News Summary
The River and Rail Theatre Company, a vital part of Knoxville’s arts scene since 2015, is relocating to a larger facility at 2651 Magnolia Avenue. Set to open in 2027, the new venue will enhance the audience experience and allow for greater production quality. This move comes after a successful offer to sell their current location, reflecting a strong real estate market in Knoxville. As they celebrate their tenth anniversary, the theatre aims to deepen community ties and improve their facilities.
Exciting Changes Coming to Knoxville’s River and Rail Theatre Company!
Big news is brewing in Knoxville, Tennessee! The River and Rail Theatre Company, a beloved fixture in the East Tennessee arts scene since 2015, is on the move. They are welcoming a brand-new facility located at 2651 Magnolia Avenue, with plans to officially open its doors to the public in 2027.
Why the Big Move?
River and Rail Theatre has been a staple in the Old City areas since operating out of their current location on State Street since 2019. However, a call for larger space has prompted this exciting transition. The current venue, known as the Old City Performing Arts Center, is a cozy black box theatre that seats around 150 to 175 people.
With the new venue spanning over 12,000 square feet, River and Rail is referring to it as their new “forever home.” The larger space will allow the company to accommodate up to 250 seats for audiences, a considerable increase compared to what they currently offer. Imagine the intimate, yet vibrant atmosphere of live performances in this more spacious setup!
What’s in Store at the New Theatre?
The layout of the new theatre is designed to provide an enhanced experience for both performers and audience members. The upcoming facility promises traditional theatre features like an inviting lobby, a dedicated box office, a cozy bar, and a bustling concession stand. Goodbye cramped intermission lines, and hello to organized ease!
With better amenities comes better production quality. The move is set to improve overall performance with upgraded sound systems, advanced lighting features, and new flooring that caters to the creativity and artistry that River and Rail is known for.
Opportune Timing in a Booming Market
It’s interesting to note how the current hot real estate market in Knoxville has influenced this move. Following inquiries about selling their current building, River and Rail received an attractive offer, making relocating a feasible option. Despite the challenges they faced in finding a new spot while wanting to stay within downtown, the appeal of their Magnolia Avenue property ultimately won them over with its beauty.
The transition comes after a tough period for many theatres around the world, including River and Rail, which experienced a dip in rental income and audience numbers due to the pandemic. However, this fresh chapter brings optimism and opportunities.
Ready to Rock the Community
River and Rail Theatre Company has exciting plans to expand their community involvement in their new location. They aim to collaborate with various local organizations to enrich the cultural landscape of Knoxville. As they gear up for their tenth-anniversary celebrations in April, they will also share more details about the new venue, marking a new milestone in their heartwarming journey.
As they step into this new adventure, the company is set to launch a capital campaign to raise funds for renovating the space and securing the purchase. With the support from the community, they hope to turn the new location into a thriving hub for theatrical arts.
So, if you love the vibrancy of theatre and performance art, keep an eye out! River and Rail Theatre is charting a bright new course. The best is yet to come for Knoxville! Stay tuned for those exciting updates.
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Additional Resources
- University of Tennessee Daily Beacon
- Wikipedia: Theatre in the United States
- WBIR News
- Google Search: Theatre community
- Inside of Knoxville
- Google Scholar: theatre development
- MSN News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: theatre company
