Around Atlanta
Your Guide to Fall Fun
Published
3 years agoon
By
Kathy DeanFrom pumpkin patches and apple orchards to fall festivals and Halloween events.
It’s that time of year. Pumpkin spice wafts through the air, which is blowing in as crisp as a newly picked apple. The season invites everyone to get outside and enjoy the cool weather before winter sets in.
There is plenty to see and do this autumn. Here’s a list of some of the top events happening around the Peachtree Corners area over the next few months.
Pumpkin Patches and Corn Mazes
Immerse yourself in pumpkins and pick your way through the corn fields. Plenty of places make it easy to do one or both.
Mt. Carmel United Methodist Church in Peachtree Corners will sprout a Pumpkin Patch, Oct. 9-31, where everyone can choose among a variety of pumpkins and gourds. It’s open Monday to Thursday, 12-7 p.m.; Friday, 12-8 p.m.; and weekends, 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Story time is held there Saturday mornings at 11 a.m.
The church will also host a Fall Festival and Trunk or Treat on Sunday, Oct. 23 starting at 4 p.m. Check out MtCarmel-umc.org or facebook.com/MtCarmelUMC to get details.
Peachtree Farm in Peachtree Corners has planned a Tailgate for Tomatoes event for Saturday, Oct. 22, 2-5 p.m., that features a pumpkin patch and pumpkin chunkin’. There will also be food, an artisan and plant sale and college football watching. Admission is free. Find more info and a place to register at peachtreefarm.org.
Kids are kept busy at the Buford Corn Maze. The maze, course, is a highlight, but so is the Haunted Forest. There’s more — pony rides, hayrides, animals to visit, a pumpkin patch and the Barnyard Grill. The Haunted Forest runs through Sunday, Nov. 6 and the Corn Maze is open through Sunday, Nov. 13. Tickets are $16 for the maze and $16 for the forest; combo tickets are available at $28. Check hours and more info at bufordcornmaze.com.
In Lawrenceville, Randy’s Pumpkin Patch has an inflatable corn maze, carnival games, pony rides, bungee jump, train ride and lots more to do. The fun continues through Oct. 31; it’s open 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Admission is $5 and ages 15 and under are free with a paid adult. The rides require tickets, which are $1 each or 25 for $20. There are details at randyspumpkinpatch.com. A few more pumpkin patches that feature corn mazes are within driving distance. Warbington Farms in Cumming, warbingtonfarms.com, is open through Nov. 5 and offers a spooky experience for visitors who opt to do the Flashlight Corn Maze at night. In Holly Springs, Cagle’s Farm, caglesfarm.com, has fun that runs through Oct. 30 with bonfires, wagon rides and an animal barnyard as well as an Apple Cart that sells apple cider and caramel apples.
Apple Orchards
Head a bit further north to get the season’s tastiest treats — fresh, crispy apples. There’s a well-loved festival and lots of orchards up that way.
The 2022 Apple Festival in Ellijay runs for two weekends, Oct. 8-9 and Oct. 15-16 at the Ellijay Lions Club Fairgrounds. Of course, the festival features apple-based foods, drinks and crafts. Other highlights include a parade, antique car show and more than 300 vendors offering a variety of handmade items.
Hours are 9 a.m.-6 p.m. on Saturday and 9 a.m.-5 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is $10 per person; children 12 and under are free. Go to georgiaapplefestival.org for additional info.
In the Ellijay area, local orchards invite families to come in and do their own apple picking. Pluck the fruit right off the tree or stop by their markets and choose from freshly made selections that include jams, pies, ciders and apple cider doughnuts.
Below are three of the most popular orchards, but you’re likely to come across others that are less well known but just as wonderful.
B.J. Reece Orchard, reeceorchards.com, has farm-fun activities on Saturdays and Sundays and is known for their fried pies. At Hillcrest Orchards, hillcrestorchards.net, visitors can pick apples and enjoy the petting zoo and playground, among other activities. There’s apple picking and a pumpkin patch at Red Apple Barn, redapplebarn.com, as well as a market stocked with goodies.
