b'HISTORY OF TENNESSEE THEATRE P R O F I L E H I G H L I G H T1928 The Tennessee Theatre has been a community icon sinceBecky Hancock,plans to open a large and modern theatre on Gay Street were first announced in 1920. Its grand opening on October 1,Executive Director1928, welcomed 10,000 people, foreshadowing itslong-term success. Becky Hancock, executive director of the Tennessee Theatre Foundation, is both a public face and behind-the-scenes driver of great things happening at one of the 1930 The theatre would experience many firststhe firststates most iconic places. screening of a UT football game as a moving pictureWhat do you consider your biggest (October 1930), the first double wedding on its stageaccomplishment at the Tennessee Theatre?(1936), and one of the first three theaters to premiere During my first stint with the Tennessee Theatre, I was most Andrew Johnsons bio-pic in 1943, with descendants of proud of being part of the team that renovated the theatre. the late President in attendance.It was such a privilege to be part of the process.What Im most proud of, to date, is strengthening the 1963 The architectural marvel, designed by Graven & Mayer,nonprofit identity of the Tennessee, helping people was the site of many groundbreaking moments, includingunderstand that this is not a commercial concert venue. All the Way Home and one of Kenny Chesneys first We have a mission to serve the community. This beautiful music videos (1994). The Mighty Wurlitzer organ filled its grandbuilding helps us do that uniquelybroadening the focus walls with music, with Dr. Bill Snyder on the bench for of the theatre beyond the stage to the larger community, 39 years (1979-2018).enhancing the arts and culture landscape of Knoxville.1982 Added to The National Registry of Historic Places in April 1982, the theater has experienced several renovations. A major renovation and restoration from 2003 to 2005 both preserved the entire interior and updated theatrical equipment and support spaces. More updates to technology are ongoing as needed to meet the needs of touring productions. 2009 The theatre has received national recognition, outranking Nashvilles Ryman Auditorium in 2009 on Pollstars list of the Worlds Top 50 Theaters. The Tennessee has hostedWhat are your goals for the future of thousands of Broadway performers, the Knoxville Opera,the Tennessee?Appalachian Ballet, Jay Leno, Johnny Cash, Diana Ross and other household names.We certainly have big dreams. Wed like to grow the education department, be able to go into schools and teach kids about the performing arts. But we need to 2022 Thanks to both nationally touring entertainment andmake sure we have enough ticketed events to bring in dedicated community support, the Tennessee Theatrerevenue to sustain it. We want to partner with like-minded remains a thriving venue for memories old and new. organizations to enhance the communitys offerings. Volume One Summer 2022 19'