Raising the Curtain on the Future
Second Act Campaign
The Second Act Campaign is raising money to:
- occupy a new space with a bigger stage, space for set construction, dressing rooms, at least double the current seating, and improved patron amenities
- cover the increase in occupancy costs for the new space
800 S. Central St.
Our new location is the site of the former Romanian Church, built in the 1950’s and now renovated into a modern theater space.
The main floor offers a much bigger stage plus seating for 100+ patrons. New ADA-compliant bathrooms and lobby have also been added.
The basement provides shop space for set building, dressing rooms for actors, and storage for props and costumes.
“When I was in NYC in Dec., I saw 3 off Broadway shows which made me appreciate TKD even more … When I tell people that TKD is as good as NYC, I know what I am talking about!”
We’re a true “community” theater, run entirely by volunteers. There’s no paid staff.
We need YOUR support to keep growing and improving.
Our Current Season
Doublewide, Texas
All in the Timing
Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express
It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play
Death of a Salesman
Barefoot in the Park
Of Good Stock
Suite Surrender
Frequently Asked Campaign Questions
Are donations deductible?
Theatre Knoxville Downtown is a 501(c)(3) organization. Contributions to the Second Act Campaign are tax deductible to the extent permissable by law.
Are there Naming Opportunities?
Yes! (Some of these may already be taken.)
- Stage $15,000
- Lobby $10,000
- Dressing Rooms 2 @ $5,000 each
- Lighting Grid $5,000
- Scene Shop $5,000
- Premier Season Sponsor 2 @ $2,500 each
- Seats $250 each (limit 4 per donor)
Lobby Plaque – All contributing $500 or more will be listed on a plaque in the lobby, in addition to all other naming opportunities.
Are campaign funds sequestered?
Funds raised through the campaign will be designated for these purposes exclusively, and any remaining funds will be placed in reserve for future capital needs. Campaign funds are held in a designated bank account, separate from operating funds.
What is the economic impact of My Gift?
Your contributions to the Second Act Campaign go beyond the growth of affordable quality theater to impact downtown development and our entire community.
Consider these facts:
- Cumberland County has a population of 56,000; the annual economic impact of its Cumberland County Playhouse is estimated at $10 million.
- Abingdon, Virginia’s historic Barter Theatre pulls from the TN/VA Tri-Cities metro area, population 306,000, to generate $34 million in annual economic impact.
- Knoxville, a city of 183,270, is the shopping, entertainment and economic hub for 837,571 East Tennesseans. Isn’t it time we offered seating for more than 50 at a time at the longest continually running non-academic community theatre in the heart of the city?