Fall and Harvest Festivals
Hayrides, scarecrows and…vintage German cars? Festivals abound this fall so everyone can find something that interests and excites them.
Take a trip to the farm on Saturday, Oct. 15, 12-4 p.m., at Harvest Homecoming in Duluth’s McDaniel Farm Park. Admission is free to partake in crafts, old-time games, farm tours, hayrides and s’mores. Visit GwinettParks.com to find details.
The 2022 Trick or Treat Trot Family Fall Festival & 5K, hosted by Easterseals North Georgia, is set for Saturday, Oct. 15 at Thrasher Park in Norcross. The race has a $30 registration fee and starts at 8 a.m. The Fall Festival continues the fun, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., with food, music, costumes and more. Visit trickortreattrot.com to learn more and sign up.
For something completely different, consider dropping in at Stone Mountain Park for the Highland Games and Scottish Festival on Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 15-16. There will be kilts and tartans, pipe and drum music, and food and drink as the clans go head-to-head in music, dance and athletic competitions. Get the whole story at smhg.org.
Head over to Best Friend Park in Norcross on Saturday, Oct. 29. From 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., the park will be alive with music, a parade, food and crafts to honor loved ones who have passed on. The Dia de Los Muertos celebration is free, and more info can be found at GwinettParks.com or by calling 678-277-0222.
There will be 250 classic German automobiles — BMWs, Audis, Porsches, Mercedes Benzes and more — on display at the Deutsche Klassic Autoberfest in Downtown Norcross Saturday, Oct. 29, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. It’s free to enter and activities are planned for kids of all ages, polka music, German food and beer. Go to norcrossga.net or deutsche-klassic.com to find out more.
If you want to experience a more classic Oktoberfest, head to Helen, where visitors can celebrate all things German with dancing, music, food and, of course, beer. The festival is held in the riverside Festhalle, with revelers dressed in lederhosen and dirndls as they dance the polka.
The party starts in September and runs through Oct. 30, starting at 6 p.m. through the week and 1 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. It’s open to all ages. Admission is $8 during the week, $10 on Saturdays and free on Sundays. Get the important info on the Helen Chamber site, helenchamber.com.
The Father’s House Church in Peachtree Corners has planned Harvest Fest 2022 for Monday, Oct. 31 in celebration of the season’s beauty with free food, games and treats for the whole family. Hayrides and a bouncy house round out the day of fun.
Also, mark your calendar for December 17 and 18 when the church will present Christmas: Now, Then and Forever! with songs, dances, live music and poetry. Visit TheFathersHouseatl.org or facebook.com/fathershouseatlanta for more.
The Cumming County Fair and Festival brings carnival food, amusement rides, live music and entertainment to the Cumming Fairgrounds Oct. 6-16. Admission is $10 for ages 11 and up, free for kids 10 and under. Get hours of operation and other details at cummingfair.squarespace.com.
If you want more autumnal celebration, there’s the Snellville Fall Festival on Saturday, Oct. 22, 12-6 p.m. on the Snellville Town Green. There’ll be music, plenty of food, arts and craft vendors and costume contests. A $15 all-day activity band lets visitors enjoy multiple inflatables, a rock wall, gaming bus, nine-hole mini golf and more. Visit experiencesnellville.com/snellville-fall-festival for additional info.
Atlanta Botanical Garden’s Scarecrows in the Garden showcases dozens of scarecrows created by local artists, crafters and youth groups. It kicks off Oct. 1 and continues through Oct. 30. The toddler-friendly Goblins in the Garden is set for Oct. 23, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. These events are free with garden admission. Click on the calendar at AtlantaBG.org for info.
If you really like scarecrows, you can view a more than 150 for free in Downtown Alpharetta during Scarecrow Harvest, Oct. 3 through Nov. 1.
Trick or Treat and Other Halloween Events
Although Halloween is celebrated on Oct. 31, there are ghosts, witches and other creatures haunting the area for several weeks around the end of the month. Several places welcome them in and even find ways to entertain them.
