Charlotte
East Business of the Month-About Town Tours (APRIL 2006)
About Town Tours offers innovative ways to team-build
About
Town Tours was founded in 2002 by owner Della Freedman, a long-time Charlotte resident.
After many years of planning events, managing bands and performing in the local
theatre community, Della decided to open About Town Tours, LLC, to provide a
unique experience for the Charlotte community, as well as an opportunity to
offer work to other actors in town. Della believes that "there's no such
thing as too much laughter."
Della
is a member of The Charlotte Chamber of Commerce, The Diversity Council,
Eastside CDC (Community Development Corporation), and APCA (Association for the
Promotion of Campus Activities). She can be reached at www.abouttowntours.com,
info@abouttowntours.com, or 704-650-2799.
Della
Freedman took time out to speak with Looking East Newsletter co-editor Bert
Woodard:
What
does About Town Tours do?
“We
began the company by offering neighborhood and history tours using actors as
tour guides. But, as art reflects life, we've made some changes. Now, the About
Town Tours' ComeSolveIt-Charlotte Players tour the Southeast performing
Interactive Murder Mysteries at colleges, country clubs and corporate events.”
Did
you see a need that was not being served in Charlotte/Mecklenburg?
“Ever
since the demise of the Pineville Dinner Theater, there has not been anything
similar. I studied acting in New York City, and have been very involved in the
theatre and independent film community here in Charlotte since I moved here. I'm
a ‘one stop shopping’ type of person, and so are lots of other folks. So, I
combined my training with the need and formed the About Town Tours’
ComeSolveIt-Charlotte Players using local actors. With our format, you can have
dinner and a show, and help to solve a crime all in the same room.”
Do
you actually produce plays?
“These
are true murder mysteries. The actors are the suspects, and you get to
interrogate each of them to help me, as the detective, figure out
‘whodunit.’ Corporations hire us for team building exercises. Colleges book
us for student activities, country clubs for their members. Have actors, will
travel. We come to your venue. We are also in the process of working with a
couple of local venues to perform them for the public.”
What
are some of the challenges in running your business?
“Of
course the biggest challenge is having enough business. This is a sales job, and
I am the only salesperson at the moment. The other challenge is deciding
on where to advertise. I joined the Chamber to connect with the corporate
community. By networking and volunteering, it is definitely meeting my
expectations.”
What
have been your proudest accomplishments since starting About Town Tours?
“Proving
to myself that I have the capability to successfully run a business. I've
finally learned that ‘without risks, there is no success.’ Giving work to
serious actors and being able to pay them as ‘professional’ actors is so
gratifying. We have been traveling throughout North & South Carolina, and
beginning in the Fall 2006, we will expand into the Georgia and Florida college
market.”
When
did you get involved in the Chamber and Charlotte Chamber East Chapter?
“I
joined the Charlotte Chamber in 2005. As soon as I found out there were the
different area chapters, I joined the East Chapter.”
Why
is it important to you to be apart of the Charlotte East Chapter and other
East-side community ventures?
“It
is first and foremost, my community. I have lived on the East side, in the same
home, since 1982. It is up to each of us to work toward making our neighborhoods
economically stable, and to create a safe and environmentally pleasing
atmosphere.”
What
are the East side's most difficult challenges?
“The
most important challenge is the perception people may have about the East side
of Charlotte. It is important that we invest in upgrading and beautifying some
of the older streets, which will bring pride to the people who live there. If we
make an effort as part of the Chamber, it will inspire the individual
neighborhoods to pick up the challenge.”
(Editor’s
Note: Each month “Looking East”profiles a Charlotte East Chapter member. To
suggest a member profile, e-mail Bert Woodard at bert@nextlevelcom.net or Connie
Knight at connie.knight@clariant.com.)
For More Information Contact:
About Town Tours
P.O. Box 690935, Charlotte, NC 28227
Tel: 704/650-2799
Internet: info@abouttowntours.com