about
Clarence brown theatre
Located on the campus of the University of Tennessee for nearly 50 years, the Clarence Brown Theatre is a pillar of the East Tennessee arts community and Knoxville’s own professional theatre. Each season, roughly 35,000 patrons within a 50-miles radius of Knoxville attend the theatre to enjoy our productions.
Fully integrated with the Department of Theatre in all aspects of mission and function, we bring professional actors and designers to the theater to work one-on-one with our students. Our Acting and Design training program is ranked among the best in the world and results in high-quality professional theatre on the stage.
The Clarence and Marian Brown Endowment, support of university leadership, the state of Tennessee, and generous support from our community provide us with a stable financial foundation. In addition, we continue to develop new resources to better our facilities, creative excellence, and national reach.
Upcoming Events
Sense & Sensibility
By Kate Hamill
Based on the novel by Jane Austen
A Christmas Carol
By Charles Dickens
Adapted by Edward Morgan and Joseph Hanreddy
Music by John Tanner
SUPPORT
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- Donate
- Memberships
- Sponsorships
- Volunteering
- Advertising
Donate
Jenny Boyd Carousel Theatre
From Award Winning productions to commissioning World Premieres, the Carousel continues to impact our community. Respecting the past, recognizing the present, and revealing the future. Join the legacy of the Carousel by helping us support the future of the new Jenny Boyd Carousel Theatre today!
Donate
CBT Artist Endowment
Your CBT Artist Endowment donation could help us bring professional actors, designers, directors, and stage managers from across the globe right to our stages and classrooms. Not only will they work on our shows, but they will also work with our students, enhancing the training for their careers in live theatre.
Donate
Theatre Enrichment Fund
Donations to the Theatre Enrichment Fund ensure our ticket prices remain reasonable and accessible for all. Your support directly benefits our ongoing operational needs so we can continue to make your theatre-going experience an unforgettable one!
Donate
CBTS Scholarship Fund
From the bright-eyed freshman declaring a major in theatre to the seasoned actor taking their final bow before graduation, donations to the CBTS Scholarship Fund have supported these promising students for years. This scholarship has given many of our theatre students the opportunity to focus on honing their craft rather than juggling a part-time job with their studies.
Donate
In-Kind Gift
Have a nice, vintage suitcase, antique furniture, or 1900s uniform lying around in your attic or storage room? We’ll take them off your hands! The Clarence Brown Theatre Costume and Props Shops are always looking for In-Kind donations of antique and vintage items for upcoming productions.
Memberships
CBT SOCIETY
Become part of an extraordinary circle of passionate theatre lovers and arts champions who make Knoxville’s cultural scene shine! With a tax-deductible contribution of $250 or more, you’ll unlock VIP access to exhilarating events, exclusive behind-the-scenes adventures, and one-of-a-kind connections with fellow Arts enthusiasts.
Memberships
MARIAN BROWN’S CIRCLE
Looking for a way to connect with and support the Clarence Brown Theatre? We’re not your average book club. Members delve into the scripts seen on CBT stages with the director, actors, dramaturg, or sometimes, even the playwright! With our Literary Lunches, there’s never a shortage of fun and engaging discussion as a Marian Brown’s Circle member.
Sponsorships
Sponsorships
Put a spotlight on your company and support East Tennessee’s largest professional theatre! For more than 50 years, Clarence Brown Theatre (CBT) has told meaningful stories by providing world-class live theatre to nearly 40,000 patrons who visit us each season.
Volunteering
Volunteer to Usher
Volunteer ushers are an integral part of our team and essential to creating a welcoming and enjoyable experience for theatre attendees. Duties include assisting patrons before, during and after performances by greeting, scanning tickets, providing directions and other tasks as directed by the House Manager.
Volunteering
Volunteer in Shops
Interested in working spotlight for one of our productions? Want to build scenery? Learn painting techniques? Construct costumes? No matter what your background or your specific interest, we are always looking for engaged and dedicated volunteers to help in our shops and backstage. (Volunteer Technicians must be at least 18 years old.)
Advertising
Advertising
Join us for another incredible season of professional theatre by being a contributing sponsor and advertising in our playbill!
news & announcements
2025-2026 Season On Sale
Jenny Boyd Carousel Theatre
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Registration Now Open
