Jackson Theatre prepares to open its doors for first time since 60s

JONESBOROUGH, Tenn. (WJHL)- The Jackson Theatre in Jonesborough has been receiving renovations since 2015, but it will soon open its doors with a brand new look.

“I’ve heard a lot of really great stories that people have had about when they used to come to the Jackson when they were younger,” said Amber Crumley, operations manager at Jackson Theatre. “What we hope to create is a little bit of that nostalgia for the community and for them to be able to walk back in and remember those great old memories that they had about what their favorite movie that they saw here was, or maybe a first date that they had here.”

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Construction of the building took nine years. Crumley said this was because they had to start from scratch.

“We have four floors here and the theater, everything from a green room space up to like our rehearsal space and offices, so there’s a lot in this building,” said Crumley. “Between that, staffing, and availability of materials into the project, it took a while to get done.”

The Jackson Theatre now has new lighting, a stage, dressing rooms and even a flying mechanism for artists to use during the show.

Crumley told News Channel 11 that the new space would be used by local theatre groups, for downtown events and other purposes.

“Promoting regional music and then bringing in some large acts for our area is something that we look forward to doing,” said Crumley. “Then also working with our different groups like the McKinney Center and maybe our Heritage Alliance on some events coming up.”

The grand opening weekend for the Jackson Theatre is set for Nov 15-17.

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