BROOKHAVEN, Ga. -- Georgia Shakespeare, the Oglethorpe University-based theater group, recently announced a partnership with three other north Georgia schools.

The new alliance includes Kennesaw State University and the two schools that make up the Gainesville Theatre Alliance -- Brenau University and the University of North Georgia.

"In 2012, we took a hard look at our operating model and decided that, in order to become truly sustainable, we needed to capitalize on our unique strengths," Georgia Shakespeare managing director Lauren Morris said in a statement.

Georgia Shakespeare will use the new partnership to play up those strengths, including bringing classic stories to life in a modern, relatable way. The newly added universities will also help the company increase ticket sales and sponsorship opportunities, and allow budding performers at the schools to explore the inner workings of a professional theater company.

GAINESVILLE, Ga. -- The Gainesville Symphony Orchestra is shutting down after more than 30 years of operation.

Vanessa Hyatt, vice president of the symphony, says every effort was made to keep the symphony going, but there was not enough public support to save it.

Symphony leaders blame the demise on a bleak economy and an overall lack of public support.

Hyatt said the decision to quit operations had been prolonged since about five years ago, when the symphony's board first saw a dramatic drop in donations. She said it seemed as if donations were cut in half.

The Gainesville Symphony Orchestra began as the Lanier Symphony Orchestra in 1982. It held its performances at Brenau University in recent years.

ATLANTA -- Josh Groban is giving a live preview concert of his new album in New York City, but local fans won't have to travel far to watch the performance.

Josh Groban Live: All That Echoes will be screened at several theaters across metro Atlanta.

The concert will be broadcast live on Monday, Feb. 4 at 7 p.m. Groban will perform some of the biggest hits from his 12-year career, as well as songs from his sixth studio album, All That Echoes, which hits shelves Feb. 5. He will also answer fans' questions submitted via Twitter and text message.

"To have the chance to perform songs new and old and interact with Q&A with fans across the country is truly awesome," Groban said in a statement. "Fathom (Events) gives me that reach using state-of-the-art visual and sound at your local movie theater to experience a concert experience unique to any other. What a great way to kick off the album release!"