‘A glorious space.’ The PATIO to open at the Springer in Columbus
Sitting on the newest stage of this Columbus theater complex, Springer Opera House CEO Danielle Varner reflected on what she described as “a glorious space” and the approximately $3 million in donations that produced it.
“We envisioned something like this for the Springer, but we never thought we would be able to get here,” she told the Ledger-Enquirer, “and through the Forever Springer campaign and the generosity of this community, it’s come to fruition.”
The venue’s formal name is the Pierce Anderson Theatre in the Outdoors, honoring two pillars of the 155-year-old historic State Theatre of Georgia: retired producing artistic director Paul Pierce and the late Ron Anderson, founder of the Springer Theatre Academy.
But you can call it by its acronym, The PATIO, because that’s what the Springer calls it — and that’s what it looks like.
This 15-month construction project converted the Springer’s staff parking lot at the corner of 10th Street and Second Avenue into a stage, sound and lighting booth, concession stand, and an expanse of artificial turf for portable seating during events, plus a place for the public to otherwise use as an urban park.
“This space is not only for the Springer; it’s for the community,” Varner said. “This is a space that we want the community to utilize for rentals. But even during the day, come over, have your lunch. Come over and sit with your friends on the swings or on a bench and just enjoy this beautiful green space we’ve created here in uptown Columbus.”
When The PATIO at the Springer will open
The first public event at The PATIO will be performances of the “X Marks the Spot” children’s show, part of the Springer series Theatre of the Very Young, appropriate for children ages 8 and younger. Showtimes and dates are:
- 11 a.m. May 2 and 9
- 2 p.m. May 3 and 10
Varner credits community leaders for playing their parts in the ensemble that created The PATIO.
“How grateful I am to be a part of it, and this has been the highlight of my career at the Springer, this endeavor,” she said. “We had a dream, and it goes back to Janice Biggers. Actually, Janice Biggers had a vision for something grand here at the corner of 10th Street and Second Avenue.”
Varner recalled a comment from architect Neil Clark, who worked on The PATIO project: “The worst thing you can have at a theater is a parking lot on your corner.”
“He said that during the 1998 renovation, and here we are, almost 30 years later, and look what we have done,” she said.
The idea gained traction during the COVID-19 pandemic, when the Springer built a temporary outdoor stage. Audience feedback and donor interest pushed the concept forward.
Patrons asked, Varner said, “Are we going to do more of this? We are loving this. Thank you for doing this.”
And to have such giving folks in the community help bring this idea from dream to reality, Varner said, “they put their money where their mouth is, and we are so grateful for it — very generous.”
Varner also thought about the legacy of Pierce and Anderson being celebrated at The PATIO.
“These men were trailblazers,” she said, “and they set a great path for us to have a successful future.”
How The PATIO at the Springer can be used
Beyond theater performances, The PATIO will be available to host public events and private rentals. The facility has 160 portable chairs and can accommodate 280-300 people standing at an event, Varner said.
“The possibilities are endless,” she said. “You could have birthday parties, family reunions, weddings, concerts, movies. We cannot wait to see how people want to use the space and how we use the space.”
For rentals, people can submit requests on the Springer’s website or call Kevan Baxley at the Springer office at 706-327-3688.
When performances or other events aren’t being conducted, The PATIO will be open as a public park during the Springer’s weekday business hours, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
“But I also want it to be a gathering space for people to use right before a show,” Varner said
As one of only seven producing theaters at a National Historic Landmark, she said, the Springer now has in The PATIO “an extension of the greatness that goes on inside.”