Kids are invited to trick or treat during Train or Treat at the Southeastern Railway Museum in Duluth on Saturday, Oct. 22, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. The day includes music and a costume contest for ages 12 and under. The event is free with museum admission.
The museum also has a few special events in November. On Nov. 13, there’ll be Holiday Decorating from 1-5 p.m., and Santa Arrives on Nov. 19, 1 p.m. You’ll want to get advance tickets for that. Learn more at train-museum.org.
The Spooktacular Skate Party on Friday, Oct. 21, 6-8 p.m.,is an evening of spooky fun for kids aged 5-18 (and their parents/guardians) at Pinckneyville Park in Norcross. Everyone is encouraged to wear a costume and bring skates and a bag to hold candy. The entry cost of $5 covers games, crafts and a costume contest. For more info, visit GwinettParks.com or call 678-277-0920.
Boo at the Zoo gives the little ones an opportunity to dress up and have fun. The Halloween festival, held at ZooAtlanta on Oct. 22, 23, 29 and 30, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., is filled with whimsical characters, yummy treats and a chance to meet animals from around the world. Boo at the Zoo is free with general admission. The Events page at ZooAtlanta.org is the place for more information.
Fernbank Museum’s annual Dino Trick or Treat will be held Oct. 29, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Visitors should wear costumes and expect treats. Also plan to visit the museum on Oct. 22, 10 a.m.-1 p.m., for Creepy Crawlies, an event that spotlights creepy animals and spooky crafts. The event is free with general admission. Click on the calendar at FernbankMuseum.org for further info.
Ghost Tours and Haunted Houses
How about a ghost tour? It’s a great way to get in the Halloween spirit. Sometimes the goblins move around and other times, they stay put in haunted houses and other spooky spots.
Lawless Spirits is a walking ghost tour guided by costumed characters. Courtesy of Lionheart Theatre, it runs Oct. 13-16 with two shows per night, 6:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. Audience members will walk through the streets of Norcross while being regaled with stories about local ghosts, murders and bank robberies. Tickets run $15 per person and can be purchased at lionhearttheatre.org.
A local favorite is the Decatur Ghost Tour. The tour is available year-round, but this is the best season to catch it. It’s an after-dark walking tour that meets up in downtown Decatur and meanders through the streets with several stops that have seen paranormal activity. Adults and children are led by a psychic and paranormal investigator. Tickets are $20 for adults and $12 for kids aged 10 and under. DecaturGhostTour.com is the site for more info.
If you’re willing to venture further into the city, try Capturing the Spirit of Oakland Halloween Tours in Atlanta’s Oakland Cemetery. After dark, Oct. 20-30, costumed docents guide visitors through cemetery and tell stories of notable and notorious residents. There’s also a Haunted Hunt Scavenger Hunt that runs Oct. 1-31. Tickets are $42 for adults, $30 for kids 4-12 and free for children under 4. Details and tickets can be found on the Events page at OaklandCemetery.com.
Duluth High School’s Wildcat Theatre has been magically altered. On Saturday, Oct. 15, 4-6 p.m., little folk are welcomed to tour the Enchanted Theatre. After dark, there’ll be a transformation, and 6:30-9 p.m., it becomes a Haunted Theatre for older kids. Find out more at duluththeatre.weebly.com.
Everyone knows that Six Flags Over Georgia is home to thrills for all. Through Oct. 31, during the day, families can get into the Halloween mood with the Kids Boo Fest. At night, however, Fright Fest calls forth ghosts and ghouls that terrify even the stout-hearted. Additional info, including ticket pricing, is at SixFlags.com/overgeorgia.
Of course, Netherworld Haunted House is arguably the area’s most popular fright experience. It runs through Nov. 12 at its Stone Mountain location. The haunted house, known for its terrifying special effects and live actors, is recommended for adults and teens. Go to fearworld.com for details and tickets. Also check out the Netherworld Escape Room; learn about it at EscapeTheNetherworld.com.
Halloween Shows
You can always stream your favorite scary film classics, like “Nightmare Before Christmas,” but it can be more fun to participate in some of the live Halloween-themed entertainment in the area.
