Dad’s Garage, the celebrated improv theater based in Atlanta, has marked its 30th anniversary by reuniting some of its most beloved performers for a special TheatreSports event.
Jon Carr, the newly reinstated executive producer of Dad’s Garage, hosted the show, which drew a diverse audience rich with both long-time fans and newcomers eager to partake in the evening’s excitement.
The audience readily participated, calling out suggestions for scenes that were transformed into hilarious sketches by the on-stage performers, a testament to the interactive format that has defined the theater since its inception in 1995.
Originally founded in a rundown Inman Park warehouse by a group of college buddies from Florida State University, Dad’s Garage had humble beginnings, operating in a space lacking in amenities.
Today, the theater has made significant advancements, now located in a converted church in the Old Fourth Ward, boasting multiple stages for cabaret and full-production shows.
Katie Pelkey, the managing director, expressed pride in the theater’s resilience and longevity, saying, “I think it’s just such a big deal that we’ve made it to 30 years because a lot of arts institutions, especially in the arts and culture climate right now, do not make it this far.”
Pelkey continued to commend the Dad’s community for their unwavering support, even in sweltering conditions, by noting the packed audience during the event.
The reunion show featured a night of friendly competition among various teams representing different eras of the theater’s history, showcasing talents from its inception to the present day.
Among the memorable faces on stage was Amber Nash, best known for her role as Pam Poovey on FX’s “Archer,” who began her career at Dad’s Garage and even met her husband, Kevin Gillese, during her time there.
Gillese served as the theater’s artistic director for nearly a decade, helping to shape its artistic vision.
The celebration attracted founders and performers from different locations, including Sean Daniels, who is now based in Sarasota, Florida.
Daniels is premiering his autobiographical recovery comedy, “The White Chip,” in London’s West End, showcasing the wide-reaching impact Dad’s Garage has had on the careers of its alumni.
Jed Broitman, another founder, traveled from Orlando with his family, including his daughter Ola, who was attending her first performance to watch her father on stage.
Ola recounted, “This is my first night watching him in action participating with the theater. It feels very much like a family that I never was necessarily involved in myself, but that both of my parents really cultivated … it’s special to be here and see that it’s still running after 30 years.”
The excitement of the evening was palpable as performers such as Maged Roushdi expressed their enthusiasm at seeing the founding members and those from all eras reconnecting for the occasion.
“I’ve been coming to the theatre since 2008, became a rookie performer in 2016, and joined the ensemble cast in 2019,” Roushdi shared.
He further remarked, “It’s weird that I can be at a place for so long and still feel like a new guy comparatively. That’s kind of special for any company, but I think even more special for a theatrical company — one that has a history and a way of passing down the art form time over time.”
Ed Morgan, another competitor in the TheatreSports event, reflected on the importance of marking the milestone with a celebration of the past.
He stated, “It’s easy to forget about all that time that has passed and all the things we have done. Especially since improv is a thing that there’s nothing to show for it after the show. It just sort of disappears.”
Morgan added, “Usually, we’re in such a rush to get things done and move on to the next that we never get the time to reflect. It’s really amazing to have a weekend where we get a chance to recognize all of the work we’ve done for 30 years.”
As the night drew to a close, the atmosphere remained celebratory as founders, performers, and the audience gathered downstairs to enjoy cupcakes and festive drinks.
Together, they raised their glasses to toast three decades of laughter, creativity, and community at Dad’s Garage, a cornerstone of Atlanta’s vibrant arts scene.
image source from：ajc
