We are very excited to introduce (or in this case, reintroduce) Patrick Hamilton to The Grand as our Technical Director following the retirement of Bob Mavity. Patrick has a long history at The Grand, dipping his toes in the water first as a student worker and then backstage before going on to gain even more experience at the Monroe County Fine Arts Center and Georgia College. We are thrilled to have him back home, and all our renters and artists will get to know Patrick very well as they perform on stage at The Grand.
We asked Patrick to tell us a little more about himself:
What drew you to The Grand?
My first experience with live theatre was at the Grand during an elementary school field trip. As a music and theatre student at Mercer University, I began my career in the industry with a box office job at the Grand, thanks to a recommendation from my roommate. The Grand soon felt like a second home as I progressed from box office staff to backstage crew and later to senior technical staff. I proposed to my wife on the theatre’s stage, and after pursuing another career, we returned to host our first baby shower at the Grand. My strong personal connection, combined with the venue’s history, beauty, and cultural significance, continues to draw me back.
What show are you most looking forward to?
What is your favorite part about working backstage?
I really enjoy solving problems and handling technical logistics. I’m also passionate about helping bring artistic ideas to life. If you have a creative idea for a stage production but aren’t sure how to make it work technically, I’m here to help. I also love making people feel welcome. Working backstage in a roadhouse is a lot like hosting new guests all the time, and I take pride in making everyone feel comfortable and at home.
The Grand is known as the home of Broadway in Central Georgia. What’s your favorite musical?
If I had to pick a favorite of all time, it would be Into the Woods. The lyrics seem to grow with you, and every time I reach a new stage in life, I notice something different in the music that speaks to me. Years ago, I played the Baker in a local show, but now, as a father of two, the songs feel completely different. My life and outlook have changed, and I’m always surprised by how the story still connects with me, just in new ways.
What do you like to do outside of work?
My favorite things are playing with my two kids and spending time with my wife. I also enjoy working on scenic design and building sets for theatres. I spend more time backstage these days, but I love to perform, especially when I get to sing with my wife, Lizamar.