http://www.tennesseetheatre.com
The beautiful Tennessee Theatre is a jewel of historic Knoxville, located in the heart of Downtown. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places and honored as the Official State Theatre of Tennessee, "Knoxville's Grand Entertainment Palace" has something for everyone: classical music, vintage films, dance, theater, and stellar performances by today's hottest musicians.
The Tennessee Theatre will reopen on January 15, 2005 after major renovation and complete restoration that has transformed the movie palace into a performing arts venue while retaining its historic splendor. Architects McCarty Holsaple McCarty and Denark Construction, both Knoxville companies, have provided excellent designs and construction leadership with this important project. The Theatre closed on June 1, 2003. Numerous individuals, corporations, foundations, and public officials have demonstrated their support of this endeavor through financial commitments. In addition, the Historic Tennessee Theatre Foundation will obtain funding for the project by receiving historic rehabilitation and new market tax credits through The Banc of America Historic Tax Credit Fund. With ongoing support from various sources, the Tennessee Theatre will continue to enrich the lives of East Tennesseans by offering a multitude of performing arts events – and classic films – for many years to come.
• Expansion of stage depth and height to fully accommodate larger and more elaborate productions of both local and touring companies
• Installation of service elevator to facilitate movement of heavy equipment and sets and to eliminate inconvenient and damaging load-in through the lobby
• Enlarged orchestra pit to house approximately 55 musicians (compared to
the current capacity of 35)
• Upgraded dressing room facilities and support/administrative space
• Modernization of lighting, rigging, and other theatrical equipment
• Installation of elevators
• Modernization and expansion of existing restrooms
• New seats with better sight lines and ADA accessibility
• New carpets, draperies, and lighting fixtures that duplicate original designs
• Historically accurate restoration of all plaster and paint surfaces throughout the Lobby, Lounge, Foyers, and Auditorium
