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About the Tellico
Community Playhouse

Theatre made by and for this community. Join us in celebrating stories that entertain, inspire, and bring people together.

Born from a love of live theatre and a fierce determination to create art against all odds, the Tellico Community Players first took the stage in September 1990 at the Tellico Village Yacht Club. With no sets, props, or costumes—just pure passion and hard work—we proved that theatre isn’t defined by material resources, but by the creative vision and the vibrant energy of those who dedicate themselves to the craft.

In just a few decades, our humble beginning evolved into something truly extraordinary. Thanks to an incredible long-term lease from Lakeside Plaza and the generous support of our community—raising $100,000 in donations—we unveiled the 136-seat Tellico Community Playhouse in October 2014. This milestone set the stage for countless unforgettable moments and celebrated performances that have enriched our community.

But Tellico Community Players is more than just a theatre group—we are a dynamic collective of artists, technicians, and visionaries dedicated to excellence in every facet of production.

Our technical department is equipped with cutting-edge lighting, sound, and projection capabilities, ensuring every performance is visually and audibly immersive.

Set designers bring stories to life with innovative staging possibilities, including the use of flying flats and a revolving stage, allowing for seamless scene transitions and stunning visual effects.

Behind the scenes, our set construction crew works tirelessly in a fully equipped workshop to build the spectacular environments that transport audiences into the heart of each production.

Our props crew is second to none—tracking down or creating the most obscure objects to bring authenticity and magic to the stage.

A woman dressed in a colorful shirt sitting at a table full of crafting items and smiling at the camera.

Costumes play a vital role in bringing characters to life, and our dedicated costume department—complete with talented designers and skilled seamstresses—crafts wardrobe pieces that enhance storytelling with authenticity and artistry.

Our creative make-up crew works their magic, transforming actors into their roles—whether it’s making the good look noble, the bad appear sinister, the beautiful shine, or the ugly evoke sympathy.

And at the heart of every production are our actors—members of our very own community, bringing incredible talent and a passion for performance, eager to step into the spotlight and captivate audiences with every scene.

Our Publicity and Communication Team ensures that our productions and initiatives receive the visibility they deserve, managing all publications and promotional efforts to connect with audiences and supporters.

And when guests step through our doors, they are welcomed by our Front of the House Team, whose dedication to hospitality ensures a seamless experience from start to finish—providing attentive service that covers every detail, from soup to nuts.

Beyond the stage, our commitment to outreach and education sets us apart.

Through the Prime Time Players School Tour, we bring the joy of live theatre to Loudon and Monroe County Elementary Schools every fall, inspiring the next generation of performers and theatre lovers. Our Studio 212 Projects foster creativity through Table Reads, Workshops and Training in Theatre Arts, as well as a Storytelling Initiative that nurtures the art of narrative performance.

Group portrait of 24 smiling adults, some seated and others standing in a room with green walls and a clock.

As an all-volunteer, non-profit organization, Tellico Community Players provides an outlet for creative community involvement in the performing arts. We are proud members of the American Association of Community Theatre and remain committed to delivering high-quality performances that enrich, entertain, and educate our audiences.

Join us on this ongoing journey of creativity and connection, where every production is a celebration of artistry, collaboration, and the transformative power of live theatre.

Board of Directors

Meet the passionate volunteers who provide the strategic vision that guides our theater. Their leadership is instrumental to our success and our service to the community.