Not everyone may have a leading stage role, but at the Chattanooga Theatre Centre, every member in the community is part of an all-star cast. It is how the CTC continues to make history 102 years later with the first-ever female Executive Director, Kim Jackson, ushering it into an exciting new era.
“The CTC serves as a cornerstone of Chattanooga's creative and cultural identity,” Kim, who officially began her role in January, says. “Producing theatre in the community, for the community and with the community, for over 100 years is no small feat.”
Entertainment complements education at the CTC, providing people of all ages opportunities to engage in creative and performing arts–furthering their mission of fostering cultural, intellectual and emotional development. Kim adds that “while attending a performance provides entertainment and engagement, our education and outreach programs are where long-term learning happens.”
With a wide variety of on-site classes and programs for youth and adults, the work done behind the scenes at CTC is just as important as the main act. This, Kim points out, is where the magic begins. “Providing these opportunities is vital because it transforms the arts from a passive experience into a powerful tool for personal and communal growth.”
Classes include introductions to Creative Drama for children, Acting the Script for teens and Audition Prep and Specialty classes, like Acting for the Camera and Directing, for adults. Dance classes are also offered for teens and adults, allowing different ways for the community to explore their unique interests and grow in their artistic abilities.
And while Kim says these classes are vital to their mission in promoting the arts, CTC’s impact extends well beyond the classroom walls. “We don’t wait for the community to come to us; we take the arts into the city through Collaborative Arts Outreach Programs,” such as Theatre for the Very Young–a touring program directly engaging Chattanooga’s youngest learners with 30-minute productions at local childcare centers and schools.
In addition, community partnerships make an equally incredible difference. ”The CTC is a key partner in initiatives like ArtsBuild’s Imagine! program, which provides arts experiences to thousands of Hamilton County elementary students, and the Kennedy Center Partners in Education team, which helps local teachers integrate the arts into their standard curriculum,” adds Kim.
Supporting CTC’s mission is also numerous economic and professional investments, particularly when it comes to local playwrights and “keeping talent within our region.” This, combined with their efforts to actively include the community with volunteer roles, helps keep one of the largest community theaters nationwide a shining light–or what Kim calls, a “social anchor”--for the Chattanooga area.
“Ultimately, the CTC serves as a ‘Third Place’. . .where individuals can connect outside of home, school or work,” Kim says. From building and painting in the Scene Shop to sewing and crafting in the Costume Shop, everyone has something to offer.
As she looks forward to this new chapter in CTC history, Kim is proud to lead with a passionate community beside her. “We run on volunteer power.”
The Chattanooga Theatre Centre (CTC) has an exciting season ahead with performances for all ages. William Shakespeare’s comedy Much Ado About Nothing opens on the Mainstage April 10–26, followed by the Youth Theatre production of How I Became a Pirate May 9–17. In June, the Circle Theatre hosts the CTC New Play Festival, featuring ten original plays by local playwrights. The season continues with Disney’s Frozen on the Mainstage July 17–August 2.
To find out how you can play your part and learn more, visit: theatrecentre.com and theatrecentre.com/classes.