Wesleyan School in Peachtree Corners presents Legend of Sleepy Hollow, based on the classic gothic tale by Washington Irving. This outdoor immersion experience will be held at the Cross Country Trails at the Hoyt Family Athletic Complex Oct. 20-22. Find more info at wesleyanschool.org/arts/drama.
The classic camp film Rocky Horror Picture Show will have two showings on Saturday, Oct. 22, 8 p.m. and 11:30 p.m., at the Red Clay Music Foundry in Duluth. Admission is free and first come, first served. This is for mature audiences only — ages 18+ — and not for the easily offended. Audience participation is encouraged, and free prop kits will be provided. If you want to know more, go to duluthga.net/community/rocky_horror_picture_show.php.
Here’s another one for the older crowd. One Stop Norcross will host a Date Night Mystery, complete with femme fatales and crooked detectives, on Saturday, Nov. 5, 6-8:30 p.m. Adults 18 and up will enjoy a meal and murder mystery game for a $20 admission fee. Uncover more info at GwinettParks.com or by calling 678-225-5400.
No matter what you enjoy — dinner and a show, carnival rides, communing with nature — fall is the perfect time to get out there and do it. You may even want to try something new.
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Contributing Editor Kathy Dean has been a writer and editor for over 20 years. Some of the publications she has contributed to are Atlanta Senior Life, Atlanta INtown, Transatlantic Journal and The Guide to Coweta and Fayette Counties.
Annual multi-genre convention celebrating Japanese anime, American animation, comics and gaming sets new record with 59,222 attendees
— Article updated May 29, 2025
Atlanta welcomed nearly 60,000 fans of cosplay, comics, gaming, anime and music over the four-day Memorial Day weekend — all meeting up at the Georgia World Congress Center to celebrate MomoCon 2025 and its 20th year in the city.
One of the fastest growing, all-ages conventions in the country, this year’s numbers topped the 56,000 guests that attended in 2024, and was estimated by the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau to have a $42.2 million impact on the metro area.
Equally important, the buzzing enthusiasm and pure joy of the weekend, from both attendees and featured guests, was unmatched. Everyone seemed to be having an incredible time. And plans are already in the works for an even more impressive — and expanded — MomoCon experience in 2026.
Organizers say they are expanding into both Hall A and Hall B next year, increasing the total space to a massive 1,045,178 square feet for exhibits and gaming. The team is already hard at work planning amazing new guests and activities for MomoCon’s 21st year.
Registration for next year’s event is already open, with early-bird discounts for fans who want to lock their passes in early.
Giving back to the community
In addition to the money brought into the city and to the convention itself, MomoCon chooses a charity each year in which to support with donations. Funds are raised through sales of specialty merchandise and custom events that have donation elements built in.
The 2025 official charity was the Johnson STEM Activity Center. MomoCon raised more than $5,000 for the center and contributed an additional $7,500 in matching funds, bringing the total donation to $12,500. MomoCon organizers also worked with 11 Atlanta-area, youth-serving nonprofits to give back by bringing more than 900 kids in need to the convention.
Nonprofits receiving tickets this year included Scouting America, Horizons Atlanta, ReImagine ATL, the New Media Education Foundation of Georgia, Purpose Possible, Lekotek, Focus, Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Atlanta, Wellroot Family Services and the YMCA.
Fan-favorite comic book artists
Comic book artists (and original members of the former Atlanta-based Gaijin Studios), Cully Hamner and Brian Stelfreeze made their first appearances at MomoCon this year, invited to attend and show off their work in the Artist Alley.
Fans lined up to meet them, along with fellow award-winning artist and longtime friend, Wade von Grawbadger, to get photos, autographs and artwork and spend a few minutes chatting with the guys.
Hamner talked briefly about an upcoming project, “Ruby Actual” that he’s doing with Greg Rucka. “Not sure when it will come out,” he said, “But we’re hoping first quarter 2026.”
