SWAINSBORO, Ga. () – For those with a passion for the performing arts, the Karrh Center in Swainsboro shines as a delightful local treasure.
In this segment of Your Hometown Roadtrip, we had the opportunity to chat with Michael Harden, the director of the Karrh Center, to uncover the diverse offerings of the theater.
What exactly is the Karrh Center?
“We host movies on weekends, but that’s just the beginning. Our venue welcomes live events encompassing everything from musical bands and theatrical plays to actors performing solo monologues. Community theater is a significant part of our repertoire, and we’re continually expanding our horizons. There’s always something happening here.”
Could you elaborate on the venue itself?
“So this theatre, this building, has been here since 1934. Long time. So, the city took it over, I guess its been about maybe 12 or 15 years ago. Totally redid the whole inside. The first time I came to see this place, was to offer some advice, and I came through the art gallery, which is next door, we came through the upstairs balcony, opened the door and looked down here, and what you’re sitting in now was nothing but dirt. Ans now look at it. It’s phenomenal.
“We have 220 seats, we have a balcony, we have a concession stand area, dressing rooms, a stage, very modern lighting, sound equipment. It’s all just prestigious and brand new and it’s great.”
What do people say about the place?
“So when people come here, they’re always in awe. ‘I didn’t expect it to be this nice.’ And so we’re real thrilled that, people don’t expect it to be as nice as it is. They didn’t think they would have something this local.”
What do want people to say when they come to visit?
“I been in this kind of business now for almost nine years. Performing arts is something that’s very dear to my heart. I want people to be able to walk in here and to get the experience of ‘wow, I can come in here and see things in a local atmosphere just as good as I can go to the Fox Theater in Atlanta, or go to another performing arts center somewhere else, but it’s here in my hometown just a few blocks away.’ I wan them to be able to say it was fun, it was amazing, it was great for the whole family.”
How does this place make you feel?
“It makes me feel proud. Even though I’m not here, this is my house. So, when people come into my house and it’s beautiful and it’s clean, and they enjoy themselves, it’s just what you want. You want hometown goodness. And that’s what this place is. It’s hometown goodness.”
The team wants to thank the Karrh Center for the pleasant visit.
The Karrh Center is located at 107 N Green St, Swainsboro, GA 30401.