Member Spotlight: Neva Garrett—The Heart Behind Dahlonega’s Newest Arts Venue, The Menagerie

Photo by Kendle Blacksher | Dahlonega-Lumpkin Chamber of Commerce

The Dahlonega Arts Alliance is thrilled to celebrate member Neva Garrett and the grand opening of her new venue, The Menagerie Theatre and Event Center, officially welcomed with a ribbon cutting by the Dahlonega-Lumpkin County Chamber of Commerce on June 5th, 2025. Located in the Greenbriar Shopping Center, The Menagerie is a fully ADA-compliant space designed to be accessible to all, created in response to the challenges Neva experienced producing shows in venues lacking accommodations. It also serves as the permanent home of MelloDrama Productions, Neva’s nonprofit theatre company rooted in inclusion, education, and community.

Photo by Kendle Blacksher | Dahlonega-Lumpkin County Chamber of Commerce

Neva Garrett is a seasoned theatre veteran with decades of experience directing and producing shows throughout North Georgia. Her deep-rooted passion for the performing arts and her unwavering commitment to inclusive, community-based theatre have made her a beloved figure among actors of all ages. Known for her nurturing leadership and creative vision, Neva has built a legacy of empowering performers—from young children stepping on stage for the first time to adults rediscovering their love for theatre.

MelloDrama is well-known across North Georgia for its welcoming approach—every child who auditions for a show is cast, and specialized programs are offered for children with special needs. Adult productions are equally inclusive and community-focused, with cast and crew members respected as integral parts of each production. MelloDrama has impacted generations of performers, many of whom grew up in Neva’s shows and now return as adult actors or bring their own children to participate.

The theatre’s name, The Menagerie, honors the memory of Bo Payne, a young actor and dear family friend who passed away in 2017. Bo’s favorite play was The Glass Menagerie, and Neva promised him it would be produced when she had her own theatre. That promise lives on—The Menagerie will present The Glass Menagerie every March in Bo’s honor, keeping his love of theatre alive for future audiences.

Now open and thriving, The Menagerie is already offering theatre camps and preparing for its upcoming performance of Schoolhouse Rock Live! Jr, with tickets on sale now. In July, the adult production of Hunchback of Notre Dame will take the stage. The venue is also available for event rentals—from weddings to showers to community gatherings—making The Menagerie a true community theatre in every sense.