Red Door Playhouse, Roswell's Doorway to the Arts

Just like you, I've driven past it a million times and always wondered what it was. Nestled between Soda Salon and the Roswell Mill, right on Old Roswell Square, a small building with a bright red door beckons. And now that I've been inside, I can't believe that everyone hasn't heard about it.

It's the Red Door Playhouse, and according to owner Seth Decker, the stage is yours.

 The Red Door Playhouse started in 2003 as an artistic experiment by actor/playwright/musician Seth and his teacher/artist/actress wife, Leah. They noticed that while downtown Atlanta offered a host of great performance venues, North Fulton definitely needed an independent theater company of its own. Eight years later, RDP is going strong and serving as studio, gallery, black box theater, music space, and teaching space; but, most importantly, it's a place where the visitor becomes part of the action instead of just watching something happening on a screen.

One of RDP's goals is to inspire everyone who walks through the red door, and there are so many ways to get involved. They offer classes year-round for kids, teens and adults, including drama, art, film making, improv comedy, creative writing workshops and a teen performers ensemble. During the summer, they offer nine separate weeks of camp for two different age groups, including a complete writing-directing-acting theater experience that won the “Best In Atlanta” award from Atlanta Magazine, as well as Nickelodeon's Parents' Picks Award. If you have kids age 5 or over, be sure to check out their line-up.

Although kids birthday parties, special events, performances and the popular Saturday Night Improv Comedy Show happen year-round, RDP has some special events that really stand out. The annual Haunted Halloween Funhouse, in October, features a family-friendly haunted house installation and interactive Halloween show. And the Polar Express Show at Christmas is also a big hit. Another show that's packed every year is the Roswell Roots Poetry Slam, "Slammin' in the Surburbs," which is always attended by local notables - including Mayor Jere Wood - and showcases some of the most talented poets and storytellers in Atlanta.

This April, RDP will host the "NOW Theater Project," a three-day experience for actors, writers, dancers and artists from all over the country. Each year, the group explores a different topic and collaborates on an original performance piece. Be sure to get on the mailing list for more details about what this year's public performance will be. It's expected to be held sometime around April 11.

Going beyond just being a theater, the RDP also has a rock band called "The Missing Piece," which is aimed at ages 4-9 and plays during live concerts on selected Saturday nights May through August. Their new CD, Homemade Radio Show, is modeled after a kids' version of a 1940's radio show and was recently picked up by Sirius XM Satellite Radio on Kids Place Live Channel 116. Their latest single just made #9 on the national countdown.

When asked his favorite thing about the Red Door Playhouse, Decker says, “I get to collaborate in making art every day, in many different ways, with many different groups of people. Every day is a new challenge and a whole lot of fun.”

Personally, I'm amazed that they can fit so much behind one red door.