Short answer: The Tennessee Theatre is a historic venue located in Knoxville, TN. Originally opened in 1928 as a movie palace, it now serves as a performing arts center and hosts a variety of events including concerts, plays, and other live performances. It has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1982.
Exploring the Tennessee Theater: A Step-by-Step Tour Guide
The Tennessee Theater is a historic landmark located right in the heart of downtown Knoxville, Tennessee. Known for its stunning architecture and grandeur, this theater has been entertaining audiences since its opening in 1928.
If you’re planning to visit the Tennessee Theater anytime soon, be sure to follow our step-by-step tour guide below. Not only will it make your experience more enjoyable, but it will also allow you to fully appreciate all that this beautiful venue has to offer!
Step 1: Arrival
As you arrive at the theater’s entrance on Gay Street, take a moment to admire the exterior façade. The Tennessee’s Spanish-Moorish architectural style features intricate detailing and ornate sculptures that are truly captivating.
Take note of the marquee sign featuring upcoming shows – there is always something exciting happening at the Tennessee.
Step 2: Box Office
Head inside and make your way to the box office where friendly staff members will assist with ticket purchases as well as provide brochures about events taking place at the theater (you can also purchase tickets online).
This area is worth checking out even if you don’t need assistance with tickets – antique decorations adorn old marble countertops and cabinets from when theaters had physical records instead of digital ones.
Step 3: Grand Lobby
Next up, head through some impressive double doors into what is known as “the grand lobby”. Be prepared for breath-taking views upon arrival- colorful terrazzo floors beneath towering columns leading toward an opulent chandelier hanging under a dizzying ceiling mural depicting musical cherubs frolicking in ecstatic heaven.
Once again take some time here before moving onto central halls so by soaking up these luxurious surroundings — which represent just how important entertainment was considered during early twentieth-century America’s high culture boom era when every town needed its own palace-style theatre house boasting decorative artistry beyond anything modern-day movie theatres would dare think possible anymore!
Step 4: Central Halls
After marveling in the Grand Lobby, continue on through the central halls of the theater. They feature impressive chandeliers and beautiful lighting fixtures hanging from a domed ceiling while lavish murals line the walls.
We would suggest taking time to admire these intricate details as they were hand painted over 90 years ago by famous artist Robert Birdwell.
Step 5: The Auditorium
The auditorium is where you will find yourself seated during any performance at Tennessee Theater. Its size alone (1,600 seats) gives an indication of just how grand this space really is!
Take time to admire its lush surroundings — elegant drapery flows down around box seats with embossed leather, and Spanish tile displays patterns in natural light made possible by magnificent window arrangements along sidewalls all presented under majestic archways framing center stage performances designed for great acoustics that music lovers appreciate more than anything else.
Step 6: Stage Access
Before leaving make sure to check out what happens behind-the-scenes at our backstage access area – If you’re lucky enough you might even be able to
The Tennessee Theater FAQ: Everything You Need to Know
The Tennessee Theater is a stunning vintage theater located in downtown Knoxville, Tennessee. The building was originally opened in 1928 and underwent a major renovation in the early 2000s to bring it back to its former glory. Today, the Tennessee Theater serves as one of the premier cultural destinations in East Tennessee, hosting concerts, comedy shows, movies, ballet performances and other live events throughout the year.
If you’re planning on attending an event at the Tennessee Theater for the first time or perhaps just curious about this iconic venue’s history and operations then this blog has got you covered! Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQ) along with all their answers so that your visit can be smooth as butter!
1. Where Can I Park?
One of the most common concerns among visitors to any city often revolves around parking – fear not though since there are several options right next to or close by very good parking locations when visiting Tennessee Theater:
• City Parking Garages: There are three Jackson Avenue garages within a block radius from theatre entrance
– State Street Garage: Located half-block east across State St
– Locust Street Garage: Half block west around corner onto Locust
– Market Square Garage: Two blocks south on Wall Ave
2. What Are Some Features Of The Building?
The theater itself is modeled after several classical styles with much adornment such as;
• Atmospheric Ceiling – giving patrons feel off outdoor courtyard lit nightly by constellations & moon glow(resembles those created during movie palace era)
• Grand Lobby – main area boasts marble pillars topped fluted Corinthian capitals; two-story circulation hall exhibits working Tyrolean fountain,wrought iron balcony railing,gold leaf trim work,dramatic grand staircase & original hand-mixed terrazzo flooring;
• Stage – showcases an enormous velvet curtain(the largest free-hanging drapery stage mechanism ever installed), massive orchestra pit accommodating up-to eighty musicians,
fly-loft encompasses an entire multi-story building abutting theatre
3. Can I Buy Food and Drinks Inside?
Yes! There are various bars around the theater that offer snacks, alcoholic & non-alcoholic drinks plus candy boxes to enjoy during your show.
4. What Is The Dress Code?
Firstly, let it be known there is no dress code policy for Tennessee Theater; Therefore attire ranges from jeans matched with sneakers to suits blouses – none of which will draw any disapproving eye or unwanted attention(unless you’re looking really ungroomed showing off outfits…please keep things civilized)
5. How Early Should I Arrive Before A Show Begins?
It depends on the event’s popularity – but arriving early enough to find a comfortable seat before it begins would save hustle later(we have musicians who arrive couple hours earlier than performance time just take few minutes peace). We encourage everyone to give themselves plenty of time anyway since staff and volunteers host guided tours showcasing theaters magnitude so why not make trip hour or two long other than limited view shows!
Hopefully these answers quell some doubts
Behind the Scenes at the Historic Tennessee Theater in Downtown Knoxville
The historic Tennessee Theater in Downtown Knoxville, Tennessee is a stunning venue that has been entertaining audiences for almost 100 years. With its opulent design and intricate architecture, the theater is not only a cultural hub for the city but also an iconic landmark.
Behind the scenes of this legendary theater lies a world filled with fascinating stories, unique challenges and extraordinary people who make every production happen seamlessly. From stage managers to lighting technicians, each member of the crew plays an essential role in bringing theatre productions to life.
One of the most interesting aspects of working at The Tennessee Theatre is the history behind it. Since opening its doors on October 1st,1928 as part of the Loew’s chain of theaters which cost around $1.6 million dollars ($23 million today), thousands upon thousands have graced their halls: from movies featuring Hollywood legends like Charlie Chaplin and Clark Gable to musical performances by Elvis Presley (1957) or Johnny Cash (1969). Over time however, updating technology became necessary but had limitations due to preserving its architectural splendor by leaving certain features untouched such as original count drapery drop curtains or light fixtures found throughout various levels including overhead balconies all custom designed in gorgeous Art Deco styling popular during prohibition era America pre Great Depression Wall St Crash affording patrons luxury experience promoting escapism through music studded events making regular occurrences famed parts culture within Knoxville reflecting how times past influenced society so greatly!
Another intriguing aspect behind-the-scenes are observing how technical systems used together allow seamless transitions between different productions – something vital when many companies visit frequently using designs differing widely creatively demanding impressive adaptability yet always maintaining highest standards sound/lights/curtain all whilst ensuring performers’ safety always paramount concern even though might never see these backstage efforts firsthand unfolding live front audience they’re reasons why so much praise & accolades awarded for support teams integral running successful shows!
Working here implies being surrounded daily amidst ornately detailed decor depicting earlier times helping city retain its past whilst also providing dynamic environment welcoming showcasing talents diverse rising cultural scene Tennessee Theatre offers! It’s a continuously exciting place reflecting history, culture and creativity that comes together on stage.