In the meantime, comic fans can continue to enjoy his previous work — the acclaimed, creator-owned RED (which was adapted into two films), the current Blue Beetle (also adapted to film) and all of the other work he’s done for DC, Marvel and other publishers over the last 30 years.
They can also look forward to his return to MomoCon in the future if schedules work out.
“This has been a lot of fun,” Hamner said on Sunday, the last day of the convention. “I’d love to come back if they invite me again.”
Stelfreeze agreed. “I enjoyed [MomoCon],” he said. “I really liked seeing the younger audience.”
That definitely seemed true on Sunday, as the crowds had thinned out some and Stelfreeze had more time to hang out and talk with people who stopped by the Essential Sequential booth. With some fans, he spent ten minutes or more discussing art, comics and other topics, and even came out from behind the table at times to meet people and say hi to old friends.
Featured guests
Other featured guests also drew long lines of fans who were eager to meet their favorite creators.
Darryl McDaniels (from RunDMC and now a comic book and children’s book author), Greg Burnham (Norcross-based comic book writer known for his indie comic hits), Reed Shannon and Mick Wingert (voice actors and stars of Netflix’s “Arcane”), Ryō Horikawa (Japanese voice of Vegeta in “Dragon Ball Z”), veteran voice actor and producer, Chris Sabat, and online personalities such as Damien Haas were just a few of the standouts.
In fact, as the convention was winding down on Sunday afternoon, Haas’ fan line was still so long, the crowd filled multiple rows of the cordoned-off autograph area, both inside and outside of his designated line.
A full list of 2025 celebrity guests can be found here.
New for 2025
While most of the fun features of MomoCon 2025 were returning favorites — Artist Alley, Exhibitor’s Hall, panels, movie screenings and the cosplay showcase —convention organizers kept things fresh with a new theme (‘90s Retro) and a few new highlights, including a skating rink, an expanded online gaming area and the return of the“Bring Your Own Computer” space.
Workshops on everything from miniature painting and D&D to Gunpla modeling, as well as live performances and a massive vendor area and fan car showcase rounded out the exciting weekend.
Though tired from a whirlwind weekend of geek culture camaraderie and large (but super friendly) crowds, we can’t wait to see what MomoCon has in store for 2026.
For more about MomoCon, visit momocon.com.
More moments from 2025; photos courtesy of MomoCon
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Around Atlanta
MomoCon 2025 to bring 60,000 Fans to Atlanta for a Weekend of Cosplay, Animation, Gaming and Music
Published
2 weeks agoon
May 16, 2025This year’s event is expected to have an economic impact of $42.4 million for the city.
MomoCon, the annual multi-genre, “geek culture” convention celebrating all things cosplay, comics, gaming, anime and music, is back for another exciting weekend at the Georgia World Congress Center, May 22–25 — marking its 20th anniversary in Atlanta.
One of the fastest growing, all-ages conventions in the country, MomoCon welcomed 56,000 guests in 2024. This year, more than 60,000 fans of Japanese anime, American animation, comics and gaming (video games, esports, tabletop, LARP) — from across the U.S. and around the world — are expected to show up and celebrate their passion.
According to the Atlanta Convention & Visitor’s Bureau, the four-day event is expected to have an economic impact of $42.2 million in metro Atlanta.
2025 highlights
New this year: The theme for MomoCon 2025 is “90s Retro.” Attendees will find a roller skating rink, expanded arcade and online gaming area and a return of the “Bring Your Own Computer” (BYOC) section.
Returning fan favorites include the Artist Alley, Exhibitor’s Hall, panels, raves and afterparties, the cosplay showcase, Disney singing contest and movie screenings.
There’s also a full schedule of workshops, live performances and appearances from over 150 special guests from across industries.
Featured guests
In fact, one of MomoCon’s biggest draws is the celebrity guests on hand each year for autographs and special sessions. A few of this year’s guests include:
Darryl McDaniels (from RunDMC) — a comic book and children’s book author who has also started a line of cookies.
Shadia Amin — a Colombian cartoonist from Atlanta (SCAD grad) currently working on graphic novels.
