10-04-2025
Studio Tenn marks 15 years as Williamson County's theater anchor, announces new season
Since its creation in 2010, Studio Tenn has rapidly grown to become a staple in Middle Tennessee theater. After moving and performing at a variety of venues, the company received a permanent location at The Factory at Franklin's Turner Theater in 2023.
'Fifteen years ago, Studio Tenn was just a dream fueled by a simple belief that Middle Tennessee deserved world-class theaters," said Artistic Director Patrick Cassidy.
The company drew some of the area's most talented artists at its April 5 One Night Only fundraising gala, including Tony and Grammy award-winning actress and singer Jessie Mueller.
'I grew up doing regional theater so to be a part of an event like this is truly full circle,' Mueller said. 'Local theater companies are so important and as we saw after COVID, people not only need but want spaces like this.'
Studio Tenn operates as an important pillar of the theater community with the company being the only existing one in Williamson County. Currently, there are less than 20 theater companies in the Middle Tennessee area that range from Shakespeare to children's theater. Ensuring that theater can be provided to the Williamson community at an affordable rate has been an important part of the company.
'If it were not for donors, the average ticket price for front row seats would be $245. The back row would be just under a hundred dollars,' said board member and Development Chair Lynne McAlister. "That's only possible because of our amazing sponsors and donations from our theater lovers."
The record-braking attendance numbers from this season only further proved the importance of the studio. Their Christmas musical, "Million Dollar Quartet Christmas" was the company's highest grossing musical of all time. Additionally, their rendition of "The Play That Goes Wrong" was the highest grossing play of all time.
'The next 15 years will be challenging,' Morgan said. 'It will be about growing, pushing boundaries, and highlighting diversity. It will be about sharpening our vision to make sure that we remain relevant in the landscape of regional theater while remaining a cultural cornerstone right here in the middle of Tennessee.'
At the close of the event, Studio Tenn released the musicals and plays the audience will see in its upcoming 2025 – 2026 season. Those are:
Dracula
White Christmas
Death Trap
Boeing Boeing
Jesus Christ Superstar
'Tonight, we celebrated not just performances, but perseverance. We celebrated the unwavering love of a community that allowed us to tell powerful stories,' Morgan said. 'But, this is just the beginning. We couldn't do this without your support, passion, and your belief in the power of live theater."
Studio Tenn's last show of the 2025 season, "Jersey Boys," is running in Turner Theater from May 1 to 18, with the first show already being sold out. Season tickets for the upcoming season are currently on sale to previous season ticket holders. They go on sale to the general public on April 22. Additional ticket information can be found via or by calling (615) 541-8200.
This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Studio Tenn marks 15 years of Williamson County theater, new season
