Encore Announces New Ownership, Rebrands as Leading Performing Arts News Source

Staff Report From Metro Atlanta CEO

Wednesday, November 13th, 2019

Encore, the performing arts publication formerly known as Encore Atlanta, announced new ownership, a hyper-focused brand direction and an invigorated look and feel. Under the leadership of new publisher Brantley Manderson – whose tenure in publishing includes roles at Playbill Magazine, Turner Broadcasting, TIME Magazine and National Geographic – the new Encore brand will embody contemporary style with a hint of tradition as it embarks on a mission to become Atlanta’s performing arts voice. In addition to sharing the latest in performing arts news, the publication serves as the program publishers of the city’s leading venues, including The Fox Theatre, Broadway in Atlanta, Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, Alliance Theatre, Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, The Atlanta Opera, Atlanta Ballet, Rialto Center for the Arts and Sandy Springs Performing Arts Center.

“This is a refreshing new chapter for Encore, positioning this vibrant publication as Atlanta’s energetic, artistic and influential leader in performing arts coverage,” said publisher Brantley Manderson. “With millions of readers who experience our content across digital, social and print channels each year, we have a distinct privilege to deliver in-depth, dedicated arts coverage to our region in a way that complements our city’s existing news sources—all with a fresh, new look. As a Georgia native with a background in publishing and passion for the arts, I’m honored to lead Encore’s second act!”

The new Encore brand embodies contemporary style with a hint of tradition. Along with a new look and feel, Encore is committed to a sole focus of celebrating and chronicling the performing arts. In the pages of upcoming show programs and online, readers will find performance information, artist interviews, spotlights on historical milestones, opening night highlights and other in-depth coverage of Atlanta’s impressive performing arts scene. The brand’s updated logo will focus around the color teal, complimented by stylish greens and a pop of blue – all designed to portray the dynamic energy of the stage. Additional branches of the new Encore will rebrand to OffEncore, Encore Agency and Encore Engage – serving specific purposes in the sectors of advertising, local deals and community outreach and arts education.

Backed by over 25 years in the publishing and advertising industry, Manderson will spearhead the vision, strategy and business operations of Encore as the new publisher. She previously served as director of regional sales for Playbill Magazine for seven years, growing the sales business significantly through the management of 18 markets and Fortune 500 accounts while developing integrations for client marketing objectives. Locally, she has previously worked at Turner Broadcasting, where she managed an $8 million budget across southeastern markets, improving market share and advertising sales and further solidifying brand identity. Prior to her return to Atlanta, she lived and worked in New York City for over 10 years, serving on the advertising teams of National Geographic and TIME Magazine – increasing revenue for the latter by $1 million over the course of five years.