We believe in the power of the arts.

We believe in its ability to spark wonder and creativity, to open doors into new worlds, cultures and ideas, to create a sense of hope and self-worth, and to transform individuals in an everlasting way. We strive to create opportunities for students and underserved communities to experience the magic of the arts. The Tennessee Theatre is a work of art itself - a visit to this historic venue is a showcase of master craftsmanship, creativity, and architectural marvel.

If you are an educator, parent, or organization serving teachers and students, sign up for our monthly Education newsletter.

Education and Outreach Opportunities

Student Ambassadors

This exciting new program will provide high school juniors and seniors a look at non-performance careers in the arts. Each month, participants will learn about non-profit management, careers on/off stage, the importance of arts in community, grant funding and more! Meetings will be on the third Tuesday of each month, August-May, from 4:30-6:30pm (March's meeting will be moved for Spring Break). This program is open to high school juniors and seniors.

This program is supported in part by the Tennessee Arts Commission.

This year's cohort is currently full. Applications for the 2025-2026 school year will open in the Spring of 2025. If you have any questions, please reach out to Alex Drinnen.

Mentor Program

This program will allow students to be matched with a mentor in a theatre/arts field of their choice. They’ll be able to learn from and shadow their mentor throughout the school year, and learn what a career might look like in their chosen field. We’ll have opportunities to learn more about Theatre Education, Stage Management, Sound, Lighting, Set Design, Wardrobe/Costuming, Stage Makeup, Backstage Crew Work, Directing Shows, Music Direction and more! This program is open to students in grades 5-12.

 

This program is supported in part by the City of Knoxville.

 

This year's cohort is currently full. Applications for the 2025-2026 school year will open in the Spring of 2025. If you have any questions, please reach out to Alex Drinnen.

Dr. Broadway

These sessions are held for each of our Broadway shows for attendees of all ages. Sessions include in-depth conversations about each show - how they came to be, the process of making a Broadway show, and more - led by Kristin Stultz Pressley (Dr. Broadway.) 

More Info

Educational Tours

  • Tours are tailored for the group based on age, classroom learning, and areas of interest. Tour availability is limited and dependent upon Theatre and staff schedules. 
  • Students can now take a look inside the Tennessee Theatre from anywhere through our virtual tour. (Now available in Spanish.)
More Info

Workshops

We offer hands-on learning experiences with Broadway professionals from the touring shows performing at the Tennessee. Workshops may include dance, vocal, audition, makeup, percussion, and more. Upcoming events will be listed when available.

Educators' Night

We want to empower and inspire the educators who are leading the youth, audiences, and artists of tomorrow with special presentations, workshops, and talks. Educators' Nights provide an opportunity to learn from arts professionals, performers, and others working in arts education. These are available for select shows, and will be announced in our Educator Newsletter list and on social media.

Summer Camp

For the past four summers, camps have been offered in partnership with local theater teacher, Amanda Taylor. While this program is not free to participants, scholarships may be available. Summer Camp information for 2025 will be released in Spring 2025!