By Jennifer Colosimo
From being inspired by her grandmother’s passion for the arts to performing on stage well into college and a career overseeing education programs with the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, Natalie DeLancey is well-equipped to bring City Springs Theatre Company (CSTC) into its next era. As executive director, she’s helped shape more than a theatre company, but a culture—and it’s a pretty exciting community to be a part of.
Tell me about the impact you have made on the CSTC?
Natalie DeLancey: From the beginning, I have been intentional about establishing CSTC as a high-quality musical theatre company that pairs artistic excellence with genuine hospitality. Whether you’re an actor on stage, a donor, subscriber, a student, a crew member, a musician or a first-time patron, we want every person who encounters CSTC to feel valued, welcomed and part of something meaningful.
How have you been able to engage the community?
ND: What began as a foundational initiative has blossomed into a thriving conservatory and training ground for the next generation. Today, we serve approximately 350 students each week in Sandy Springs and reach nearly 10,000 students annually through our various programs. Our pre-professional students consistently demonstrate a level of discipline and artistry that rivals seasoned performers, and seeing young artists rise to that standard is incredibly rewarding. Investing in the next generation is central to who we are and, since inception, we have never turned a student away due to a financial barrier.
How has the company grown since you’ve been here?
ND: In season two, we navigated a global pandemic and emerged stronger and more unified than ever. Today, we have a subscriber base just shy of 6,000 patrons, the largest of any local arts organization in the city. We are also currently in our first-ever comprehensive capital campaign, which in less than a year is already 72% funded toward our $5 million goal. That level of investment speaks volumes about the confidence our community has in our future.
“What truly sets us apart is our community. I have never seen people rally behind an organization the way ours has. The loyalty of our patrons and the number of actors, musicians, designers, faculty members and crew who repeatedly return to work with us tells me we’ve built something meaningful.”
On Natalie’s Playbill
“You can almost always find me at Baraonda. The owners have been incredible supporters of CSTC and have graciously hosted several of our opening night celebrations. Their Bolognese with a glass of Ant Moore—it’s become a bit of a tradition.”
Best Supporting Roles
- Brooklyn Cafe
- The Select
- Bocado
- Little Thai
- Sunnyside Pizza
- La Petite Maison
