The Factory at Franklin got a little brighter Thursday, with the unveiling of the new Turner Theater and its dazzling marquee at the ribbon cutting ceremony for Studio Tenn’s permanent home.
Over a year of discussions, planning and construction went into turning a boxy room in a former factory into a theater space fit for a “Broadway-quality” regional theater company. The magnitude of the accomplishment was palpable through the excitement of the leaders and community members that worked to turn dream into reality.
“You have no idea the joy today brings me,” said Cal Turner, whose name was given to theater in appreciation of his continued support. Since seeing his first Broadway show at 13, Turner has been passionate about funding and supporting performing arts.
“Never could I have imagined or dreamed that today in Franklin, Tennessee, in an old factory building there would be Broadway-quality live theater,” said Turner. “The arts are a significant contribution to the quality of life, and it is a joy to be part of this.”
The theater space is not only beneficial to Studio Tenn, which has had to bounce between theaters and makeshift stages for years, but also to the local community and economy.
“The Factory has been really a hub for the community and experiences for the last 25 years in Franklin,” said Allen Arender of Holladay Properties, which is leading The Factory redevelopment. “Having Studio Tenn’s permanent home in this theater really is the crown jewel of that opportunity.”
With Studio Tenn as a permanent resident, The Factory is becoming a one-stop-shop for dining, entertainment and shopping, all within walking distance from downtown Franklin. The theater will hopefully bring more traffic to the restaurants and shops in The Factory and vice versa.
“A key part of what attracts someone to an area is all the things they can do when they’re in that area and a big part of that is quality of life and quality of place,” said Matt Largen, president and CEO of Williamson Inc.
In addition to fortifying the quality of life and cultural opportunities in Franklin, the Turner Theater also creates a visitor destination that will help bring revenue into the community.
“This is going to continue to add to the economic vitality of our community,” said Franklin Mayor Ken Moore.
Tony McAlister, chairman of the Studio Tenn board of directors, credited Studio Tenn’s founders with creating the vision and foundation that led to this monumental moment for the company.
“We’re here doing what we do because we stand on the shoulders of giants,” he said. “We’re just trying to carry [their] dream forward.”
Turner Theater boasts a spacious stage with professional lighting and acoustics and comfortable seating for a capacity of 329 people. The project was made possible through Studio Tenn’s “Make.Believe” capital campaign which is still seeking to meet its $3.5 million goal. Patrons can support the needs of the theater through donations or purchasing a seat plaque through the “Grab a Seat” campaign.
“Million Dollar Quartet” is Studio Tenn’s inaugural performance in the Turner Theater, running from Oct. 21 through Nov. 5. Find more information about Studio Tenn and its 2023-24 season at https://www.studiotenn.org/.