About Jonesborough Repertory Theatre
Our Mission
We believe that theatre is an opportunity to bring people together and to make their lives better. We strive to create quality community theatre that uplifts, inspires, and lightens the lives of the families in our audiences, as well as those of our own theatre family behind the scenes. We are committed to creating a nurturing environment for seasoned and developing artists. The plays and musicals we perform, classes and workshops we teach, and special events we host are dedicated to enriching the lives of our East Tennessee community, and beyond.
Vision Statement
JRT: Where artistic expression builds community and enhances the quality of life for all.
Our History
In the winter of 1969, a group of volunteers worked together to take part in Tennessee’s Statehood Days celebration. Former Jonesborough mayor, Jimmy Neil Smith, wrote This Then is Tennessee, a play that was performed at the statehood celebration in front of ten thousand people in Nashville’s Centennial Park. With the creation of that play, the Jonesborough Repertory Theatre was established. The inaugural season launched in 1970. Performances took place in the courthouse. Due to the setting, a string of courtroom dramas ensued. Soon the theatre moved into its current location, a former casket factory on the main street of Jonesborough, which provided a sixty-seat theatre-in-the-round.
During the 1970s, popular television actor and director Timothy Busfield (Thirtsysomething, The West Wing) established JRT’s children’s theatre. 1988 brought a remodel of the theatre that included dressing rooms and a traditional proscenium stage. In 2000, JRT went through a renaissance that brought further improvements to the building and hosted a ninety-person-cast, original production of Toward the Setting Sun, a dramatic musical about Jonesborough’s earliest days. In 2003, JRT began a partnership with the Town of Jonesborough. This collaboration led to wonderful growth at JRT: further building renovations, a costume shop, education courses, and relationships with local theatres.
As we approach our fiftieth year, JRT continues to flourish. With eight main stage productions a season, a traveling theatre troupe, education classes for school children, and a theatre outreach to senior citizens, we have seen incredible growth in the last few years, and have become a staple part of Tennessee’s oldest town. We eagerly look forward to the renovations of the next door Jackson Theatre, a remodeled entertainment facility that will nearly double our current capacity. As we look to the future, we embrace the opportunity for greater artistic excellence and community service, all the while remaining rooted in the values of the rich past we have inherited.
Interpreted Shows for the Deaf
The Jonesborough Repertory Theatre is pleased to announce that they offer an American Sign Language interpreted show for each of their productions. This is available upon request within a reasonable amount of time and if a qualified interpreter is available. Please contact our Box Office Manager, Brittany Whitson, if you’d like to make a reservation: jrtboxoffice@gmail.com.
