News Summary
Knoxville Children’s Theatre has unveiled a significant $12 million campaign, named the ‘Next Stage,’ to renovate the historic Foundry at World’s Fair Park. This initiative will create new performance spaces and classrooms, enhancing creative opportunities for local children. Supported by community leaders, the renovation aims to blend the Foundry’s rich history with modern functionality, ensuring a vibrant cultural future for Knoxville. The project is expected to kick off with the new production of ‘The Sword in the Stone’ in April 2025.
Knoxville Begins Exciting New Chapter with $12 Million Theatre Renovation
In the heart of Knoxville, something thrilling is in the works! The Knoxville Children’s Theatre (KCT) has just kicked off a hefty $12 million capital campaign, dubbed the “Next Stage” campaign, aimed at transforming the historic Foundry located at World’s Fair Park. This initiative, announced on February 20, 2025, promises to breathe new life into the beloved structure, allowing for more creative expression for local kids.
A Rich History Gets a Modern Makeover
Constructed way back in 1865, the Historic Foundry has a fascinating past. It was originally busy casting railroad spikes and flathead nails from cannonballs. Fast forward to 1982, and the space was repurposed into the Strohaus during the World’s Fair, and became a hub for community gatherings.
After being acquired by Marianne Greene in 1993, the Foundry transformed once again, serving as a vibrant venue for weddings, community events, and banquets. Now, KCT is ready to take it to the next level. With a recent $4 million property purchase from Foundry on the Fair Site Inc., the stage is set for an energizing renovation.
Creating Spaces for Imagination
The vision for the Foundry is ambitious. With these renovations, KCT plans to expand with two new performance spaces and five classrooms, plus a rehearsal hall, a scene shop, and shiny new costume and lighting booths. This means more opportunities for local children to explore their creativity and develop essential life skills through theatre.
Currently, KCT serves children from a spectrum of economic backgrounds without charging them to participate. Instead, they rely on ticket admissions and generous donations, making this capital campaign all the more crucial for their future.
Community Support and Excitement
Once renovated, the Foundry’s main stage will hold around 250-260 attendees, while a new black box theatre will accommodate another 100 guests. This increased capacity means a broader range of performances and educational programs for children, encouraging not only skill-building but also teamwork and camaraderie.
A Perfect Blend of Old and New
As renovations get underway, attention to the building’s historical features remains a priority. The plan is to preserve its external elements while making essential modern upgrades for functionality and accessibility—think new restrooms and an inviting lobby!
The creative energy at KCT aims to kindle imagination, build self-esteem, and equip children with vital life skills through theatre. But this is not just about performances; it’s about nurturing the next generation of artists, set designers, and so much more.
Mark Your Calendars!
For those excited to see this vision come to life, KCT has announced that its first production, “The Sword in the Stone”, is set to hit the stage in the new venue starting April 4th. Talk about perfect timing as the city lays the groundwork for a new cultural centerpiece!
As Knoxville continues to bloom, the enhancements at KCT promise to bring the community together and support local tourism, just like other cherished cultural venues in the area. Stay tuned for what’s next for KCT and get ready for an unbelievable cultural experience!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Knoxville Children’s Theatre Announces Expansion Plans
Knoxville Children’s Theatre Acquires The Foundry
East Knoxville Development Sparks Affordability Concerns
River and Rail Theatre Company to Relocate in Knoxville
Additional Resources
- Knox TN Today: Children’s Theatre Expands to World’s Fair Park
- Inside of Knoxville: Knoxville Children’s Theatre Purchases The Foundry
- Hoodline: Knoxville Children’s Theatre to Revitalize Historic Foundry
- WBIR: Knoxville Children’s Theatre Buys Foundry for 12M Renovations
- Google Search: Knoxville Children’s Theatre
