Aug
29
FRANKLIN THEATRE LAUNCHES LEADERSHIP SEARCH
The Heritage Foundation of Franklin and Williamson County announced plans to launch a search for the director of the newly restored Franklin Theatre.
Leading the search will be Heritage Foundation President Cyril Stewart and foundation Executive Director Mary Pearce. During the search, Pearce will serve as interim director.
In announcing the search, Pearce thanked Leiper’s Fork businessman Aubrey Preston, who has served as the theater’s volunteer interim director since November and shepherded the project through its restoration and re-opening. Preston will continue as an advisor to the theater.
“We are indebted to Aubrey for his volunteer leadership during the restoration and his vision in setting a high standard of excellence at the new Franklin Theatre,” Pearce said. “Now that the theatre is successfully launched, it’s time to determine the theater’s long-term management structure.”
Preston said the restored Franklin Theatre’s premier this summer is proof of broad community support that will sustain it in the years ahead. Highlighting the theater’s successful re-emergence is the return of movies on Main Street, a dozen sold-out live music shows, and a June 3 grand opening that drew a crowd of 20,000.
“The new Franklin Theatre is nothing short of a cultural phenomenon,” Preston said. “The beloved 70 year-old theatre on Main Street is back and here to stay.”
Pointing to performances by Grammy Award-winning artists like Vince Gill and Amy Grant, Keb’ Mo’, and Michael W. Smith, Preston said the 300-seat Franklin Theatre has quickly cemented its reputation as one of Nashville’s most versatile entertainment venues. The theater expands its repertoire in August with the addition of live theater in a partnership with Studio Tenn, a performance company of Emmy winning and Broadway veteran actors and producers.
Tickets to movies, music and more are available online at www.franklintheatre.com.
Built in 1937, the historic Franklin Theatre is re-emerging following a four-year, multi-million-dollar restoration funded by private donation. The theater is owned and operated by the nonprofit Heritage Foundation.
The Heritage Foundation is a 44 year old historic preservation non-profit that’s mission is to protect the historic resources of Franklin and Williamson County and the ongoing revitalization of Main Street in the context of historic preservation.