REGISTER

The Historic Tennessee Theatre: A New Light on a Historic Icon

March 8, 2017
11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. (doors will lock at noon!)
Historic Tennessee Theatre

Opening in 1928, the Tennessee Theatre has entertained millions of people with presentations of film and live performances. The 1600-seat theatre has been listed in the National Register of Historic Places since 1982, and it is a unique architectural and cultural treasure.

Since 1996, the Historic Tennessee Theatre Foundation (HTTF), a nonprofit organization, has been entrusted with preserving and maintaining this unique facility and ensuring that it will continue to thrive well into the 21st century. Marketing plays a large role in creating awareness for the organization, as well as raising funds to maintain the impressive and ornate theatre.

The foundation completed a $30 million restoration and renovation in January 2005, and the renewed theatre has since entertained over 1.6 million guests and presented nearly 2000 events. The Tennessee Theatre presents high-quality, nationally touring entertainment—such as concerts from Harry Connick Jr., Bob Dylan, and Kelsea Ballerini, as well as its annual Broadway season, which has included shows like The Book of Mormon, 42nd Street, The Sound of Music, and Jersey Boys.

Since 2008, the Tennessee Theatre has presented no fewer than 38 concerts and six Broadway titles each year.

Join us to hear from Executive Director Becky Hancock, from the Historic Tennessee Theatre Foundation, to learn about the history and restoration of one of Knoxville’s most iconic buildings. Also presenting will be Communications and Development Manager Lila Honaker, who will detail recent marketing strategies and tactics for the theatre and foundation.

Biographies:

Becky Hancock:

With nearly 15 years of fund development, event planning, and project management in the nonprofit sector, Becky Hancock has served as the Executive Director of the Historic Tennessee Theatre Foundation since 2013. Becky oversees all activity at the venue, serves as the public face of the organization, and works with the HTTF Board of Directors to preserve and maintain this important community asset as well as fulfill the mission and long-term vision of the Official State Theatre of Tennessee.

Lila Honaker:

Lila Honaker has been working in the entertainment industry for over a decade in the music, performing arts, and television sectors. In her current role at the Historic Tennessee Theatre Foundation, she is responsible for overseeing all marketing strategies, creating awareness for the nonprofit organization, fundraising through donations, grants and sponsorships, and developing free community and arts outreach events.