Collins is no stranger to performing arts marketing, but he is a new face in Macon. Coming to us from Ghana by way of Tallahassee, where he just finished an MFA in Theatre Management at Florida State University, Collins will be working on enhancing the audience for all of Mercer University’s downtown arts venues like The Piedmont Grand Opera House, Robins Financial Capitol Theatre, McEachern Art Center, and McDuffie Center for Strings. We caught up with him on his first week to learn more about what brought him to our community.
What drew you to work with The Grand and The Capitol?
What drew me in was the chance to do arts marketing that’s rooted in a place and a community, not just a season calendar. I came up through theatre, with a BA in Theatre Studies, an MA in Communication Studies, and an MFA in Theatre Management, and I worked across Ghana and the U.S. before landing here. The Grand and The Capitol sit right in the heart of downtown Macon, and my role is as much about community cultural development as it is about filling seats. Being able to connect Central Georgia audiences to national touring work while strengthening local partnerships is exactly the kind of work I wanted to build a career around.
What show are you most looking forward to coming up in our season?
Hadestown. It’s one of those shows that stays with you long after you leave the theatre, and I’m excited for Macon to have it here.
What is your favorite part about working in arts marketing?
The Grand is known as the home of Broadway in Central Georgia. What’s your favorite musical?
Sweeney Todd. Sondheim’s score is outstanding and completely mesmerizing. The way it weaves dark comedy, suspense, and real emotional depth into the music pulls you in and never lets go. It’s the kind of show that rewards you every time you see it, whether you’re there for the score, the storytelling, or the sheer craft of the production.
What do you like to do outside of work?
Outside of work, I love cooking, exploring museums, hiking, and playing and watching soccer. I also try to see as much live theatre as I can, since sitting in the audience keeps me connected to why I do this work in the first place. Above all, I enjoy spending time with my partner.