b'Tennessee Theatre during the Big Ears Festival. Photo courtesy of E.L. Smith.most beautiful theatre when it opened in 1928. Thanks toa significant restoration begun in June 2003, that titlestill holds. The Historic Tennessee Theatre Foundation workedhard to preserve the original charm of the theatre during the renovation. When it reopened in 2005 as a world-class performing arts venue, all of the original magic was intact. An added and essential appeal was modern functionality. The theatre shares its stage with the Knoxville Symphonygetting involved in the theater, I now see that this amazing Orchestra, Knoxville Opera and University of Tennesseevenue is the epicenter of art, culture, music, downtown growth, Cultural Attractions.and diversity outreach for our entire community. It all starts with people like Becky and Chris too. Without the board and We work really hard to stay up to date, on technology forBeckys fantastic team, the theater would not reach these bold productions, Becky says. We recently bought a new soundnew heights we are reaching towards.systemand have been upgrading lighting over several years. Its an art and a dance to keep up with differing expectationsSUPPORTING THE ARTSof different shows.In his twenties, when Chris returned to the theatre, it was as if COMMUNITY PROGRAMS he had been transported back in time to childhood trips with his mother. Since then, Chris has gotten involved with the It is important to the foundations board that everyone in Historic Tennessee Theatre Foundation, becoming a member the community experience at least one live performance at of the non-profits board of directors, where he still serves.the Tennessee. That philosophy led to the creation of severalfree events. One popular program, Mighty Music Mondays, is aEven something as simple as buying a ticket helps support20-year tradition featuring the beloved Mighty Wurlitzer organ,the theatre, Becky says. Direct donations, which help with along with local and regional performers who get a chance totheatre upkeep, tickets for underserved children, program grace the stage. To share the power of the arts with youngercosts, and continuing education, are always appreciated. audiences, the theatre also runs programs such as the Thanks to charitable gifts, theyve been able to give between Youth Arts Alliance, Showbiz Saturdays, Educational Tours 200 and 500 free tickets to school groups every season andand Master Classes. These traditions are designed to promoteoffer summer acting camps to build kids confidence and skills.and nurture a love for the arts and passion for live theatre that is passed down from generation to generation.Donors help pay for the educational programming forkids, such as costs related [for] janitors, stage hands, program printing, and all the things that go into a free show, Becky adds. Tennessee Theatre during the Big Ears Festival.The other way to support the theatre could be by bringing Photo courtesy of E.L. Smith. someone new, just to create memories and introduce them to this cool community magic. The hope is to continue the tradition and appreciation of the theatre for generations through growing programs. By beginning financial planning early, people can position themselves to be able to share their wealth with the community, continuing the cycle of giving.When I moved to Knoxville 10 years ago, Chris and 1. Facts & figures on americas creative economy. NASAA. (n.d.). Retrieved July 29, Becky were both instrumental in pulling me onto the 2022, from https://nasaa-arts.org/nasaa_research/facts-figures-on-americas-creative-economy/Historic Tennessee Theatre Board and I am forever gratefulfor that initiative, Board President Ed Rottmann says. 2. The U.S. Arts Economy in 2019: A National Summary Report. (n.d.). Retrieved July 29, 2022, from https://www.arts.gov/sites/default/files/SummaryReportAccess.pdfI did not have extensive history with Arts and Culture, but I saw the theater as a beacon for downtown Knoxville. Since3. Creative economy state profiles. NASAA. (n.d.). Retrieved July 29, 2022, from https://nasaa-arts.org/nasaa_research/creative-economy-state-profiles/18'