Macon's Douglass Theatre gets grant for marquee upgrade

Douglass Theatre gets grant for marquee upgrade

The Douglass Theatre in downtown Macon is one of four historic theaters across Georgia receiving a preservation grant.

The Fox Theatre Institute announced its 2016 recipients Tuesday. The Douglass will get $10,000, a portion of $131,000 in distributions, said Cindy Stoltz, a spokeswoman for the institute.

The winners were selected from applicants across the state for their potential to restore "artistic vitality" in their respective communities, according to a statement.

The Douglass Theatre, which is approaching its 100th anniversary, is known for its live performances and film presentations. Its grant will help improve the appearance of the facility's marquee.

"We're going to upgrade the one we have," said Gina Ward, executive director of the theater.

The grant program is designed to encourage the preservation of historic theaters by providing funds for their maintenance and physical improvement. Grant winners also receive operations expertise and guidance through seminars and planning sessions.

"Years ago, the Fox Theatre was brought back to life by the community, and in return, the Fox Theatre Institute helps to support other historic theatres in need," Adina Erwin, Fox Theatre's general manager, said in the statement.

Besides the Douglass, other recipients were the Schaefer Center in Toccoa; the Miller Theatre in Augusta and the Madison-Morgan Cultural Center in Madison.

This story was originally published March 8, 2016 at 5:20 PM with the headline "Macon's Douglass Theatre gets grant for marquee upgrade ."