River Region Living

The Man Behind the Stage

Being responsible for the day-to-day operation of the Montgomery Performing Arts Center at the upscale Renaissance Hotel in Alabama’s capital, gives Allen Sanders, the Center’s General Manager, a lot of “hats” to keep in the air. In addition to the heady task of selecting and booking talent, event scheduling, promotion and marketing, he must also ensure that staffing, ticketing, rentals, lighting, security — details integral to any successful stage presentation — are in place.

According to Sanders, it is this variety of challenges that attracted him to become involved in Montgomery’s performing arts scene. “It’s so easy to get up in the morning and go to work [because] there’s always something different,” Sanders remarked. “Every day there are new challenges, new shows, and so many wonderful things to work on that bring new life and vitality to this region.”

Prior to coming to Montgomery, the Pritchard, Alabama native had spent six years in Mobile, working on the design and seven million dollar renovation of the renowned Saenger Theatre. A background in construction from his years at International Paper Company was invaluable in the early stages of the Saenger renovation, but it was his involvement in facilities management and promotion of the Saenger that gave him a solid background for his MPAC position.

Music and show business have been a staple of Sanders’ life. “My mother was a professional singer,” he commented, “so I was destined to be involved in music.” Although, as a guitar and drum playing member of several now-defunct gospel and country bands in the 80s, “ My music career didn’t take me where I need to be,” Sanders added. “I realized getting involved in shows was where I was meant to be.”

Apparently, Allen Sanders thrives on marketing the performing arts. For the past three years, he has been instrumental in making the MPAC a household name, not only in Montgomery, but also across the state. He is quick to give credit to his staff who, he remarked, “give generously of their time and talents, who are just as dedicated and passionate as I am. I cannot praise them enough.”

Sanders also credits the location of the facility as a major plus. Being attached to a four-star hotel complete with restaurants, a spa and swimming-pool makes the venue very attractive to out-of-town visitors as well as area residents. Easy access via Interstates 65 and 85 is another plus for the MPAC, as is proximity to the revitalized downtown Montgomery area.

“This is not an 8-to-5 job,” Sanders added, “The hours are long and I am lucky that my wife, Ginger, is so supportive of my career. There is simply no other place I’d rather be.” And as the string of the MPAC dynamic successes demonstrates, River Region residents enthusiastically echo that statement!

Reserve your seat… The Montgomery Performing Arts Centre is at the heart of the downtown district and is home to over 450 events since it’s inception in 2008. With a roster of performances from classical to jazz, pop favorites to southern country, comedy, dance and the best of Broadway, the MPAC offers something for everyone. Sanders states, “We have an exciting platform for our river region residents. We intend to provide a good supply of talent and entertainment — always continuing to be successful, but always striving to be better.” Seats: 1,797.

For more information: www.mpaconline. org or call 334-481-5100.