News Summary
River & Rail Theatre has announced its relocation to the Sterchi-Audigier Residence, enhancing Knoxville’s cultural landscape. This new venue allows for larger productions and better facilities, promoting local storytelling and history. Renovation plans aim for completion in less than a year, with a focus on educational programming and community outreach. As the theatre prepares for its final season at its current site, a fundraising campaign will support the transition.
Knoxville – River & Rail Theatre has announced its relocation to the historic Sterchi-Audigier Residence, a move that aims to enhance the cultural scene of Knoxville. After over a decade of performances at the Old City Performing Arts Center (OCPAC), the theatre company has outgrown its current venue and is seeking to accommodate its expansion with better facilities.
In early 2024, River & Rail Theatre began its search for a larger venue following pressure from heightened property sales and interest in acquiring OCPAC. The theatre company has successfully captured local stories in their productions, contributing to a rising national profile. Artistic Director Joshua Peterson emphasizes the importance of preserving Knoxville’s history through theatrical storytelling, with the theatre’s past shows demonstrating significant influence derived from local narratives, such as the acclaimed production “The Burn Vote.”
The historic Sterchi-Audigier Residence, located at 2651 E. Magnolia Avenue, has been purchased for $1.65 million, preempting the threat of demolition that loomed after a fire in 2022. Constructed in 1925 and designed in the Spanish Eclectic style, the building’s historical significance allows it to be eligible for the National Register of Historic Places. Dedicated community efforts have been focused on preserving the residence due to its architectural and cultural value.
The new venue will feature a congregational space to serve as the theatre’s primary performance area, catering to larger audiences while improving production capabilities. Amenities such as designated dressing rooms, green rooms, and restrooms will be incorporated, effectively addressing limitations encountered at OCPAC. Moreover, the two-acre property boasts over 100 parking spaces, a notable improvement over the previous venue’s lack of designated parking.
River & Rail Theatre plans to increase its production output upon the move, aiming for a six-production season. Future shows will delve into local historical figures and events, highlighting the legacy of individuals like Marcus Hall and the Clinton 12. A significant facet of the move also includes the expansion of existing educational programming, which is still in development but promises a broader outreach to the community.
Renovation plans for the Sterchi-Audigier Residence are anticipated to be completed in less than a year, with an opening expected in early 2027. While the new facility is under preparation, River & Rail Theatre will complete its final season at OCPAC, continuing to provide entertainment and cultural enrichment to the public.
A multi-million dollar fundraising campaign is set to launch to support renovation and operational costs associated with the new building. This campaign underscores the theatre’s commitment to ensuring its transition to a larger and more versatile space is sustainable and beneficial to the local community. The relocation is expected to significantly enhance River & Rail’s visibility and accessibility, aligning with other cultural developments in Knoxville that cater to a growing demographic of residents and visitors.
River & Rail Theatre has been an integral part of Knoxville’s arts landscape over the past decade. With an objective of enriching the city’s cultural framework through expanded storytelling opportunities, the relocation and renovation mark exciting developments not only for the theatre company, but also for the local community that has supported its mission for years.
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Additional Resources
- Arts Knoxville: River & Rail Finds Forever Home Along Magnolia Avenue
- WBIR: River and Rail Theatre Moves to Magnolia Avenue
- Inside of Knoxville: River and Rail Theatre Company Announces New Location
- Knox TN Today: Weekend Scene
- UT Daily Beacon: River & Rail Theatre’s New Home on Magnolia
