AN INVITATION FROM THE EAST TENNESSEE PRESERVATION ALLIANCE (ETPA)

 Preservation Event Reveals Secrets to Success of

Princess Theatre and Features Roane State Performance, April 12, 2013

In September 1926, the Princess Theatre opened its doors in Downtown Harriman. Eighty-seven years later, the Theatre has been fully restored and is the centerpiece of the Princess Performing Arts, Education, and Conference Center. On Friday, April 12, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., the East Tennessee Preservation Alliance (ETPA) and Roane State Community College will host an open house, recital, and panel discussion about the restoration project. The FREE event will take place at Princess Theatre Complex at 421 Roane Street in Downtown Harriman.

There will be an open house from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. with light refreshments. At 6:30 p.m., sophomore students from Roane State Community College will perform their spring recital. The recital will feature Rebecca Staton, mezzo-soprano; Mason Van Horn, tenor; Dr. Geol Greenlee, piano; and Slade Trammell, piano. The Princess Theatre is operated by Roane State Community College, so this is a special opportunity to experience these students perform at the Princess.

Immediately following the performance, there will be a panel discussion about the Theatre’s restoration. Mayor Chris Mason, Architect Daniel Scott Cooter, and Theatre Manager Megan Anderson will share stories about the restoration process, the importance of working with a wide range of partners in the community, and the value of finding a viable use for historic buildings. After the panel discussion, “behind the scenes” tours will be given of the Theatre.

The original Princess Theatre was damaged by fire in September 1932 and was later destroyed by fire in January 1939. However, the building that stands today was opened on November 16, 1939 and was solidly built, which has paid off as the modern renovation begins.

Please call 865-523-8008 or email egarlington@knoxheritage.org to RSVP by April 10 for this FREE event.

ETPA is a regional historic preservation membership-based organization that serves Anderson, Blount, Campbell, Claiborne, Cocke, Grainger, Hamblen, Jefferson, Knox, Loudon, Monroe, Morgan, Roane, Scott, Sevier, and Union counties. For more information and to get involved, please visit www.knoxheritage.org or www.etpaonline.org and find us on Facebook.