City of South Fulton Partnering with Dad’s Garage Theatre to Bring A BlackGround Christmas to SWAC

SOUTH FULTON, GA - (December 11, 2025) - The City of South Fulton's Department of Cultural Affairs is partnering with Dad's Garage Theatre, a local award-winning nonprofit theatre company, to bring a "A BlackGround Christmas" to the Southwest Arts Center (SWAC) located at 915 New Hope Road SW, South Fulton, GA 30331 this holiday season from December 19-20 at 8 p.m. nightly. "A BlackGround Christmas" is an improv comedy show featuring BlackGround cast members, an all-African-American comedy troupe.

This collaboration marks the first major production to be showcased at the Southwest Arts Center following its $3.5 million renovation. Upgrades include a redesigned auditorium with new seating, enhanced stage lighting, upgraded restrooms, and new flooring creating a modern, welcoming space for residents and visitors alike.

"We are thrilled to welcome guests back to the Southwest Arts Center with a production that reflects both the creativity and cultural richness of our community," said Cultural Affairs Director John Geertsen. "This represents a new era of artistic opportunity and cultural energy for the City of South Fulton."

"A BlackGround Christmas" offers a reimagined look at holiday classics like The Best Christmas Pageant Ever and The Santa Clause, shifting attention from the traditional leads to the Black characters in the background. Through fully improvised scenes, the cast explores what those characters might have been experiencing-infusing the season with humor, cultural nuance, and fresh perspective.

The recently formed BlackGround cast's core members include Markis Gallashaw, Leslie Johnson, Maged Roushdi, Avery Sharpe, Joshua Quinn, Jon Carr, and Swift Rice. All of the performers have been with Dad's Garage for more than 10 years, and their work spans film, TV, and theatre credits across the region.

"We've always had a deep connection to the City of South Fulton community, with many of our performers having lived, worked, and created there," said Jon Carr, Dad's Garage Artistic Director and BlackGround cast member. "Bringing our work to the Southwest Arts Center has been a long-standing goal for us. This work is especially important to us because it not only creates space for minority performers but also builds a pipeline for developing new improvisers of color-ensuring we continue cultivating the next generation of talent."

A BlackGround Christmas marks the beginning of an exciting chapter for the City of South Fulton, where art, culture, and community come together in meaningful ways. Don't miss this opportunity to experience the Southwest Arts Center's revitalized space and expanded cultural programming.

Visit https://www.dadsgarage.com/blackground to learn more about the BlackGround ensemble and to get tickets for the show. For more information, please contact Cultural Affairs Director John Geertsen at [email protected].

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About the City of South Fulton
The City of South Fulton, one of Georgia's largest and fastest-growing municipalities, is home to more than 115,000 residents. Spanning over 90 square miles, it offers a unique blend of urban and rural landscapes, featuring the largest expanse of undeveloped land on the southern edge of metro Atlanta. Since its incorporation on May 1, 2017, South Fulton has emerged as a thriving destination for families, businesses, and innovators. As a forward-thinking city committed to growth, sustainability, and community engagement, South Fulton continues to shape the future of the region. Discover more about our community at www.CityofSouthFultonGA.gov or follow us on social media. The City of South Fulton, a City on the Rise.