Greg Burnham — a comic book writer from Norcross who’s created indie comic hits “Tuskegee Heirs,” “The Search For Sadiqah,” “Little Rock Files” and “The Story of Solace.” His most recent is called “Bridges,” a story of four super-powered girls who band together to save Oakland from a group of evil bio-terrorists.
Brian Stelfreeze — comic book artist and an original member of Atlanta’s famed Gaijin Studios. Stelfreeze has worked with Marvel, DC and 12 Gauge comics on titles that include Batman, The Black Panther and Catwoman.
Daron Nefcy — creator and executive producer of Disney’s “Star vs. the Forces of Evil,” Netflix’s “We the People” and Nick’s “Robot and Monster.”
Reed Shannon — Raleigh, NC-based actor and star of Netflix’s “Arcane.”
Mick Wingert — voice actor whose work has appeared in “Arcane,” “What If?,” and “Kung Fu Panda.”
David Vincent — voice actor and producer who’s worked in animation, anime, video games (Resident Evil, Halo, Tekken, Super Street Fighter) and television (“NCIS,” “Criminal Minds,” “The Mentalist”).
Ryō Horikawa — Japanese voice of Vegeta in “Dragon Ball Z,” plus roles in “Saint Seiya” (Andromeda Shun); “Detective CONAN” (Hattori Heiji); and “Mobile Suit Gundam”
Chris Sabat — veteran voice actor, director and producer with a résumé that reads like a list of anime’s greatest hits. From the proud Saiyan prince Vegeta and the stoic swordsman Roronoa Zoro to the world’s greatest hero, All Might, and the slightly tipsy Yami from “Black Clover.”
A full list of 2025 celebrity guests can be found here.
MomoCon by the numbers
- Over the years, MomoCon has grown from a 700 person, on-campus gathering to the largest event in the southeastern U.S. for fans of gaming, animation, cosplay, comics and tabletop games.
- Thousands of attendees come out to each year to enjoy gaming, costuming (cosplay), browsing the huge exhibitor’s hall and meeting celebrity voice talent, designers and writers from their favorite shows, games and comics.
- It features the second largest open game hall in the United States. Open non-stop over the weekend, it spans 300,000+ sq. ft. of arcades, esports stages, PC and LAN gaming, console tournaments and freeplay, board and card gaming, RPGs and LARP.
- More than 90,000 square feet is dedicated to tabletop games, board games, card games, role playing games and miniatures. Want to learn a new game? Instructors are on hand to teach the hottest new games (and old games too).
- There’s also 300,000 square feet for celebrity autographs, vendors, workshops and international and indie game developers.
The details
MomoCon runs from 2 p.m. Thursday, May 22 through 5 p.m. Sunday, May 25 at the Georgia World Congress Center (Hall B). Additional events may take place at the nearby Omni Hotel and the Hilton Signia Downtown.
Registration is open now, with four-day or single day passes available. Four-day membership passes are $105 plus fees. Single days range from $50–$65 (kids 9 and under free).
Game tournament registration and separate concert tickets are also available.
Parking is limited in the area, and the GWCC lots do not take same-day reservations, so attendees are encouraged to take MARTA, if possible. The GWCC station is a short walk to the convention center.
You’ll find full details and a schedule of planned events at momocon.com.
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Around Atlanta
Mike Schleifer to Leave Alliance for Lincoln Center Theater
Published
2 months agoon
March 26, 2025After leading Atlanta’s Alliance Theatre through two major renovation projects, a global pandemic and more than 100 productions over 11 years, Managing Director, Mike Schleifer, will leave the Alliance at the end of the year to become the managing director of Lincoln Center Theater in New York.
As managing director of the Alliance, Schleifer oversees all operational, marketing, financial, fundraising and shared services activities. In his new role, Schleifer will oversee LCT’s financial and operational health and ensure long-term sustainability and growth. He will also work to align strategic planning with artistic goals, manage the theater’s union relationships, lead budgeting, marketing and capital planning efforts and identify and develop new revenue opportunities.
