Feb. 20, 2025
As East Tennessee’s premier training theatre and academy for children and families, Knoxville Children’s Theatre (KCT) has experienced tremendous growth in its programing and participation since its initial founding in 2008. The nonprofit now looks to the future by launching the $12 million “Next Stage” capital campaign to establish a permanent home.
KCT will relocate from its current location and renovate The Foundry on the Fair Site, which will allow for growth, accommodate demand and enhance the nonprofit’s status as a major cultural and civic asset to the City of Knoxville, Knox County and the region.
“Creative outlets like theatre initiate opportunities where imagination thrives, self-esteem develops, and students learn life lessons,” KCT Executive Director Sien Moon said. “KCT is committed to providing all children, regardless of economic status, with opportunities to acquire and hone skills that enhance creative thinking, public speaking, project management, personal responsibility, peer leadership and collaboration.
“When you give to Knoxville Children’s Theatre, you are helping cultivate children’s creative, emotional and academic development through the arts.”
Visit knoxvillechildrenstheatre.com to donate and learn more about the project and Knoxville Children’s Theatre.
Due to demand and lack of space at the current venue located at 109 E. Churchwell Ave., KCT must turn away children. The Foundry will not only increase the number of participants, but it also will expand programs to allow more aspects of theatre to be taught and experienced, including music, choreography, costume, set and lighting design. Children will develop a lifelong love for the arts as well as receive training to become future creative leaders and professionals.
“As a longtime theatregoer and advocate for the arts, I have witnessed the unique ability of theatre to inspire, connect and educate,” Knoxville Mayor Indya Kincannon said. “During my time teaching drama to international students in Slovenia, I saw firsthand how the arts build confidence, foster empathy and cultivate resilience.
“KCT’s programs embody these principles, helping children grow not just as artists, but also as compassionate, informed citizens of the world. On behalf of the City of Knoxville, I am proud to extend my enthusiastic support for KCT and its $12 million capital campaign to create a permanent home at the historic Foundry on the Fair Site.”
The community will benefit from the expansion, and the “Next Stage” capital campaign also will support the region’s tourism with more opportunities for events and programming.
“As someone who spent a career in the field, I have experienced the benefits of the performance arts firsthand,” Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs said. “Whether it is building self-confidence, instilling a sense of achievement, learning to work as a team, or even providing career opportunities, the performance arts offer something to everyone, especially young people. I’m proud to support KCT’s expansion to the historic Foundry and the Fair Site, which allows them to serve more children and offer a wider range of programs.”
The “Next Stage” capital campaign seeks $12 million to establish a permanent home and equip KCT with two additional areas for productions and five classrooms as well as a rehearsal hall, scene shop, costume shop and lighting and sound booths.
“The Foundry is the perfect fit for a permanent KCT venue and will expand availability for participants and programming,” Moon said. “Investing in KCT is an investment in the lives of thousands of children who will bring their cognitive, emotional and social skills to our community as they grow.”
About Knoxville Children’s Theatre
Knoxville Children’s Theatre’s mission is to inspire creativity and passion in children through the creation of live theatre. KCT believes that all children are artistic, and many children find their life’s passion by participating in the arts. KCT believes that every child should have the opportunity to be exposed to the arts and that theatre teaches vital life skills. KCT provides an environment where children can develop their creativity, imagination, improve public speaking skills, practice teamwork and collaboration, and develop the skills and self-confidence to be successful. Founded in 2008, Knoxville Children’s Theatre is an education-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit theatre and academy that provides hands-on training in the live production industry. KCT produces professional quality plays and musicals by children and for children and families. KCT also provides children with the opportunity to acquire and hone skills that enhance creative thinking, public speaking, project management, personal responsibility, leadership and teamwork. These opportunities occur in a creative outlet where imagination thrives, self-esteem develops, and students learn the many life lessons that creative dramatics can teach. KCT currently produces 10 productions (three musicals) annually with more than 150 performances. KCT’s Academy offers six terms of classes each year in every aspect of live performance. The Academy hosts about 20 summer camps for intensive weeklong training. Not every child loves the limelight, so KCT also offers children the opportunity to learn important behind-the-scenes skills such as set design, costume design, production lighting, sound design, stage management and directing.
