THE PRINCESS RESTORATION PROJECT BEGINS IN EARNEST

That’s right, for all you “non-believers”, progress on the “Princess Performing Arts, Education, and Conference Center” has begun! This week the old seats will be removed from the theater and stored until the refurbishing company is ready for them. Next week, you will see the old roof being torn off and the new 20-year roof construction begin!

After the roof, the real restoration work can begin inside. However, you (the general public) will only see the seats coming out, the new roof going on, and later this year the façade and marquee reconstruction. The restored beauty of the Princess will be revealed at the grand-opening. A huge celebration (possibly 2 to 3 days long), complete with live entertainment, is planned when the facility is completed.

This celebration will be “YOUR” party and we hope you come join in the fun!

Until then, I will be posting pictures of the progress inside, and try to keep you informed about coming events. I’ve been assigned my hardhat and credentials which should allow me to be your eyes and hears on the project.

You will also notice that the old Acme Drug building (to the left of the Princess) has also been a beehive of activity of late. Channel 15 is another part of the Center that will be coming on line soon. It should make air long before the Princess auditorium, and give our kids at Roane State “hands-on” media experience. The Comcast broadband connection should give the Princess Performing Arts, Education, and Conference Center access to multiple East Tennessee counties, giving us a very wide audience!

So, keep your eyes on the Princess…she’ll be smiling at us again soon! The dream IS happening!

Please note, we are more than happy to share our experiences with other theatre restoration groups. Send us an email (princess.theater AT Yahoo) that includes your telephone number today!