Turner Theater in The Factory at Franklin will become a centerpiece for the Arts.

Studio Tenn’s Make. Believe. Capital Campaign seeks to spark a legacy of change, creativity, and inspiration in Franklin, Tennessee while raising $3.5 million for the construction of our new, state-of-the-art theater.

  • The project is made possible from a surge of support from the Middle Tennessee area, in particular with significant donations from philanthropists Cal Turner and Calvin and Marilyn LeHew. The theater will be named Turner Theater in honor of Mr. Turner, and the theater’s stunning lobby will be named in honor of the LeHews.

  • Turner Theater represents the efforts of countless people who believe in what we’re doing and who help make it happen. It will be the home we’ve always dreamed of, a place where our community will gather and explore the arts together.

  • Construction on the multimillion-dollar project has started, with a target completion date of October 2023. Studio Tenn’s 2023-24 season begins in October. It will be the first time in the organization’s 14-year history that all of the MainStage performances will take place in our permanent new home.

  • The theater will have a prominent box office and aforementioned lobby area, and includes dressing rooms, spacious aisles, gathering areas and a balcony. Turner Theater will seat 319 patrons, with adjustable seating based on the performance or event, and permanent lighting and professional-grade sound and acoustics. It will provide a comfortable, immersive and interactive experience for patrons and performers alike.

    The theater will be located in and around the area where the Jamison Theater was previously located in The Factory, abutting both the new Grand Hall and Mojo’s Tacos.

A Glimpse at our new space

  • Turner Theater from the Skylight Bar

  • The LeHew Lobby

  • View from the Monroe Mezzanine

  • The Skylight Bar at Dusk

  • Turner Theatre Stage

“It's a good, emotional feeling to see the theater and what's about to happen. Witnessing the transformation of this space into a hub of creativity and artistic expression fills me with excitement and anticipation. I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the realization of this vision, and I look forward to the remarkable experiences that will unfold within these walls. This theater represents the boundless possibilities of storytelling, and I am honored to be a part of its journey."

- Calvin Lehew

“Music and Art have always been of great importance to me. The performing arts bring you out of yourself and into something greater. I believe in the work of Studio Tenn and hope that their accomplishments will make an impact on YOU.”

- Cal Turner

Grab a Seat!

As part of this Capital Campaign, we have introduced our GRAB A SEAT Campaign. As a Studio Tenn patron, season ticket holder, and loyal supporter, this will allow you to put your mark on this pivotal space. Each seat costs $2,500, and you can purchase just one or multiple seats. However, this is a limited opportunity with only 319 seats available.

Join us for

Hard Hat Tours!

Tour the currently-under-construction Turner Theater at The Factory at Franklin! Learn about Studio Tenn Theatre Company's history and bright future, and see the progress of the gorgeous new theater space. Tours take place on select Thursday evenings in September from 5:00-5:45pm. Please email info@studiotenn.org with any questions.

We invite you to join this campaign, and our vision.

Let’s build a place that will be meaningful to so many people, and to the health and vitality of our community.