Showbusiness, famously, takes a village. But even before scripts are read, actors are cast, sets are built and rehearsals get underway, the first necessity is also the hardest to come by: a theater.
More than three decades ago, AutoZone executive and philanthropist Andrew Clarkson saw that while there was no lack of artistic ambition in Memphis, few venues were available – or affordable — for part-time theater companies. What about a communal theater, he wondered?
Teaming up with Playhouse on the Square’s founder Jackie Nichols, the pair conceptualized a small but versatile “black box” style stage run mainly by volunteers and the companies themselves. A small piece of land in Overton Square was donated to the project, along with $100,000 in building materials. And in the summer of 1995, for a cost of about $200,000, TheatreWorks went from groundbreaking to full operation in 90 days.
Since its inception, dozens of grassroots theater companies have called TheatreWorks home. And nearly 900 productions later, it remains one of the most diverse performing arts collectives in the city.
On Sept. 6, TheatreWorks marks 30 years with a daylong theater and arts festival. Performances, workshops, craft vendors and food trucks will help showcase the huge scope of Memphis’ arts scene.
Hal Harmon, co-founder of Emerald Theatre Company, was among the first to see the space’s potential.
“It was difficult to find a venue that would allow us to produce work that gave voice to the LGBTQ community,” he said.
Since 2010, Emerald has been joined by Friends of George’s, renowned for its productions starring popular Memphis drag queens.
For Mary Ann Washington, founder of Actor’s Renaissance Theatre, the local performing arts scene was short on authentic, homegrown voices. After learning the ropes of producing, she started writing and producing her own plays.
TheatreWorks, she says, “gives us the freedom to create our own stage—tell our own stories- especially stories that affect women of color. On our terms, in our own voice.”
TheatreWorks’ 13 resident and associate companies — along with scores of other arts organizations — now entertain thousands of audience members each year with more than 30 unique productions.
“This is where people get a foot in the door of the Memphis theater community,” says TheatreWorks Board Chair Christopher Blank. “The local ‘arts scene’ in general can be a little cliquish and intimidating to newcomers. But our companies are really welcoming because their whole mission is fostering artistic growth.”
TheatreWorks’ 30th Anniversary is a celebration of all those looking for representation, diversity and new experiences in the performing arts. The free event on Sept. 6 invites the entire community to get acquainted with TheatreWorks’ companies, take some classes and explore opportunities.
Starting at 7:30, the stage transforms into a theatrical-themed dance party open for anyone over the age of 18, featuring Memphis deejay Will Ryder, who is also a regular performer with Friends of George’s.
See below for the full schedule of events.
TheatreWorks 30th Anniversary Celebration
Theatre and Arts Festival
September 6, 2025
2085 Monroe
from Noon to 10:30 p.m.
www.theatreworksmemphis.org
Free Performances, Workshops, Food Trucks,
Art Vendors, Dance Party
Show support, reunite with former cast and crew, learn about opportunities on local stages, take classes in dance or improv comedy
Choose an armrest at the launch of TheatreWorks’
seat renaming campaign
Join us from 8 to 10:30 p.m. for a dance party
and reunion of TheatreWorks alumni!
PERFORMANCES
….FOR FAMILIES AND CHILDREN
Noon-1 p.m. –
Playhouse on the Square presents excerpts from their latest musical “Come from Away,” and teaches adults and kids choreography from “The Wizard of Oz.”
12:45-1:00 –
TheatreWorks’ oldest resident company, Our Own Voice, will share stories through “Image Theatre” in the tradition of theater innovator Augusto Boal. A “joker” will facilitate storytelling and audience members are invited to participate in the image making process.
1-1:30 p.m. –
Irish Dance School Inis Acla performs traditional Irish footwork followed by a free step dancing workshop for children!
… FOR ALL AGES
1:30-1:45 p.m. –
Like Bamboo – Actor Ann Perry Wallace performs excerpts from her one-woman show about Zora Neale Hurston, “Live Rich Die Poor.”
1:45-2 p.m. –
A short performance by TheatreWorks’ legacy company and southern storytellers Voices of the South.
2-3 p.m. –
Emerald Theatre Company brings musical excerpts from their Ostrander nominated “tick, tick… boom.” Fans can join in a musical theater bingo with prizes!
3:00-3:45 p.m. –
Memphis’ hilarious comedy improv troupe Bluff City Liars brings sketches and scenes followed by a free improv comedy workshop.
