News Summary
River and Rail Theatre Company, a beloved nonprofit in Knoxville, has announced plans to move to a new location on Magnolia Avenue. After selling their current venue, the Old City Performing Arts Center, for $2.25 million, they will prepare to relocate while continuing their 2025 season. The move is expected to enhance their capabilities for larger productions and increases community engagement with innovative performances and community-focused storytelling.
Exciting Changes Ahead for Knoxville’s River and Rail Theatre Company!
Knoxville is buzzing with excitement as the beloved River and Rail Theatre Company takes a significant step forward in its mission to enhance community engagement through vibrant theatrical performances. This nonprofit theater company, which has charmed audiences since being established in 2014, is looking for a permanent home on the bustling Magnolia Avenue.
For those who may not know, River and Rail has been putting on performances at the Old City Performing Arts Center (OCPAC) since 2019. However, the landscape is changing! In a big development, the company announced the sale of OCPAC for a substantial $2.25 million to local entrepreneur Kenny Boghani. But fear not! River and Rail isn’t disappearing; they are gearing up for a bright future with a brand new property located at 2651 Magnolia Avenue.
What This Means for the Future
The theater company has exciting plans for this new location. They’ll remain at OCPAC throughout the 2025 season while preparing for the move. This is a monumental shift for River and Rail, especially since their current venue has been somewhat limiting. The existing space struggles to accommodate larger productions due to challenges like limited dressing rooms and inadequate green rooms. Clearly, this new facility promises a solution to those constraints!
The need for more space and the financial realities stemming from the pandemic have been pivotal in this decision. Like many arts organizations, River and Rail faced hardships during shutdowns, resulting in losses that hampered their growth ambitions. Now, with an eye on the future, they are ready to create a welcoming space that can foster even more creativity.
Exciting Productions on the Horizon
A Community Focus
River and Rail Theatre Company isn’t just about performances; they are deeply invested in commissioning new works that resonate with the Knoxville community. They have plans to tell unique stories, including works about local figures like Marcus Hall and productions related to the significant historical event known as the Clinton Twelve.
As they gear up for their exciting moves, the company has yet to disclose the exact new location. Stay tuned for updates, as they plan to unveil more details during their upcoming ten-year anniversary celebration in April. This milestone is set to be a joyous occasion for the local arts community!
Why This Matters
The upcoming relocation is more than just a new address; it represents a golden opportunity for River and Rail to deepen its roots within the Knoxville community. The goal is to offer more theatrical options and produce original works that reflect the spirit of the area. With the move, they aim to engage a broader audience and create more inclusive artistic experiences in East Tennessee.
Keep an eye on the River and Rail Theatre Company as they continue to thrive and evolve! Knoxville is sure to benefit from the fresh energy and innovation that will come with their new Magnolia Avenue space. The stage is set, and the future looks bright!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Knoxville Celebrates a Festive Week of Holiday Events
Knoxville’s Arts Scene Navigates Growth Challenges
Knoxville’s Arts Scene Faces Venue Challenges Ahead of 2024
Exciting Transformations on the Horizon for Knoxville’s River and Rail Theatre
Knoxville’s Seniors for Creative Learning Announces Exciting Fall Semester Classes and Activities
Exciting Theater Productions Set to Brighten Knoxville This September
Additional Resources
- WBIR: River and Rail Theatre Company Updates
- Wikipedia: Theatre
- Inside of Knoxville: Old City Performing Arts Center Sale
- Google Search: Knoxville performing arts
- Arts Knoxville: Review of “It’s a Wonderful Life”
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Theatre
- KNIA KRLS: Community Theater’s Rehearsals
- Google News: Knoxville theater news
