When Colt Chambers first opened The Alley Stage, a “mom-and-pop” comedy and arts venue in downtown Marietta, he observed the diverse attendees who came through the doors.
Among the local business owners, parents, college students and more, there was always one group of patrons that seemed to stand out.
“You can almost spot out who the veterans are in the room,” he notes, pausing shortly while trying to find the perfect way to describe their presence. “For a lack of better words, they are the most grateful audience members. And we love having them.”
In his five years living in Cobb County, Chambers has always seen a strong military presence and has searched for ways to make an impact. Now, in partnership with the Veteran Tickets Foundation, or VetTix, the entrepreneur says that he has found a way to serve laughter free of charge to those who have served our country.
A nonprofit organization, Vet Tix partners with sports teams, leagues and community venues such as The Alley Stage to donate tickets for live performances to veterans, active-duty military personnel, first responders and their families.
“Many service members and veterans struggle with wounds of war, both physical and invisible. Yet these veterans receive limited access to resources that are vital to their reintegration into their communities,” according to the organization’s website. “These events provide essential community reintegration opportunities, family bonding experiences and improve quality of life.”
Chambers says that providing veterans and their families entertainment for free allows them to relax and escape.
In addition to free access to the shows, Vet Tix guests are encouraged to photograph their parties at the venue and provide feedback on their overall experience.
Chambers, who was honored last year by the Cobb Chamber of Commerce with the 2024 Community Service Excellence Award, says he is often overwhelmed by the positive feedback that The Alley Stage has received.
Chambers says the theater has donated about $150,000 worth of tickets to military audience members within the past year and a half. He hopes that by promoting the Vet Tix partnership, along with several other charitable initiatives, Alley Stage will continue to grow.
“I’m a firm believer in shared experiences … and helping to build belonging and connection, especially for veterans who may be transitioning into civilian life.”
