Sandy Springs Performing Arts Center Reviewing Presenting Partner Program

Changes could impact City Springs Theatre Company's ability to produce shows at the venue.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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Leaders at the City Springs Theatre Company are concerned that potential changes to the Sandy Springs Performing Arts Center's Presenting Partner program may affect the nonprofit theater company's ability to produce shows at the venue. The theater company pays around $500,000 annually to use the Byers Theatre for its productions, and it wants a seat at the table as the city reviews the program's details.

Why it matters

The City Springs Theatre Company has reached over half a million people through its main-stage productions, student matinees, and arts education programs since 2017. The theater company's partnership with the city's performing arts center is critical, as it helps drive economic activity for local businesses near downtown Sandy Springs on show nights.

The details

Sandy Springs Performing Arts Center Director Bill Haggett said the city is reviewing the Presenting Partner program to ensure it remains clear, consistent, and equitable for all organizations that use its facilities. The city is planning to request formal proposals for partners, including from City Springs Theatre Company. City officials discussed the PAC's Presenting Partner program during budget workshops, noting that changes could benefit local nonprofits by providing additional incentives.

  • The City Springs Theatre Company's ninth season announcement is days away.
  • On February 3, the City Springs Theatre Company's executive director spoke during public comment at the Sandy Springs City Council meeting.
  • In early February, the Sandy Springs Performing Arts Center director said the center was working to finalize its Presenting Partner program during the city council's annual retreat.

The players

Natalie DeLancey

Executive Director of the City Springs Theatre Company.

Bill Haggett

Director of the Sandy Springs Performing Arts Center.

City Springs Theatre Company

A nonprofit theater company that has reached over half a million people through its productions and programs since 2017.

Sandy Springs Performing Arts Center

A city-owned venue where the City Springs Theatre Company produces its shows, paying around $500,000 annually to use the Byers Theatre.

Jan Collins

A longtime Sandy Springs resident who is credited with floating the idea for a city-based theater company in 2016.

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What they’re saying

“We understand that the city [of Sandy Springs] is evaluating potential changes to the presenting partnership program. At the same time, we are actively finalizing and budgeting our ninth season. Despite rising costs across the industry, we remain committed to maintaining stable ticket pricing for our patrons.”

— Natalie DeLancey, Executive Director, City Springs Theatre Company (roughdraftatlanta.com)

“A central goal of this review is to maintain an open and fair process that supports a broad and diverse range of programming for our community. We want to ensure that the guidelines under which we operate provide transparent expectations and access for both existing and future partners.”

— Bill Haggett, Director, Sandy Springs Performing Arts Center (roughdraftatlanta.com)

“City Springs Theatre Company has helped bring that feeling to fruition. CSTC has created musical theater at the highest level for delighted and grateful audiences. For Sandy Springs residents, our theatre has brought us together with great community pride for having our own brilliant musical theater company right here at home!”

— Jan Collins, Longtime Sandy Springs Resident (roughdraftatlanta.com)

What’s next

The City Springs Theatre Company is waiting to hear more details from the city about the proposed changes to the Presenting Partner program. The theater company's ninth season announcement is expected in the coming days.

The takeaway

The City Springs Theatre Company's partnership with the Sandy Springs Performing Arts Center is crucial, as the nonprofit theater company's productions not only bring the community together but also drive economic activity for local businesses. Any changes to the Presenting Partner program will need to be carefully considered to ensure the long-term sustainability of this important cultural institution.