Theatre Bristol’s mission is to entertain and enlighten by providing quality live performing arts for all ages throughout the region and at the same time provide community members opportunities and skills that increase self confidence on and off stage, with a priority that no child is turned away.
Theatre Bristol, located in Bristol, Tennessee, was originally established in 1965 as the Bristol Children’s Theatre to reach children performers and audiences. Theatre Bristol has performed before audiences of school children from local school districts, and for the general public in this theatre-oriented area. Theatre Bristol grew to serve all ages and around the region with a full season of performances.
Theatre Bristol also hosts many outreach programs, workshops, and other educational programs. It is run by volunteers, with minimal support staff. The theatre welcomes your participation as a member of the audience, or as a volunteer helping to stage the various shows presented throughout the year.
Theatre Bristol holds a distinction as the oldest continuously-run children’s theatre in northeast Tennessee.
Theatre Bristol is dedicated to:
- Main Stage Seasons of Quality Adult/Family Musicals and Dramas;
- Arts Education and Youth Programming; and
- Community Outreach.
EDUCATION – The Catherine F. DeCaterina School of Theatre Arts is a year-round series of classes and workshops for people of all ages. Our teaching artists in the classroom program offers free classroom visits upon request prior to each of the plays. We collaborate with elementary school partners around the region. Children from over 60 school districts participate in our programs. Our plays and musicals are taken from the literature found on the required reading lists of the local school systems or have won international literary awards, such as the Newbery Award.
COMMUNITY OUTREACH – Theatre Bristol performs a community and public service by providing free study guides and theatre tours for classes attending Theatre Bristol productions.
MAIN STAGE – Our Main Stage season consists of up to 5 productions. Performances take place in the ARTspace, a multi-purpose, black box theatre which seats up to 100 and in The Paramount Center for the Arts, a restored 756-seat movie palace which has been converted to use as a performing arts venue.
Theatre Bristol Nondiscrimination Policy: No person on the basis of race, color, national origin, disability, age, religion, or sex shall be excluded from participation in, or be denied benefits of, or otherwise be subject to discrimination of services, programs, and employment provided by the Theatre Bristol.
For current updates, please visit Theatre Bristol’s Facebook page. After selecting Like, choose options to Follow or receive Notifications depending on your preferences.
Theatre Bristol’s Facebook Page
“One of the best Christmas traditions I have established with my granddaughters – I give them an experience each year. The experience of community theatre is one of our favorites!
“Really enjoyed Scrooge! It was a great show with a great cast!
“What a wonderful experience that my daughter and I had at the theater! This was my Christmas present from my daughter and it was the best present ever! Thank you all for your hard work and your time that you shared with us.”
“I was blown away by the children’s performances. I was moved to tears at the end. Congratulations on an excellent production to Dottie, the cast, and crew!”
Summer Camp:
“Camp was great for my first grader. Thanks for all of the leaders and helpers. She learned a lot and we hope you do it again next year.”
Les Miserables:
“Saw Les Miserables tonight. IT was Excellent! Congratulations to all!
One of the best performances of Les Miserables That I have seen! Bravo!
I’ve been to numerous productions of Les Mis and this current performance can hold its own against any of them. Valjean and Javert are amazing and “God on High” will positively give you goosebumps! Furthermore, the trio between Cosette, Marius, and Eponine is absolutely the best blending of voices I have ever heard in any production I’ve seen. Full of tremendous and passionate local talent, this theater group can really bring it! Catch a show of Les Mis – and if you’re unfortunate enough to miss that production, check out what else this theater has to offer! Super job and thanks for enriching our community so gracefully, Theatre Bristol!!!”
Rumpelstiltskin:
“Steve was super nice and very helpful w/directions to restaurants and to the theatre. Cast was great.”
