Behind The Tennessee: A Palace of Stories

In this episode, we honor the Black experience at the Tennessee through stories of civil rights activism, returning to the theatre decades after its integration, and how film can play a role in empathy and understanding. We also explore what real courage is and how it can bring necessary change. 

This episode contains challenging language and subject matter around 19 minutes in.

Drum roll please...it's part 4 of our "Working at The Theatre" series which has explored the heart and soul of the Tennessee Theatre, the people. Today's episode is a conversation with Tim Burns, who is celebrating his 40th year as technical director. Thank you, Tim, for all you do and congratulations!

It's part three of our four-part special exploring the people behind the Tennessee Theatre's 91 years, and it's time we got to know our magnificent hosts. Lila and Becky detail the paths that led them both to the Theatre, pivotal life and career-shaping moments, and a few of their favorite memories along the way. Join us!

In this episode, Becky and Lila sit down with two powerhouses, Heather Seiber and Tom Bugg, as they uncover the types of personalities required to keep the Theater thriving. This is the second of a four-part series in which we explore the people behind the Tennessee Theatre. 

The first of a four-part series where we hear from the staff of the Tennessee Theatre. Becky and Lila explore stories from the people behind the Theatre's 91 years, from first jobs to lifelong careers.

It's part two of our deep dive into the movies at the Tennessee Theatre. Lila and Tim Burns, the Technical Director at the Theatre, break down the technical aspects of projection and film, we hear how seeing movies at the Tennessee as a child made a lasting impact on some folks in the community, and the crew reminisces about movie moments from the Theatre's past when things didn't go quite as planned.

In this episode, we feature special guest Tim Burns, the Technical Director of the Tennessee since 1979, to explore the rich history of film at the theatre. We also hear from folks in our community who recall coming to see movies at the Tennessee over the last many decades. 

There are many generations of theatregoers who have fond memories of visiting the Tennessee during childhood. From first films and shows, weekends downtown with friends and family, to bringing their own kids to experience Broadway musicals and concerts, we hear how the Tennessee has played a role in childhood magic in this episode.

From the creation of the Mighty Musical Monday to Dr. Bill Snyder's retirement as house organist, we will hear from some of the Wurlitzer's biggest fans and pay tribute to the man who helped it become integral to the Tennessee Theatre experience. 

In our second episode, we celebrate the beloved legacy of the Tennessee Theatre’s Wurlitzer organ. To uncover the uniqueness of this mighty instrument, we talk with the organists and historians who know her better than anyone else.