Apeiro Design worked with owner Holladay Properties to determine the feasibility of creating the Turner Theater, a permanent venue in an existing 10,000 SF open room that previously supported activities on a temporary basis. To maximize utilization, a fixed theatre concept was developed by creating a permanent upper seating level in conjunction with a main-level retractable seating system. The easily configurable room would allow the Factory to support events, banqueting, and rentals, and provide a permanent home for a resident theatre company.

Holladay Properties partnered with Studio Tenn Theatre Company as the project moved forward into design, and ultimately, construction. The new Turner Theater seats approximately 320 patrons in a proscenium-style theatre and 225 for cabaret; and is reconfigurable to banquet seating for approximately 225. The Theatre is equipped with fixed overhead rigging and drapery systems, and state-of-the-art theatrical lighting and AV technology systems including presentation video. Backstage support spaces include dressing rooms, wardrobe, musicians’ room, storage, maintenance workshop, catering kitchen, technical control room suite and upgraded loading. The Turner is handicapped-accessible for patrons, performers, and technical staff, and its lobbies blend seamlessly with the Factory’s indoor and outdoor amenities.