SPRINGFIELD, Ga. — The City of Springfield is restructuring operations at the historic Mars Theatre following the resignation of theater director Maddie Greer and plans to focus on making the venue financially self-sustaining.

Greer submitted her resignation in early May and left the position May 31 to pursue other opportunities, according to city officials.

Rather than filling the theater director position, Springfield leaders have hired Richmond Hill marketing consultant Katie Davis under a one-year, $2,000-per-month contract to oversee marketing, public relations, sponsorship development and event coordination for the Mars.

The Springfield City Council approved the agreement during its June 9 meeting.

"We wish Maddie the best in her future endeavors," City Manager Lauren Eargle said. "It was a pleasure getting to know Maddie during her time at the Mars Theatre. Her passion for the arts, dedication to the community and enthusiasm for creating memorable experiences have made a positive impact on the Mars and those she served. We are grateful for her contributions and have no doubt that her creativity, energy and commitment will continue to be valuable assets throughout her career. We wish her nothing but success in the years ahead."

Eargle said the city decided not to replace Greer as part of a broader plan aimed at reducing the Mars Theatre's reliance on taxpayer support.

The theater is budgeted to receive a $130,000 transfer from Springfield's general fund in fiscal year 2026 to help sustain operations.

Reducing costs

By eliminating the theater director position, the city expects to reduce annual expenditures by approximately $71,000. The city also terminated its previous marketing contract, which cost $12,300 annually, resulting in an annual expenditure reduction of just more than $83,000.

Under the new arrangement, Davis will assume responsibilities beyond traditional marketing duties, including community relations, talent acquisition and management, event management, rental coordination and fundraising.

"I have elected not to hire a replacement theater director," Eargle said. "My goal is to eliminate the interfund transfer entirely from the FY 2027 budget and operate the Mars as a sustainable community asset supported through earned revenue, sponsorships, fundraising and strategic programming."

Springfield City Clerk Jennifer Smith said city officials concluded the theater director role had become too broad for a single employee.

"There were some things that the theater director position is a huge position, and there's a lot of different strengths required to make that one whole person," Smith said. "That's why we decided not to refill that position."

The theater's day-to-day operations will continue to be managed by Linda Golson, who serves as front-of-house manager. Eargle said she will take a larger role in programming and operational decisions while Davis handles marketing, events and special programming.

After accounting for the new consulting contract and anticipated part-time support for events, city officials estimate annual savings of approximately $41,000.

Growing revenue

To close the remaining gap, Springfield plans to increase revenue through expanded programming, sponsorships and fundraising efforts.

The city recently hosted its inaugural Savor the Spotlight Gala, which generated approximately $30,000 for the theater. Officials also anticipate summer movies and live music programming will generate an additional $7,500 in revenue.

A new "Third Thursday" live music series will debut in August and feature monthly tribute and cover bands throughout the year. The city has established a $50,000 annual sponsorship goal through Friends of the Mars and event sponsors.

"My goal is for the Summer Music Series, which brings live music to the Mars every Thursday night in June and July, to help Springfield and Effingham County get used to consistent live music performances at the theater," Eargle said. "I want to bring live music back as a staple of the Mars."

Smith said the theater has continually evolved since reopening and must adapt to changing community interests.

"Our community has changed. What the community wants to see has changed," Smith said. "I think you're going to see a good mix of movies and live events."

City leaders hope the combination of operational savings, increased sponsorships and expanded programming will eventually allow the Mars Theatre to operate without general fund support while continuing to serve as one of Springfield's signature cultural attractions.