October 15, 2018
Throughout its “90 Days for 90 Years” anniversary celebration, the Tennessee Theatre is encouraging donations to ensure the continued preservation of the Official State Theatre of Tennessee and offering additional community events.
During the “$90 for Our Next 90 Years” fundraising campaign, tax-deductible donations of any amount are welcome. Funds will be used not only for preservation, but also to underwrite future events that allow the public to enjoy the theatre for free. Donations may be made online at tennesseetheatre.com/90years.
“During this milestone season, it is a great time to support this historic treasure,” Executive Director Becky Hancock said. “Public and private support of the Tennessee Theatre is essential to maintaining our robust programming and providing free community events.”
Home to movies, concerts, plays and special events since 1928, the theatre is commemorating its 90-year milestone over a period of 90 days. From Sept. 29-Dec. 31, the public is invited to attend and engage with the theatre through special events, including:
- Saturday, Oct. 20; 11 a.m.-2 p.m.: Costumes & Classic Cartoons Open House – This free event for the whole family celebrates cartoon clubs of the past. Guests will enjoy trick-or-treat stations by Mast General Store featuring old-time candy, along with face painting, popcorn, self-guided backstage tours, Mighty Wurlitzer organ performances and vintage cartoons on the big screen.
- Saturday, Nov. 3; 10 a.m.-1 p.m.: Homecoming Open House – This free event coincides with the University of Tennessee’s homecoming football game. Guests may explore the theatre with self-guided tours of the dressing room suite and stage; participate in a scavenger hunt; and have a chance to win special giveaways. Refreshments will be available for purchase.
- Sunday, Nov. 4; 3 p.m.: “The Cameraman” Silent Film – House organist Freddie Brabson will play the Mighty Wurlitzer organ to provide music and sound effects to accompany Buster Keaton’s 1928 silent comedy film. Doors open at 2 p.m. Tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for children 12 and under and seniors 60 and over.
- Wednesday, Nov. 7; 7 p.m.: History Talk with Jack Neely – Author, historian and Knoxville History Project Executive Director Jack Neely will present a free lecture about the Tennessee Theatre’s fascinating history. Neely has researched and compiled facts, details and little-known secrets about the Tennessee Theatre and also wrote the text for the book, “The Tennessee Theatre: A Grand Entertainment Palace,” which was released in 2015.
A full list of 90th anniversary events is available at tennesseetheatre.com/90years. Follow the Tennessee Theatre on social media for regular updates, using #90daysfor90years: @tntheatre on Twitter, Tennessee Theatre on Facebook, @tntheatre on Instagram and tennesseetheatre on Spotify.
For ticketed performances, purchase tickets online at tennesseetheatre.com, call 865-684-1200 or visit the Clinch Avenue box office, which is open Monday-Friday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
For more information about the Tennessee Theatre, visit tennesseetheatre.com.
About the Tennessee Theatre
Located in the heart of downtown Knoxville, the Tennessee Theatre opened in 1928 as a movie palace. The Tennessee Theatre is the Official State Theatre of Tennessee and is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. The Tennessee Theatre is the region’s leading performing arts facility with advanced technology, staging and lighting that draws top entertainment to the Knoxville area. The Historic Tennessee Theatre Foundation is a nonprofit organization tasked with maintaining and preserving the historic theatre and ensuring diverse arts and cultural entertainment remains in downtown Knoxville. For more information, visit http://www.tennesseetheatre.com.