“While it’s rare to find a managing director who is equally brilliant at the operational and financial part of the job, it’s simply unheard of to find one who excels on those fronts and leads with such unabashed heart, vision and humor,” said Jennings Hertz Artistic Directors Tinashe Kajese-Bolden and Christopher Moses in a joint statement.
“For the past 11 years, we had the unfathomably good fortune to have all that and more in Mike Schleifer. Mike’s willingness to bet on our mission and invest in the extraordinary talent of the Alliance staff allowed us to realize aspirational dreams we never would have dared to dream without his encouragement and faith. We’ll miss him daily but cannot wait to witness the joy he’ll bring to the Lincoln Center Theater.”
During his tenure
During his tenure with the Alliance, Schleifer led the administrative and producing teams on over 100 productions and moved four shows to Broadway, including last season’s “Water for Elephants” and this season’s “Maybe Happy Ending.”
He spearheaded the $36 million renovation of the award-winning Coca-Cola Stage and is currently leading the $26 million renovation of the Goizueta Stage for Youth and Families. Under his leadership, the Alliance more than doubled its operating budget, tripled its endowment and continued to lead the country in work developed for young audiences.
“It’s been a true honor and privilege to work, lead and learn at the Alliance Theatre for the last eleven years,” said Schleifer. “I’m deeply grateful to the staff, artists and audiences of the Alliance Theatre and Woodruff Arts Center who have made this journey so rewarding.”
“We’ve achieved remarkable milestones — from moving productions to Broadway to completing transformative capital projects,” he continued. “I’m excited for what’s next, but I won’t be leaving until we cut the ribbon on the new Goizueta Stage for Youth and Families — a project that reflects the Alliance’s deep commitment to the next generation of theatergoers, both with the physical theater space and with the endowment we’re raising to make the work on that stage financially accessible for all.”
Additional roles
In addition to his work at the Alliance, Schleifer serves on the boards of the League of Resident Theatres and True Colors Theatre Company. In 2018 he co-founded Volute Partners, a theatre consultancy focused on capital projects and the subsequent operational support and budgets needed to sustain them.
“We are immensely grateful for Mike’s leadership and tireless dedication to the Alliance Theatre. His vision, passion, and expertise have left an indelible mark on this organization,” said Hala Moddelmog, president and CEO of Woodruff Arts Center.
“We take great pride in seeing him step into this well-deserved opportunity, knowing he will make a lasting impact at Lincoln Center Theater.”
New leadership
The leadership of the Woodruff Arts Center, with support from members of the Alliance Theatre Board of Directors, will conduct a national search for the Alliance’s next managing director, led by executive search firm, Corps Team.
“On behalf of the Alliance’s board of directors, we want to thank Mike for more than a decade of service to the Alliance and Atlanta community,” said Kendrick Smith, Alliance Theatre Board of Directors chair. “He oversaw a period of unprecedented growth with a spirit of collaboration and unwavering commitment to the theater’s artistic vision.”
“As we begin the national search for his successor, we remain dedicated to the theater’s mission of expanding hearts and minds, on stage and off.”
About the Alliance Theatre
Founded in 1968, Alliance Theatre is the leading producing theater in the Southeast, reaching more than 165,000 patrons annually.
The Alliance is led by Jennings Hertz Artistic Directors Tinashe Kajese-Bolden and Christopher Moses and Managing Director Mike Schleifer and is a recipient of the Regional Theatre Tony Award® for sustained excellence in programming, education and community engagement.
In January 2019, the Alliance opened its new, state-of-the-art performance space, The Coca-Cola Stage at Alliance Theatre.
Known for its high artistic standards and national role in creating significant theatrical works, the Alliance has premiered more than 140 productions, including eleven that have transferred to Broadway.
Additionally, the Alliance education department reaches more than 90,000 students annually through performances, classes, camps and in-school initiatives designed to support teachers and enhance student learning.
The Alliance Theatre values community, curiosity, collaboration and excellence and is dedicated to representing Atlanta’s diverse community with the stories they tell, the artists, staff and leadership they employ and the audiences they serve.
For more information, visit alliancetheatre.org.
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