The Plaza Arts Center is getting ready to do something that the arts center has never done before.

For a growing theater, The Plaza is open to new challenges and when presented with an idea, the leadership of the organization was eager to figure out how to make it happen.

Months ago, a young man who has been around The Plaza for a while, Rashawd Ford, came to The Plaza staff and brought the idea of putting on a show himself.

It took some time, but between budget meetings, marketing meetings and figuring out a schedule, The Plaza and Ford came up with a plan.

The Plaza is so proud to be presenting a new series, a Young Director Series, and it all kicks of with Rashawd directing a classic: The Color Purple.

“I am from Eatonton born and raised and I am deeply honored and excited to direct The Color Purple,” Ford said. “(This is) a powerful story that has always resonated with me on a personal level. As a director, I approach this work not only as a creative opportunity, but as a heartfelt exploration of themes that shape our lives, family, identity, and the healing power of community.”

When Ford came to The Plaza asking to do this production, the staff was ready to figure out how to make it happen. With trying something new, there are always opportunities to explore something that hasn’t been done before. This will be the first time a young thespian has taken the helm as director at The Plaza.

“The Color Purple is particularly exciting for us at The Plaza because it is so meaningful for our town.” Dr. Susan Usry, Executive Director at The Plaza said. “Added to that is the fact that we get to showcase one of our own Broadway Intensive cast members as the director. That’s a win-win for us at The Plaza” While not professionally working as a director, Ford has had a wide array of theater experiences.

Ford started in theater as a Freshman in high school, which sparked his passion for storytelling and the transformative power of performance. Over the years, he has worked in variopus capacities and performed in many different shows, many during the Broadway Intensive program with The Plaza and The Arts Barn. He most recently directed school productions of Matilda, Godspell, Annie, Jr., Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time and The Addams Family. Ford has also performed in the ensemble for Aurora Theater’s production of The Color Purple.

“The Color Purple is more than a historical story, it is a story of universal themes, particularly the ways in which trauma and triumph ripple across generations” Ford said. “By creating an environment where these stories are brought to life with honesty and integrity, I hope to spark conversations within our community about our shared struggles and the beauty in our collective adaptability.”

Alice Walker, born in Eatonton, wrote The Color Purple, not knowing just how impactful her storytelling would be. Winning a Pulitzer Prize for her stance against racism and sexism, Walker’s legacy continues to impact generation after generation.

Goodreads writes, “A powerful cultural touchstone of modern American literature, The Color Purple depicts the lives of African American women in early twentieth-century rural Georgia. Separated as girls, sisters Celie and Nettie sustain their loyalty to and hope in each other across time, distance and silence. Through a series of letters spanning twenty years, first from Celie to God, then the sisters to each other despite the unknown, the novel draws readers into its rich and memorable portrayals of Celie, Nettie, Shug Avery and Sofia and their experience. The Color Purple broke the silence around domestic and sexual abuse, narrating the lives of women through their pain and struggle, companionship and growth, resilience and bravery. Deeply compassionate and beautifully imagined, Alice Walker's epic carries readers on a spirit-affirming journey towards redemption and love.”

“My goals in theater are to create work that is both inspiring and emotionally resonant,” Ford said. “… particularly work that elevates marginalized voices and illuminates the complexities of human experience.

I have always believed that the theater is a space for connection, where the boundaries between performer and audience create a collective moment of reflection. I strive to continue cultivating these moments, where empathy, and understanding can flourish.”

Planning a meaningul performace, The Plaza and Ford are thrilled to be hosting auditions soon.

There is an open casting call for 5 female leads, 3 male leads, 8 female ensemble members and 10 male ensemble members.

People wanting to audition must send in a virtual audition to [email protected] by Dec. 10. This email must include the role auditioning for, a headshot, resume and a video performing a song no shorter than 1 minute.

In-person call backs will be Dec. 14 and 15 and the cast will be announced Dec. 16 or 17.

Rehearsals will begin soon after.

The Color Purple performances will be Feb. 22, 23, 27, 28 and March 1, 2025 at The Plaza Arts Center.

For more information, contact The Plaza at 706-923-1655 or email [email protected]

“I believe theater has the power to heal, and I want this production to invite audiences to reflect on their own experiences, encouraging both empathy and empowerment,” Ford said.