and Alliance Theatre where the first version of Disney’s Aida had its tryouts. Fox Theatre—known to locals as “The Fox” has 4,000 seats, one balcony, a working theatre organ, and an 80 ft. proscenium with 35 ft. of depth. The original dimming panels from the 1920’s have been preserved and are still in the facility.
The Atlanta Opera, USITT Executive Director David Grindle’s old stomping grounds, has been dedicated to high quality productions for many many years while also using a lot of local designers.
“I still remember my student ticket to a production of Carmen that completely changed the way I think of that opera,” Grindle said. “The thing I always loved was that our production team stayed together and did not change for over eight years. Now those people are running theatres, working on fabulous film work, and I still have friends who are performing there; a great testament to its position in the arts community in Atlanta.”
King Plow Arts Center used to be King Plow Factory, but has since been converted to a theatre with loft spaces for artists. A truly vibrant part of the Atlanta arts scene.
Outside dining and music go hand and hand in Atlanta with many bars, restaurants, and cafes doubling as live music venues.
USITT: The Southeast Section of USITT has many events throughout the year leading up to the Annual Conference & Stage Expo. A USITT member is never far and you can always find local as well as national events through USITT Regional Sections.
