Elizabeth Price Branham believes the time may be perfect to run the Roanoke Rapids Theatre. That’s her sentiment in what she describes as a letter of interest to City Manager Paul Sabiston.
“It’s hard to know when the right time for a new challenge is at hand,” she says in the letter, “But the time for this project appears perfect.”
The letter is one of two proposals to run the theater. Russ Collins submitted a proposal and Lakeland Theatre Company withdrew its proposal.
Says Branham in the letter, “Miles upon miles of papers, proposals, emails, opinions and criticisms have covered the ground on this project. Perception is reality: Either one’s glass is half empty or one’s glass is half full. I am expressing my interest and that of my partners to assist the Roanoke Rapids Theatre in becoming the success it can be — on behalf of those whose glasses are still half full.”
She says, “I believe that the project known to everyone as Carolina Crossroads is still a real and attainable opportunity for the Roanoke Valley and its surrounding region.”
Branham discusses her roles at Carolina Crossroads over the last five years. “I have had the opportunity to establish significant relationships in the entertainment industry. There’s existing opportunity at this time to utilize these relationships to make the Roanoke Rapids Theatre shine.”
Three shows a month, however, may not be practical to be promoted and produced properly, she says. “However, we do feel the theater can have a regular schedule that will reflect regular activity at the venue. We feel more analysis needs to be done on our team’s behalf before we can submit an effective recommendation.”
The proposed management team she has assembled, “Believes in a guest oriented operations approach and all have a passion for the customer-client experience at heart.”
Branham lists as her partners Neste Event Marketing in Brentwood, Tennessee, which is operated by Gil and Liz Cunningham. The company has more than 30 years experience in the entertainment industry. Neste has alliances with several Nashville talent agencies. Branham was executive director of Carolina Crossroads.
