Forever Springer Capital Campaign
Preserving the Past. Ensuring the Future.
HISTORIC PRESERVATION
For over 150 years, the Springer Opera House has stood as a resilient symbol in downtown Columbus, surviving numerous threats to its existence thanks to the unwavering support from its dedicated patrons and donors. However, the Springer and its diverse range of programming, faces a renewed vulnerability unless the needs of an aging and fragile structure are adequately and immediately addressed.
Restoration Challenge
For such an architectural treasure to survive requires continuous maintenance. It has been 25 years since any significant historic preservation work has been done on our National Historic Landmark. The Springer footprint encompasses three floors and 150,000 square feet of program space covering most of a city block. The future of the Springer urgently requires attention to restoration and preservation.
Work to do
Replace failing roofing and drainage systems
Repair and replace 75,000 square feet of custom wool carpeting
Repair brickwork and marble tile
Replace 88 historic heart-pine windows and six original wooden doors
Paint interior and exterior
Repair and replace a wide array of millwork, brass work and ornamental iron
Repair original heart-pine flooring
Replace failing ventilation and heating systems
Upgrade seating in both theatre spaces
Install new safety features including aisle lighting and handrails
Repair historic Bradbury-and-Bradbury wallpapers.
Install hands-free, ADA compliant door openers
Upgrade obsolete technical equipment
Immediate Repairs and Upgrades $3,000,000
Restoration Fund $5,000,000
NEW OUTDOOR THEATRE SPACE
$1.7 million project
Inspired by the tremendous popular success of the Springer’s 2021 Outdoor Theatre Festival which attracted 10,000 people during the COVID emergency, a new downtown beautification project and open-air stage will be built on the corner of 10th Street and 2nd Ave that supercharges our cultural district. During the Outdoor Theatre Festival, patrons repeatedly asked, “are you going to be doing more of this?” We heard this so frequently that we explored the idea of transforming the corner into a park and adding a small stage for outdoor shows.
The new Pierce Anderson Theatre in the Outdoors, or The PATIO, will transform a bleak, surface parking lot into a lush downtown oasis and gathering spot with tree-shaded canopies for casual lunches and meetups.
This beautiful setting is designed to proclaim an exciting entrance to Columbus’ Cultural Corridor of theatres, galleries and arts education amenities. Other than New York's Broadway, no other city in America has as many theatres in such short walking distance. Columbus is now a true theatre destination and the PATIO will shout to the world that “you have arrived!”
In addition to the public green space, the Gateway Theatre Park will feature:
Musical theatre productions that can be enhanced by an outdoor environment.
New themed concert experiences like a Ma Rainey Blues Festival, a Country and Bluegrass Festival, Jazz, Gospel, Mariachi, Ranchera, Hindustani and other forms.
Children’s Theatre and Theatre Camp experiences.
Dance concerts of all traditions.
Open-air space to add to the Springer’s rental portfolio for community events, festivals, concerts, parties, recitals, dances, weddings and religious services.
A capacity of 600+ patrons with comfortable outdoor seating, concessions and accessible restrooms - all in a festival atmosphere.
EDUCATION EXPANSION
Taking america's premiere theatre training program to the next level
$1,000,000
Life Skills Through Stage Skills
With character-building, leadership development, discipline, and kindness at the center of its mission, the Springer’s education program employs the ancient values of theatre as teaching tools to enrich the lives of children and families. When you ask Springer Theatre Academy students, “Who is the most important person onstage?" They will quickly answer, “My scene partner.” This simple principle reminds students that their greatest talent is the ability to listen. When actors listen and acknowledge the successes of their fellow artists, true collaboration, respect and enduring friendships result.
Our Mission
is to support families and build tomorrow’s leaders through Arts Education. Serving more than 22,000 students and 500 school teachers each year, Springer Education stands side by side with the educators, parents and community partners who share our goal of enhancing the lives of children with creativity and compassionate guidance. With demand for our services continuing to grow, Springer Education embraces a fresh vision for the future.ff
The Academy
The Springer Theatre Academy is the bedrock training ground for students 5-18 years old; classroom expansions and technology upgrades will help the program meet growing demand.
Theatre for the Very Young
Our series for the youngest theatergoers builds literacy skills, empathy and imagination and allows parents and children to imagine together.
Arts in Education
This program hosts 15,000 students each year who attend daytime performances and participate in workshops and tours. Funds for bus transportation and programming are provided through our ArtServe program.
First Act
This children’s theatre program focuses on conflict resolution, kindness, resilience and navigating fears and travels into neighborhoods all around Columbus. First Act is free of charge for every child and every family.
PAIR
The Springer’s Professional Arts Integration Program trains teachers to weave arts-based teaching tools into everyday classroom curricula, with the goal of improving test scores, attendance, graduation rates, and teacher retention. Working in collaboration with the Georgia Department of Education, PAIR trains 500+ teachers per year. It is the only program of its kind in the country.