MEGAN ANDERSON FULFILLS ANOTHER PRINCESS MILESTONE

Owen Driskill, Director of Marketing and Public Relations for Roane State Community College, has just announced the appointment of Megan Anderson as the manager of the "new" Princess Theatre!

This is a welcomed milestone in the progression of things to come for the Princess and Roane County.  

I haven't met her as yet, but the attached release outlines a ten year history of broad experience in theater production, and it sounds like she understands what the Princess dream means to us.

Best of luck Megan and welcome to our area and to our beloved Princess project!  We all look forward to supporting you in this important role.

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Aug. 3, 2011

Megan Anderson named manager of Princess Theater

Megan Anderson has been named manager of the historic Princess Theater in downtown Harriman.

Anderson has more than 10 years of experience in theater production. Her background includes technical skills such as lighting, sound, and camera operation and includes business services such as payroll and customer relations.

“I am thrilled to become the manager of the revitalized Princess Theater,” Anderson said. “I know how much the Princess means to the community, and I am looking forward to providing outstanding events and educational opportunities at the Princess.”

Since March 2001, Anderson has worked extensively in the theater industry. Her experience includes several roles and responsibilities for a variety of events and organizations, including:

• Camera operator, switcher operator, and sound and lights operator for the USA Gospel Entertainers Musician Awards in Nashville

• Associate producer for the Smoky Mountain Cowboy Campmeeting Broadcast in Pigeon Forge

• Production associate on the special events staff for Landmark Communications Group in Nashville

• Associate producer for the Nashville Cowboy Church

• Special events staff member and camera operator for the Country Radio Seminar

• Special events staff member for the annual Country Music Awards

Anderson, a Nashville native, began her theater career in 2001. As a teenager, she worked at the Texas Troubadour Theatre in Nashville. During her three years there, she was a cashier; worked in concessions and housekeeping; helped manage payroll; operated spotlights; and served as the light director and as assistant sound manager.

“I’ve been working in theaters since I was 16 years old, and it’s going to be an amazing experience to show students everything that goes on in a theater,” Anderson said. “I’m really excited, and I can’t wait to get started.”

Anderson, 25, graduated from Volunteer State Community College in 2006 and earned her bachelor’s degree in journalism and electronic media from the University of Tennessee in 2009. She will begin her duties on Aug. 15.

The theater manager’s role includes recruiting shows and events to the theater, fundraising, publicity and promoting arts in the community. Anderson will also assist with Roane State theater productions.

The Princess Theater is undergoing renovation as part of efforts to revitalize historic downtown Harriman. Constructed in 1926, the Princess was once a showplace. During its best years, the 900-seat theater screened movies to capacity crowds, but the Princess closed in 1999. Renovations to the Princess are scheduled to be complete this fall.

Roane State will assist with maintenance of the Princess Theater and provide expertise in purchasing equipment and coordinating events.

The theater is part of the planned Princess Performing Arts, Education and Conference Center, which also includes Channel 15, a television station operated by Roane State and the City of Harriman.