Theatre Bristol Capital Campaign to Preserve Cameo Theatre and ARTspace
Cameo Theatre Reopened upon 100th Anniversary with efforts of Theatre Bristol and Community
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 Theatre and redesigning the ARTspace Theatre.
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“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 Theatre is just the first step, as the fundraising now begins to help the 60-year-old community theatre raise $1 million for the Cameo Theatre 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 Theatre, Paramount Bristol, and ARTspace stages to do its part to raise funds through grants, donations, sponsors, and 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:
- Enjoy more performance opportunities for our region’s talent;
- Meet the need for more rehearsal space and make rehearsal space accessible to all ages and abilities;
- Increase technical arts skills in our community and work to keep skilled people here in the area;
- Increase children’s programming, plays and Catherine DeCaterina School of Theatre Arts, to meet demand;
- Benefit from excellent acoustics and sightlines for plays;
- Create a true blackbox experience in the ARTspace for small productions, small children and camp activities, dinner theatre, ballroom dancing, gala events, and other programming, and allow use the otherwise open space for accessible rehearsal; and
- Offer affordable family-friendly live performances and stage space.
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 Slaughter, and 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 Gray, and 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 space, and seating capacity for beloved musical productions.
The Cameo Theatre celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2025 by reopening and presenting shows, the first at the Cameo Theatre being Theatre Bristol’s first-ever show 60 years ago, a double-feature of “Land of Jesters” and “Rumpelstiltskin.”
The 2026 Season includes more exciting productions, camps, classes, and workshops in all three venues, created specifically with our community in mind.
To learn more or support the Cameo Arts Capital Campaign give at TheatreBristol.org/donate by check or online, or contact Theatre Bristol at info@TheatreBristol.org or 423-212-3625. Become a patron of the arts Anniversary Patron, sponsor and/or souvenir program advertiser, and consider becoming a volunteer.