DONATE TODAY!
ONLY $2 MILLION MORE TO GO!

As of mid 2004, the Historic Tennessee Theatre Foundation has raised about $21 Million to restore the Theatre, but an additional $2 Million still must be raised in the coming months to complete this once-in-a-lifetime project.

E very dollar counts to help complete the project! Send your tax-deductible contribution in the form of a check to the Historic Tennessee Theatre Foundation, PO Box 272, Knoxville, TN 37902.

If you prefer, you can donate NOW online with your MasterCard, Visa or American Express, using our secure form, by clicking here. All donors will be acknowledged for tax purposes and permanently recognized within the Theatre.

Volunteer opportunities also exist. To find out how you can help, please send an email to info@tennesseetheatre.com or call 865-673-9613.

Though beginning its life as a movie palace, the Tennessee Theatre in recent years has become a favorite place for people to hear and see some of the finest entertainment around, including music concerts of all kinds, dance, stage productions, and other special programs.

This shift in usage has placed new demands on the facility in both the backstage and public areas. The entire stage and dressing rooms are woefully inadequate for most of today’s local and touring productions. There are no elevators for passengers or equipment. Theatrical amenities were outdated. Restrooms are dilapidated and too few in number. Auditorium seating was broken and uncomfortable. Furthermore, almost 75 years of wear and tear have turned the once beautiful and opulent interior into a shabby, dull, and deteriorated eyesore.

Reserve your place in Tennessee Theatre history! Give special recognition to family or friends - or simply tell people that our business cares about our community - by "buying" a new seat for the Tennessee Theatre. A permanent brass plaque will identify each seat that you sponsor. >> Click here for info and application. <<

For these reasons, the Historic Tennessee Theatre Foundation has launched a campaign to raise $23 million to completely restore and renovate the Tennessee Theatre. The ultimate goal is to transform the grand old movie palace into a true performing arts facility for East Tennessee, while retaining the unequaled magnificence of its interior. Restoration of the Tennessee Theatre will be one of the cornerstones of the rebirth of downtown Knoxville, providing entertainment, culture, economic prosperity, and historic preservation.

Knoxville architects McCarty Holsaple McCarty, the prime firm working together with historic theatre specialists Westlake Reed Leskosky and other specialty consultants from across the nation, are well on their way to designing a comfortable, functional, and once-again resplendent Tennessee Theatre. Knoxville’s Denark Construction is the general contractor for the project, which is scheduled to begin in summer 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.

BACKSTAGE RENOVATION

	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

PUBLIC AREA RENOVATION AND RESTORATION
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