Upon its 60th anniversary, Theatre Bristol announces major advances to sustain live performance in our community through the acquisition of the 100-year-old historic Cameo Theater and redesigning the ARTspace Theatre.
“This is a major undertaking,” said Ann Vance, Theatre Bristol board president. “We see Theatre Bristol securing the Cameo for the community, as we care about the historic venue. We hope that those who’ve said, ‘what a great idea,’ will find a way to support our campaign.”
Securing the beautiful Cameo Theater is just the first step, as the fundraising now begins to help the 60-year-old community theaterraise $1 million for the Cameo Theater and redevelop the multi-use ARTspace Theatre.
Through vital support from People Inc. Financial Services, Ninth District Development Financing Inc., Virginia Small Business Financing Authority, and Believe in Bristol, Theatre Bristol is taking its talents to the Cameo, Paramount Bristoland ARTspace stages to do its part to raise funds through grants, donations, sponsorsand ticket sales, but much more help will be needed from the community.
An increase in seating by more than 500 percent will equip Theatre Bristol to eventually hire much-needed staff positions and help sustain the organization and performing arts opportunities in our community. More audiences will be able to enjoy popular shows in a beautiful venue. Increased seating will address the need to accommodate more students and avoid turning away schools from sold-out shows.
These plans will also help Theatre Bristol and the community:
Many people helped Theatre Bristol get to this historic moment, with special thanks to Brent Buchanan and Stanley Buchanan for the detailed, thoughtful, and beautiful renovations, Sam West of People Inc Financial Services, Linda Tackett of VSBFA, Alexa Frado of True North Real Estate Advisors, Randy Kennedy, Maggie Elliot and Emily Champagne of Believe in Bristol, Architect Mike Stone, Craig Young and Megan Blevins of PROSIM Engineering, Edd Hill, and Tommy Shrader, Claire Davis, Mack Chapman, Lois Clarke, Fred Slaughterand Ronan King for believing in this effort, as well as all the actors, directors, crew, audiences, and donors over the years, and the staff and board of directors, Ann Vance, Nicole Intagliata, Leticia Peltzer, Mary Beth Rainero, Michael Smythe, Tina Turner, Samantha Gray, Camille Grayand Albert Tester.
Theatre Bristol is deeply committed to continuing to perform at Paramount Bristol as its history is closely knit to the story of Theatre Bristol and founder Cathy DeCaterina, and is designed specifically to meet Theatre Bristol’s needs with critical wing space, fly space, stage spaceand seating capacity for beloved musical productions.
The Cameo Theater will celebrate its 100th anniversary this year by reopening and presenting shows, the first at the Cameo Theater being Theatre Bristol’s first-ever show 60 years ago, a double-feature of “Land of Jesters” and “Rumpelstiltskin.”
The 2025 Anniversary Season includes more exciting productions, camps, classesand workshops in all three venues, created specifically with our community in mind.
If being in the spotlight is not of interest, but backstage on the production team or crew is, Theatre Bristol offers opportunities. This invitation includes those interested in orchestra, costuming, set design and construction, lighting, sound, stage management, props, publicity, assisting, and many other roles. All roles are volunteer and experience or a strong willingness to learn is welcome.
To learn more or support the Cameo Arts Capital Campaign give atTheatreBristol.org/donateby check or online, or contact Theatre Bristol atinfo@TheatreBristol.orgor 423-212-3625. Become a patron of the arts Anniversary Patron, sponsor and/or souvenir program advertiserand consider becoming a volunteer.
Theatre Bristol is pleased to present performances, classes, and workshops as part of its family-friendly 60th season of ARTspace and Paramount shows. Founded in 1965 by Cathy DeCaterina, Theatre Bristol is a community theaterserving all ages that also has the distinction as the oldest continually running children’s theaterin Northeast Tennessee. Located on historic State Street in Bristol, it equally serves Southwest Virginia. Its Main Stage season consists of drama, comedyand musical productions that take place in the Theatre Bristol ARTspace black box theater, the historic Cameo Theater, and on the historic Paramount Bristol stage.
