Volunteering at the “Showplace of the South” is what Springville residents John and Alandra Owens have been doing for years. Not only is volunteering a big part of their relationship, The Alabama Theatre is too.

The Owens got engaged at The Alabama on December 20, 2007, before seeing “A Christmas Story” then married there on August 8, 2008.

“What’s not to love about The Alabama? It has history, beauty and romance,” said Alandra.

Recalling one of the many reasons John loves The Alabama, he said, “My Aunt Ann brought me here when I was a kid to see “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.” For me it’s the nostalgia.”

Taking on their volunteer roles years ago, John has been ushering and doing other tasks at The Alabama Theatre for the past 15 years. Getting Alandra involved in The Alabama’s activities, she’s been volunteering there for six years.

Impressed by the Orpheum theatre in Memphis, where he previously volunteered, John was looking for a similar place when he moved back to Alabama in 1995.

“The Alabama Theatre really needed help, and I like volunteering,” he said.

Taking on volunteer roles with other local Birmingham organizations, the Owens also donate their time to Birmingham Festival Theatre, UAB’s Alys Stephens Center, Virginia Samford Theatre and Terrific New Theatre where Alandra just played her first role as a ghost.

Describing some of their favorite times at The Alabama, Alandra said, “I love to meet and greet the visitors. It’s interesting to hear their stories of coming to The Alabama. I just love it.”

John added, “Last year we dressed up like elves for the movie “Elf” and waved to people outside. We wanted to get more people into the theatre. We had a lot of fun.”

Recalling fond memories of the theatre’s previous manager and leader of the project for refurbishing The Alabama, Alandra got teary eyed when she mentioned Cecil Whitmire who passed away in 2010. “We miss Cecil because you can’t think of The Alabama without thinking of Cecil.”

Describing what volunteering means to them, Alandra said, “Knowing that you’re helping to keep something going makes you feel good, it makes you feel a part of something. We feel like a big family here.”

John said, “When The Alabama was struggling financially (years ago) I really felt like I was doing something for the greater good. I felt instrumental in helping.”

Glad that The Alabama was saved, The Owens feel lucky they get to spend time there.