[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 158 (2012), Part 9]
[House]
[Page 12180]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                   HONORING PAUL RODGERS PIERCE, JR.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from 
Georgia (Mr. Westmoreland) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. WESTMORELAND. Mr. Speaker, I have come to the floor today to 
honor Mr. Paul Rodgers Pierce, Jr., for his 25 years of service to the 
State Theatre of Georgia and the Springer Opera House.
  Paul was born on January 19, 1953, in Anniston, Alabama, to Mr. and 
Mrs. Paul R. Pierce. He attended East Rome High School and graduated 
from the University of Georgia in 1977. After graduation, he developed 
his passion for theater through working as an actor, director, 
designer, and booking manager on a number of national touring 
productions, such as the American Repertory Theater, Flat Rock 
Playhouse, and Circuit 21 Playhouse. Following his time on tour, he 
accepted the position of associate artistic director at the American 
Repertory Theater under the guidance of Mr. Drexel Riley, who was not 
only his mentor, but his friend.
  Paul's adventures led him across the country when he accepted the 
position of managing director of Virginia's Wayside Theater, and then 
as artistic director of the Harbor Playhouse in Corpus Christi, Texas. 
Thankfully, his travels led him back to Georgia, where he became the 
artistic director of the Springer Opera House in 1988.
  To say Paul was passionate about his job is an understatement. He 
expanded the artistic mission of the Springer Opera House and took its 
potential to new heights. Paul created the Spring Theatricals, a 
national touring company that reaches over 60 American cities annually. 
He hired Ron Anderson and created the Springer Theatre Academy that 
mentors and develops over 16,000 children and families through the 
year-round character education program. With Paul's additions, the 
audience of Springer has nearly tripled, and the bar for artistic 
excellence in the community has been held to a higher standard.

                              {time}  1030

  Paul has not only improved the artistic standards in the community, 
but the physical appearance of the Springer Opera House as well. Paul 
oversaw the National Historic Landmark Theatre's $12 million renovation 
in 1998 and has campaigned for over $11.5 million for the construction 
of the McClure Theatre for children's programs and education.
  In his 25 years, Paul has helped put the Springer Opera House on the 
map. In 2008, the Georgia Council for the Arts declared it one of 
Georgia's top-ranked art institutions. Paul has served on with State 
Theatre of Georgia as producing artistic director with distinction and 
dedication and continues to further his mission through the pursuit of 
selfless innovations to improve the quality of life for the citizens 
and community of Columbus, Georgia.
  I'm proud to stand here today to honor and thank Mr. Paul Rodgers 
Pierce, Jr., for all he has done for the great State of Georgia, the 
city of Columbus, and all the children and families he has touched. 
Paul's devotion and commitment to theater is an inspiration to us all, 
showing us that with passion and hard work you can make a difference 
and leave a legacy that will never be forgotten. Thanks, Paul.

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