Many long-time locals in Volusia County have fond memories of the Athens Theater. The theater has been an iconic structure in Downtown DeLand since it opened its doors. With a unique history, it has aged with time like a vintage wine. Thanks to key leadership, the Athens Theater will continue to carry its legacy while positioning itself and DeLand as an area hub for the arts in the future.
The Athens Theatre is one of the few existing examples of a classic American theatre in Central Florida. It is a jewel of Italian Renaissance architecture. This historic theatre was designed in 1921 and first opened its doors on January 6th, 1922, deriving its name from the vision of DeLand’s founder, Henry DeLand, who sought to create a city that would be the “Athens of Florida”.
It has housed many different functions such as a a place for community theatre and prom parties, to a restaurant, movie house, and a teen night spot. Dozens remember it as the site of their first date, first kiss, and even as the place to go for a midnight matinee after the high school prom. Now, the Athens Theater is embarking upon a new chapter, thanks to the leadership and direction of a local visionary.
Craig Uppercue graduated from Stetson University in 2004 with a bachelor of music education and a bachelor of music performance. Upon graduation, he began teaching in the public school system. Craig has taught at Freedom Elementary School in DeLand for the past nine years, where he is currently the music teacher. While at Freedom in 2009, Craig took a risk and directed a play for his fifth grade students that took place at the Athens. "Seussical the Musical" was a hit within the community, and the school play attracted hundreds to the Athens.
From there, Craig directed several other plays, and he eventually was asked to become director of the Sands Youth Theater Company, a program at the Athens for students to learn about drama. This position led him to his current role as artistic director in 2013, where he selects and produces all season shows.
The Athens has seen a lot of growth under Craig’s direction, but according to him, the best is yet to come. “The Athens is quickly becoming more than just a community theater. It has the potential to become a regional theater, thanks to the quality of our shows and a mix of local and regional actors,” he said. “We are in a great situation, and look forward to providing high quality entertainment to our patrons for a long time to come.”
Slated for the current season of the Athens is Spamalot, The Addams Family, A Christmas Carol, James and the Giant Peach, and Driving Miss Daisy. For more information about the Athens Theater, visit http://www.athensdeland.com/index.html.
From there, Craig directed several other plays, and he eventually was asked to become director of the Sands Youth Theater Company, a program at the Athens for students to learn about drama. This position led him to his current role as artistic director in 2013, where he selects and produces all season shows.
The Athens has seen a lot of growth under Craig’s direction, but according to him, the best is yet to come. “The Athens is quickly becoming more than just a community theater. It has the potential to become a regional theater, thanks to the quality of our shows and a mix of local and regional actors,” he said. “We are in a great situation, and look forward to providing high quality entertainment to our patrons for a long time to come.”
Slated for the current season of the Athens is Spamalot, The Addams Family, A Christmas Carol, James and the Giant Peach, and Driving Miss Daisy. For more information about the Athens Theater, visit http://www.athensdeland.com/index.html.