MACON, Ga. — Mercer University has acquired downtown Macon’s historic Capitol Theatre and Robins Financial Credit Union has committed to a multi-year naming sponsorship for the more than century-old venue.
Located only two blocks away from each other, The Robins Financial Capitol Theatre and The Piedmont Grand Opera House will be jointly managed by the University, which has programmed and operated The Grand more than 30 years, the organizations said in a statement. Mercer acquired The Capitol Theatre in December in a “bargain sale” from previous owner Wes Griffith.
“The University is pleased to preserve this important historic performing arts venue in downtown Macon, and we are grateful to Wes Griffith for his stewardship of the theater for the last dozen years,” said Mercer President Dr. Penny L. Elkins. “We look forward to The Robins Financial Capitol Theatre continuing to contribute to downtown Macon’s vitality.”
‘A Learning Lab’
In addition to presenting concerts consistent with its past lineups, The Robins Financial Capitol Theatre, with a capacity of about 650 for concerts, will host performances of Mercer’s Townsend School of Music, the university said.
“It will also serve as a learning lab for students in the music school’s new music production and music business degree programs, which will launch this fall,” it added. “As it has been in the past, the theater will be available for special event rentals, such as corporate meetings, receptions and weddings.”
Re-Energizing Downtown
“Robins Financial Credit Union is proud to partner with Mercer University to help preserve and re-energize one of downtown Macon’s most iconic landmarks,” said Christina O’Brien, president and CEO of Robins Financial Credit Union. “The Capitol Theatre represents creativity, history and community, and we are honored to support a space that brings people together and invests in future generations.”
