Last month, I went to The Alliance Theatre to interview Artistic Director Susan Booth about what it was like to see The Color Purple return to Atlanta. (It originated there as a workshop and world-premiere production in 2004.)

We started talking about the upcoming 2008/2009 season, which will see a gospel revival of Jesus Christ Superstar and a collaboration between Atlanta actors and Chicago’s famed Second City comedy theater (and perennial SNL talent source) to create an ATL-specific sketch comedy show, but what I found really exciting was the community outreach initiative they’re rolling out this season.

To celebrate its 40th anniversary, The Alliance aims to offer at least 40 outreach events, like improv and writing workshops, and a community-created performance. For a list of currently scheduled events, click here.