The Show Must Go On: Meet the Woman Saving the South’s Historic Theaters
What do you do when the curtain falls on a beloved historic theater? If you're Leigh Burns, you help raise it again. Meet the woman behind Fox Gives at Atlanta's Fox Theatre! Image: Leigh Burns
Where most see an event venue, Leigh Burns sees the very heart of a community. As Director of Community Partnerships at Atlanta’s Fox Theatre, Leigh oversees Fox Gives and leads a team that has invested nearly $6 million to preserve 64 historic theaters and other community landmarks around the region. Oh, and did we mention she’s also expanding access to arts education for youth across Georgia? Get ready to be inspired by our latest FACE of the South.
You’ve been working in historic preservation since 2000. What drew you to this field?
My parents always took us to museums and historic sites, even on beach vacations — somewhere we could learn about the culture of the place we were visiting. As a child of the ’70s, you didn’t really have a choice. You just went along with whatever your parents were doing. We went to a lot of towns with rich histories, like St. Augustine and Charleston. That sense of wonder left an impression on me.
I grew up really aware of the importance of community, landmarks, and a sense of place. That’s my vacation of choice even now: a little beach or relaxation time, but I want to experience something real about where I am, too. It’s a balance.
Your Atlanta upbringing coincided with a period of civic change. How did that affect your career choice?
During the 1960s and ’70s, Atlanta underwent rapid development, and we lost many historic buildings in the process. There was lots of discussion in my family about preservation and unhappiness about things being torn down. It biased me to be concerned about architectural legacy. I remember being aware of how fragile those places were. It’s a privilege to now be a part of the Fox and the legacy far beyond what I ever imagined.
What makes Fox Gives unique?
Fox Theatre is the only theater that we’re aware of that raises money to support the preservation of other theaters. Not only do we give away our proceeds to save those buildings, but we also provide professional development to help support them. It’s such an impactful program — working with a theater that’s dormant to then route talent, train staff to operate it, and make it a viable and sustainable venue.
We also have All-Access Pass, which exposes high school students to the various career opportunities in theater, and Fox in a Box for kindergarten through fifth grade, which uses the history of the Fox to think about how communities come together.
Why are historic theaters so important?
Theaters, particularly in smaller or rural towns, are often the only community gathering places that don’t have a political, business, or religious purpose. The purpose is enjoyment. They show people the world beyond their town in so many ways.
Often, they were designed by famous architects, and people could see things there that they wouldn’t see in people’s homes. They are so special. It’s one of the highest callings of a city to preserve its theater.
Why is preservation an important part of The Fox’s mission?
All of the challenges these smaller theaters go through, the Fox experienced on a larger scale. The problems are the same. The Fox was closed and almost demolished in the 1970s. But that building became a line in the sand for many in Atlanta. They said, ‘We can’t lose another substantial building.’
The first hurdle was acquiring the building, then restoring and keeping it open and viable. We just had the 50-year anniversary of “Save the Fox,” and some of the original board members are still active today. Our board has lived through this, so Fox Gives is a thank-you.
What is something that challenges you about your role?
Before I came to the Fox, I had the historical knowledge, but I had to spend a lot of time learning about the operations of the theater. Creating strategic plans, setting marketing goals, securing talent, and programming. It’s amazing to save the theater, but that’s only part one. Then you’ve got part two. And part two is day-to-day difficult.
Of all of the theaters Fox Gives has helped restore, do any stand out?
The ones that stand out to me are the ones that closed, and we helped reopen. Taking a theater from dormant to fully operational, viable, and sustainable is really inspiring. The Marigold Auditorium in Winterville, Georgia, stands out. Seeing these long-dormant buildings be rehabilitated and breathe new life into their communities is the best part of my job. It gets me every time.
Without fail, an older person will come with their multi-generational family and thank us for giving them this opportunity for more memories. It’s so inspiring and keeps me motivated. They are all victories. But those are the ones that stick with me.
You’ve been at The Fox for nearly 10 years. What is your proudest accomplishment?
The team’s commitment to support the expansion of Fox Gives. Annual giving is up to half a million a year, and we’ve seen so much growth surrounding education. It gives me so much joy to think that I was able to add to something wonderful.
The board is very inspired by Fox Gives and is very generous. Our partners are proud to be affiliated with the program. Our impact continues to grow. The board deserves so much credit for continuing this investment. Yes, we give people these entertainment experiences, but what we give back to the community is immeasurable.
Where do you go to get inspired?
I go back to what I love: Places that provide me with a context of beauty and architectural significance. Rural schools, art museums, cathedrals. That’s what keeps me interested.
Other than The Fox Theatre, what is your favorite historic site?
Rhodes Hall. It’s so well preserved. It truly is a glimpse into that time period, when Peachtree Street was lined with mansions. You can really appreciate the space for both the function and the architecture. It’s so beautiful.
If you weren’t doing this, what would you be doing?
I would love to work in the music industry in some capacity. Working at the Fox reminded me of how much I love music. The reminder has been such a gift.
What’s your best advice?
Find people in your life who make you grow and challenge you to try new things. I can be a creature of habit. I have a friend who jokes that we are in historic preservation because we don’t like change. But I think it’s important to find people who push you to grow and bring new joy and adventure.
LIGHTNING ROUND
What’s on your Spotify playlist? It’s all over the place, but the commonality is it trends female.
What’s your favorite movie to quote verbatim? Airplane.
Which takeout restaurant do you have on speed dial? Fortune Cookie.
Dream dinner companion? Amy Sedaris.
Podcast you never miss? Pop Culture Happy Hour on NPR.
Next book on your to-be-read list? Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke. I’m always behind on my reading.
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Beth Clayton
For over 20 years, Beth Clayton has either been working in a newsroom or pitching one. A natural storyteller and word nerd from the moment she could pick up a pencil, she earned her journalism degree from Butler University and spent the next decade as a writer, reporter, and editor. She now lives in Louisville, KY with her husband, three kids, and a very bad dog, and loves immersing herself in old lady hobbies such as houseplants and macrame.
