Statements
Mission
Circle Players's mission is to promote public instruction, appreciation, and enjoyment of dramatic literature, stagecraft, fine arts and the theatre through the production of plays, and by conducting other related activities.
Background
Circle Players is the oldest continuously-operating non-profit arts organization in Middle Tennessee. Circle was founded in 1949, when an ambitious group of volunteer actors, directors, producers, designers, and stage hands founded the company on a stock-ownership basis. The first few years of production were spent in various locations in Nashville, among them the Hermitage Hotel, the downtown YMCA, and perhaps most interestingly, in an old gambling den at Second and Broadway. The leadership decided Circle Players would best operate as a state-charted 501(c)(3), non-profit arts organization in the mid-1950's. This completely volunteer-staffed organization, which includes Artist Members and the Board of Directors, operated for 26 years in the basement of what is now the Blue Bird Caf? on Hillsboro Road. In 1980, Circle Players became the first resident company in the brand new Tennessee Performing Arts Center, and presented productions in TPAC's Johnson Theatre through 2004. Circle Players now produces shows at the Z. Alexander Looby Theatre. For over 68 years, the company has produced more than 390 musicals, comedies, mysteries, historical dramas and classics, as well as cutting edge social dramas and recent Broadway hits. Circle volunteers (Artist Members) have been, and continue to be, the backbone of the operation of the theatre. Volunteers give time and resources to work onstage, backstage, as ushers and house managers, or as members of committees which provide support in play selection, marketing, or fundraising. Among the more than 200 artist members are professionals across many industries and profession. Nearing its seventh decade of providing an artistic and creative forum for all Nashvillians, Circle Players remains a true community-based success, focusing on arts participation, diversity in the arts, and arts access opportunities for all citizens of our community.
Impact
Circle has developed active partnerships with other Nashville area theatre groups and non-profits to promote the value of community theatre and volunteerism in the Arts. Circle is actively expanding its marketing programs to reach traditionally underserved audiences and to ensure participation in our shows by a broad range of individuals. Circle boasts some of the most diverse volunteer and patron constituencies in Middle Tennessee. Circle has developed innovative marketing strategies through partnerships with other nonprofit organizations, such as KB Productions, Nashville Cares, Oasis Center, The American Diabetes Association, Safe Haven Family Shelter and the Tennessee Fair Housing Council, as well as collaborations with local schools like Tennessee State University, Lipscomb University, and Middle Tennessee State University. In their 67th Season (2016/2017) Season they produced four productions that included Jesus Christ Superstar, Stuff Happens, Clybourne Park and The Wiz (in collaboration with TSU). They also held their annual awards ceremony at the W.O. Smith School of Music. At the beginning of its 68th Season (2017/2018) Circle Players enhanced its box office, ticketing and patron management software with a migration to a new platform called Vendini. This was made possible through a technology grant generously provided by the Frist Foundation. As our organization has been shut down due to COVID-19 since March, 2020, we are excited to "reboot" the organization once it is safe and permissible to do so.
Needs
Circle Players is in search of a permanent home. Over its 68 year history, Circle has performed at many venues in Middle Tennessee, but has not had a place to call its own. Circle is looking for an appropriate location to purchase or for long-term lease which will require an extensive capital campaign. Circle Players needs funding for general operations (rehearsal space rental, utilities, maintenance), production (on-stage expenses and musician stipends), theatre rental and security, and script licensing/rights. We are always in need ofvolunteer performers, production support volunteers, and volunteer Board of Directors members. . One of the largest single expenses in Circle's yearly budget is stipends for musicians who provide accompaniment during musicals and for teaching artists for youth workshops. Every year, these costs run up to $16,000. Circle needs donations and show sponsors to support these artist stipends.
Service Categories |
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| Primary Category: | Arts, Culture & Humanities - Theater |
| Secondary Category: | Public & Societal Benefit - Citizen Participation |
| Tertiary Category: | - |
Areas Served
Circle Players serves all of Middle Tennessee and has had patrons and visitors see our shows from around the country and as far away at the United Kingdom. Our rehearsal space (leased) is located in Madison, TN.
| TN - Davidson |
| TN - Cheatham |
| TN - Dickson |
| TN - Rutherford |
| TN - Sumner |
| TN - Williamson |
| TN - Wilson |
