The Giving Tree Theater in Marion is under new ownership, but audiences can expect the same comfy seating options it’s known for.

Jamie and Andrea Henley, a couple who met through theater and have been involved ever since, officially took over the Uptown Marion theater last week from longtime owners Richie and Heather Akers, who are moving to Orlando for a job opportunity, according to an announcement posted on the Giving Tree’s Facebook page.

The Henleys hope to keep the same feel and name of the theater but increase youth programming. Andrea Henley, who is a Regis Middle School teacher, has served as a theater program director in the schools where she’s taught.

The couple imagines a year-round young adult program because some schools only put on a play once a year.

‘In between there, there’s really not a whole lot to do to, to build up your skill set, if that’s really what you want to do,” said Jamie Henley. ‘We want to provide those opportunities to learn more about theater.”

Youth programming will include summer camps, semesterlong classes capped off with a showcase, and at least two shows a year with all-youth casts.

Jamie Henley, who is the chief operations officer at the Community Health Free Clinic, has been in a number of plays at the Giving Tree, including ‘The Diary of Anne Frank” and ‘Our Town.” Their three children have also grown up in theater.

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