• Programming
• Leader of the Arts

Chris Manos

June, 2005

Chris Manos is the Producer of Theater of the Stars, a non-profit cultural organization that has presented to Atlanta some of the best in comedies and farces, dance and drama for over 50 years. Over the years, Theater of the Stars has continually sought out the best productions available to present to their audiences, including Camelot, The Odd Couple, Fiddler on the Roof, Hello Dolly!, The Unsinkable Molly Brown, The Music Man, Showboat, Oklahoma!, The Sound of Music, Cats, and many more. It is their belief that exposure to the arts and theater can be a life-changing experience. With their familiar motto, “let us entertain you!,” it is their on-going mission to provide the finest entertainment for audiences of all ages. Theater of the Stars’ permanent venue since 1988 has been the fabulous Fox Theatre.

In 1960, Chris Manos came on board as producer and began a series of innovations. In 1964, Manos created something known as Grand Opera in the Park, which brought this art from to people who would otherwise never have seen the finest performers in classic operas. This also laid the foundation for the creation of the Atlanta Opera Company, formed in 1968, which evolved into the current Atlanta Opera.

Also in 1968, Theater of the Stars moved their home to the brand new Atlanta Civic Center in Downtown Atlanta. This same year, Chris Manos and the managerial arm of Theater of the Stars, under the title of Municipal Theater, created The Atlanta Children’s Theater, The Atlanta Repertory Theater Company (which later became the Alliance), and the Atlanta Opera Company. They professionalized the Atlanta ballet and helped all four of these companies more to the new Memorial Arts Center, since renamed The Woodruff Arts Center.

In 1976, Theater of the Stars founded the first African American theater company in Atlanta, known as Just Us. It was Chris Manos’ wish to help the company bring major African American stars and authors to Atlanta, as well as to develop what he saw as a wealth of local and regional talent.

Chris Manos is recognized throughout the theater community as a true and generous advocate for the arts, supporting a wide range of theaters and reaching out to help diverse groups succeed.

For bringing to Atlanta a remarkable line-up of exciting musicals and for his wonderful support of our local theater community, Chris Manos exemplifies the spirit of a Lexus Leader of the Arts.