Theatre Arts For All
Founded in 2007 as Youth Arts Alliance, the Tennessee Theatre’s Theatre Arts for All (TAFA) program was born from a shared vision between the Tennessee Theatre, Knox County Schools, and corporate partner Quantum Environmental & Engineering Services, LLC (QE2). Together, we believed that when students and community members step inside one of the most well-known theaters in the region to experience world-class performances, they discover more than a show — they find inspiration, connection, and possibility.
Today, TAFA creates meaningful opportunities and provides a safe, welcoming space for participants to engage with the Theatre and the arts. By stewarding our historic stage and community partnerships, we work to build connection, nurture creativity, and support lasting growth for learners of all ages.
Through TAFA, we:
- Expand access to live arts experiences
- Empower lifelong engagement with the arts
- Inspire learning through performance
- Introduce pathways to careers in the arts
- Foster inclusive, welcoming spaces
- Strengthen our community’s connection to the Theatre
Since its inception, TAFA has provided more than 10,000 tickets to students across our region and sponsors student matinee performances of touring Broadway productions, serving more than 1,500 students from 14 schools in a single season. In the years ahead, we look forward to growing this impact — welcoming even more schools and community groups to experience all that Knoxville’s Grand Entertainment Palace has to offer, including expanded opportunities through Broadway Bridges On the Road.
TAFA is made possible through grant funding and the generosity of individuals, businesses, and partners who believe in the transformative power of the arts. This program is supported in part by federal award number SLFRP5534 awarded to the State of Tennessee by the U.S. Department of the Treasury, along with generous support from the Thompson Charitable Foundation, the Tennessee Arts Commission, and dedicated individual donors.
Access & Inclusion
We believe the arts are for everyone. Through accessibility initiatives, ticket subsidies, and student matinee performances, we remove barriers and open our doors wider — ensuring more students, families, and community groups can experience live performance in an inclusive and supportive environment.
2026-2027 Theatre Arts for All Season
Applications are now open for our 2026-2027 Theatre Arts for All Season. Click here to apply.
We’re proud to bring these world-class productions to local schools and organizations—sharing the transformative power of theatre with our community at no cost to participating groups. With a season full of unforgettable performances, there’s truly something for everyone at the Tennessee Theatre! All applications will be due on June 10.
This year's TAFA-eligible shows are:
FROSTY: A MUSICAL ADVENTURE, presented by the Barter Players: November 16
DEATH BECOMES HER: November 24-29
THE GREAT GATSBY: December 15-20
NUTCRACKER! MAGICAL CHRISTMAS BALLET: December 22
PETER PAN, presented by the Barter Players: February 2
MAMMA MIA: February 16-21
THE SOUND OF MUSIC: March 23-28
JERSEY BOYS: July 20-25
HELL'S KITCHEN: August 10-15
Broadway Bridges Tennessee Theatre
The Broadway League is launching Broadway Bridges on the Road, a new initiative aimed at expanding access to Broadway touring performances for high school students nationwide. Building on the success of its New York City counterpart, this program provides discounted tickets to productions at participating Broadway League Member venues. By collaborating with touring productions, these organizations offer affordable tickets to local high schools, making field trips to Broadway across the country a reality. This initiative enriches students’ arts education, promotes cultural equity, and cultivates a diverse future audience for live theatre.
Accessibility
The Staff of the Tennessee Theatre is dedicated to providing a comfortable and enjoyable experience for patrons with disabilities. Patrons who wish to purchase accessible seats can contact the Box Office directly (Monday - Friday, 10am to 3pm). If you need information about other accommodations for those with disabilities, please fill out the form linked below. You can also find more details on our Accessibility page.
Accessibility Accommodation Request Form
Arts Education & Career Development
Beyond the stage lights, TAFA nurtures the next generation of arts leaders and enthusiasts. Through educational tours, workshops, and our student ambassador and mentor program, participants gain behind-the-scenes insight, hands-on learning, and exposure to the many career pathways that make live performance possible.
Educational Tours
Student tours, both in-person and virtual, are offered to education groups throughout the year, subject to availability. They last approximately 45 minutes, and also have an accompanying study guide.
*NOTE: We are unable to schedule tours more than 4 weeks out from the desired date. Please make sure that your request is within the allotted 4 week time frame for the Theatre staff to better accommodate your request. The Theatre reserves the right to exclude certain areas based on scheduled maintenance and activities.*
Please reach out to Alex Drinnen (adrinnen@tennesseetheatre.com) if you have any questions.
Workshops
We offer hands-on learning experiences with Broadway professionals from the touring shows performing at the Tennessee. Workshops may include dance, vocal, audition, makeup, percussion, and more. Upcoming events will be listed when available.
Student Ambassadors
This program provides high school juniors and seniors with an in-depth look at non-performance careers in the arts. Each month, participants will learn about various areas in theatre, such as non-profit management, careers on/off stage, the importance of arts in community, grant funding – all from industry area professionals. Students will work together on a year-long project, all while meeting like-minded students and learning what makes theatre unique.
The deadline for the 2025-2026 cohort has passed. Please check this space in Spring 2026 for information on next year's cohort.
If you have any questions, please contact Alex Drinnen.
Mentor Program
The Mentor Program will allow students access to some of Knoxville’s top talent and arts institutions for hands-on training, seminars and job-shadowing. They’ll be able to learn from local industry professionals what possible careers exist within the arts, as well as what a career might look like in their area of study. This program is open to students in grades 5-12, with two tiers specially designed for students.
The deadline for the 2025-2026 cohort has passed. Please check this space in Spring 2026 for information on next year's cohort.
If you have any questions, please contact Alex Drinnen.