3:45-4:15 p.m. –
Betrayal, comedy, drama! Check out a scene from Memphis’ long-running live action soap opera “Dangerous Entanglements V” presented by Actors Renaissance Theatre.
4:15-4:45 p.m. –
The region’s only bilingual theater troupe, Cazateatro presents scenes from the upcoming performance “The Legends of Quetzalcoatl.”
…FOR GROWN-UPS WITH A PASSION
4:45-5:30 p.m. –
New Moon Theatre shares stories and music from a season of thought-provoking works and a panel discussion on an upcoming season featuring all-women productions.
5:30-5:45 p.m. –
Members of TW legacy group, modern dance troupe Project: Motion, remind us that dance is a “Response” to the world around us.
5:45-6 p.m. –
Check out a tango demonstration by the Memphis Argentine Tango Society and take a beginning tango workshop!
6-6:30 p.m. –
Contemporary theater company LoneTree Live offers a raw ode to the ferocity of adolescence with selections from their production of Clare Barron’s “Dance Nation.”
6:30-7:45 p.m. –
Laugh and lip sync with fabulous drag stars from Tennessee’s most litigious drama queens, Friends of George’s!
7:45-8 p.m. –
Join the cast of Memphis’ long-running “Rocky Horror Picture Show” cast, Absent Friends, as we “Time Warp” into the past, present and future of TheatreWorks!
…AND A DANCE PARTY FOR AGES 18 AND UP TO RING IN THE NEXT 30 YEARS
8-10:30 p.m. –
TheatreWorks turns into Club Dream Machine with deejay Will Ryder as we celebrate three decades in Overton Square. A cash bar and food trucks will be on hand. Reconnect with old friends and cast members.
FREE WORKSHOPS
1:30-2:30 p.m., WORKSHOP IN IRISH DANCE – Inis Acla Irish Step Dance Workshop for All Ages
Learn the basic skills of Irish dancing, open to all ages and skill levels. Movements may include hopping and balancing on toes. By the end of the workshop, you’ll be able to show off an Irish jig!
About the group: The Inis Acla School of Irish Dance has been diligently promoting the Irish arts in the Midsouth since 1992. Students have the opportunity to compete across the country, showcase their talents on local stages, or simply learn a new skill, all while forming lasting friendships. Inis Acla strives to foster a strong sense of community through this fantastic art form.
3-4 p.m., MUSICAL THEATER VOICE-ACTING WORKSHOP – Instruction by Nathan McHenry and Brooke Papritz
Ostrander Award-winning actors and musicians Nathan McHenry and Brooke Papritz offer an all-levels voice acting class. Learn how to give your music “character” with techniques used by professionals.
4:30-5:30 p.m., IMPROV COMEDY WORKSHOP – by Bluff City Liars
Learn the elements of improv scenework with Memphis’ comedy troupe, Bluff City Liars. Through games and fun scenarios, the Liars’ teach participants how to think on their feet. Recommended for ages 18 and older.
About the group: Bluff City Liars has been a fixture on Memphis’ improv comedy scene 2017.
6-7 p.m., TANGO WORKSHOP – by the Memphis Argentine Tango Society
Learn the basics of Buenos Aires’ famous social dancing from instructors with the Memphis Argentine Tango Society.
About the group: With practicas and lessons every Sunday, the society fosters a love of Argentine Tango social dancing.
VENDORS
Celebrate 30 years of multiculturalism and diversity in the arts with a visit to our festival vendors
Choose901 – Merch from Memphis cheerleaders
Like You Film – Film festival Info booth
Takos Treasures – Vintage Goods
Madeleine Illustrated – Artist merch
Your Secret Garden – Caribbean organic body adornment
Artselements – leather/metal art
Playhouse on the Square – Info Booth
Mix Media Fine Art – Stickers, postcards, tote bags and Jackets with a pop art style
Xochitl and Pink – Mexican crafts, jewelry, accessories and embroidered clothing.
Hal Harmon – artist, jewelry and photography
Shyauna Hood
Lucky’s Treasures – jewelry
Tonya Lynn Art – artist, jewelry and stained glass
Elliot Boyette – Artist prints
Syrax Designs – Handmade jewelry with natural stones
Chloe the Creator – Paintings
LOCAL FOODS
BBQ X – Mexican style BBQ
This blog was written by Christopher Blank
