Vinings GA Real Estate

COBB GALLERIA ANNOUNCES PERFORMING ARTS CENTRE

MANAGING DIRECTOR, WENDY RIGGS

20+ Years of Theatre Experience to Lead the $96 Million Venue

ATLANTA - The Cobb-Marietta Coliseum and Exhibit Hall Authority with Cobb Galleria Centre announce the appointment of Wendy Riggs as Managing Director of the Galleria Performing Arts Centre concluding a nation-wide search that began earlier this year. Riggs, formerly Assistant General Manager for the Fox Theatre in Atlanta, GA, began her new role on August 2, 2004.

“Finding the right person was no easy task. We were looking for the best possible candidate who knows the business and has a desire to grow and contribute to the overall scope of the project. We cast a very wide net but who would guess we would find the perfect candidate right here in Atlanta,” says Michele Swann, General Manager Cobb Galleria Centre.

As Managing Director of the Galleria Performing Arts Centre, Riggs will be responsible for identifying, coordinating and managing all promotions and artistic programming for the facility as well as overseeing, directing and managing all physical and operational aspects of the building.

Riggs experience stretches over a 22 year period and includes serving as Managing Director for Horn Performing Arts Center in Las Vegas, Nevada; Training and Facilities Manager and Project Manager for the construction of two new theatres for Walt Disney World; Theatre Manager of the historic Bama Theatre in Alabama and Stage Manager roles ranging from the 1982 World’s Fair to regional dinner theatres. Wendy has also taught Theatre Management on the college level for several years.

“Wendy’s experience makes her a real asset to the success of this facility. We’re developing this venue from the ground up so we need someone who is not only well versed in the day-to-day management and operations, but someone who understands and can contribute significantly to the programming, design, construction, development, booking, staffing and so much more,” says Michele Swann.

“It was love at first sight,” Riggs said after seeing the initial renderings for the first time. “The design is amazing, modern and exciting. Smallwood, Reynolds, Stewart, Stewart and Associates along with the outstanding design team have created a masterpiece that will welcome and intrigue patrons from all over the region.”

Facilitating the overall design of the Galleria’s Performing Arts Center project is Smallwood, Reynolds, Stewart, Stewart & Associates, a well-known Atlanta-based architectural firm. Several top design consultants including international design professionals Theatre Projects Consultants, Kirkegaard Associates, and Boner Associates LLC are also working on the project. The Facility Group, will serve as Program Manager.

Details of the Galleria Performing Arts Centre include a 2,750-seat theatre, special event space, 1500- space parking deck, full service food and beverage capabilities, and rehearsal facilities. Groundbreaking is planned for early 2005 with projected completion March 2007. Riggs is currently the President of the Board of Atlanta Coalition of Performing Arts, a mentor at the Atlanta Girl’s School and has recently completed the Midtown Alliance Leadership Class of 2004. She has a MFA in Theatre Management and Arts Administration from the University of Alabama/Alabama Shakespeare Festival and a BFA in Theatre Technology and Design from Auburn University. Already a resident of Atlanta, Riggs is happily married with two beautiful daughters.

Cobb Performing Arts Center