During the work week, Primerica employees support the sales force and keep the business running smoothly on the home office front. In their free time, many also turn their talents to personal projects they are passionate about outside of the workplace. As Executive Vice President of Primerica’s on site TV/Production department, Norma Richardson enjoys giving back to the community through her work with Primerica and with the Main Street Players.
“At Primerica, I am heavily involved in the creative process behind the sales materials and marketing tools that our field force uses,” explains Norma. “I have a great team that handles much of the day to day operations which frees me up to concentrate on the creative aspect of our in house TV studio.”
Norma says she’s always been passionate about the arts – which is why she entered the field she did – so when she had the opportunity to bring that love to her hometown, she jumped at the chance.
“I have always been involved in the arts, especially music and theatre, which is my one of my passions,” says Norma. “In 1996, while taking care of my ailing mother, I started thinking about how I could be involved and make a difference in the community. My hometown of Griffin, GA, was undergoing a revitalization of the historic downtown area and I saw a chance – and a challenge – to take what I loved and turn it into something the entire community could appreciate.”
Together with three friends from high school, Norma carved a 100 seat black box theatre out of an old F.W. Woolworth store and began sorting through play scripts for their debut. “Our first show, a musical re-telling of the Anne Frank story called Yours, Anne, opened September 20, 2001 – nine days after 9/11,” remembers Norma. “We weren’t even sure we should go forward with the performance because of the attacks, but the cast and crew got together and decided to use the play and its message as an opportunity to address the recent events and start the healing process.”
A sold out crowd solidified the Main Street Players’ role in the shiny new downtown atmosphere. Nearly eight years and 37 shows later, the theatre group is still going strong. In fact, the homegrown theatre was featured in the November/December 2006 edition of Scoop Magazine!
As a non profit organization, the theatre survives on volunteer efforts, donations and grants. “There are a few paid positions, but most of the work is done by our amazing volunteers,” says Norma.
To get involved with the Main Street Players, visit the www.mainstreetplayers.org or send an email to Norma.