By James Dowd - The Commercial Appeal -

It took Jackie Nichols nearly a half-century, but he finally managed to get his message across: The arts are important in -- and to -- Memphis.

Today, thanks in large part to Nichols' ability to convince others to support his dream, the distinctive Playhouse on the Square at the corner of Cooper and Union in Midtown proclaims that message in a very public way.

For his efforts in bringing the $12.5 million project to fruition, the Memphis-born executive director of Playhouse on the Square received the 2010 Communicator of the Year award from the local chapter of the Public Relations Society of America on Wednesday.

"Jackie raised the money to build it and assembled a team who believed in him and his vision," said Tina Fockler , Playhouse board president. "It was 46 years in the making, but you gotta hand it to the guy. He's a visionary and because of him Playhouse on the Square is a jewel for the city of Memphis."

Added Vickye Hester, PRSA president, "Jackie is an inspiration for all of us and he enriches our lives through his work. His work in the community and his impact on Memphis make him very deserving of this honor."

It was Nichols' zeal that attracted community support for the start-of-the-art facility his tenacity kept the project going through difficult economic times, Fockler said.

"He speaks from the heart and it's infectious, it's the power of his passion," Fockler said. "He also makes connections and makes a point of knowing what's going on in Memphis. He's assembled people who share his vision and have helped him get it done."

Nichols founded Playhouse while he was still in high school in the late 1960s and later gathered together some friends to rent a space where the organization could offer regular dramatic productions for the community.

"It was just a little group of us in the beginning with a dream of starting a community-based theater company," Nichols said. "We've stayed true to that and tried to offer quality productions without playing it safe and in the process raise consciousness and make Memphis a better place to live."

Nichols' campaign to build the current facility originated decades ago, ultimately resulting in a $15.5 million project. The center opened to great fanfare in early 2010.

Playhouse leaders are still working to raise the final $3 million, that will fund an endowment to help augment some ongoing operational costs.

In addition to being home to Playhouse, the site is also used by Ballet Memphis, Memphis Symphony Orchestra, Opera Memphis, Indie Memphis and myriad other community groups and organizations.

Michael Detroit, associate producer at Playhouse, praised Nichols for his ongoing efforts to promote the arts.

"Jackie communicated to the Mid-South that a new arts complex was needed and that was a brave message in the face of difficult financial times," Detroit said. "He has a subtle brilliance and is truly gifted as a communicator. His message has been heard, it's been understood and it's been repeated."

-- James Dowd: 529-2737

Public Relations Society of America upcoming event

What: Monthly membership meeting

When: 11:45 a.m., April 13

Where: Fogelman Executive Conference Center at the University of Memphis, 330 Innovation

Cost: Free for PRSA members, $25 for guests and $15 for students

Details: Call 754-9035 or go to prsamemphis.org