By Nicole June – ClarksvilleNow.com
CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (CLARKSVILLENOW) – For the latest installment of the Clarksville’s Conversation podcast, Katie Gambill and Charlie Koon sat down with Ryan Bowie, Executive Director of the Roxy Regional Theatre in Clarksville.
Bowie began his career as a traveling actor but was immediately drawn to Clarksville when he first came to work at the Roxy eight years ago.
“The Roxy was an awesome perk, but this town is cool. We have a lot of cool things going for us, especially now,” Bowie said.
What does Bowie think of when he thinks of Clarksville?
“Home is the first word that comes to mind. Growth is another word that comes to mind. Opportunity. So much opportunity. I am so looking forward to what the next four years for Clarksville and Montgomery County can hold,” he said.
Actors travel from all over the country for the chance to perform at the Roxy and many typically stay in a designated cast house throughout the duration of their contracts. The theatre employs a staff of five full-time employees and approximately 50 to 60 actors will be hired for roles throughout a season.
Some roles also open for community actors, including children from local schools. This summer, about 880 children will attend a Clarksville Parks and Recreation program through the Roxy, which helps young children develop an interest in the arts.
Between 10,000 and 15,000 school children from the surrounding area will also visit the theatre for performances throughout the season.
The Roxy Regional Theatre is a registered nonprofit organization that relies on the generosity of the community as well as private donors to maintain operations and provide quality performances for audiences to enjoy.
“I think most arts organizations survive from private donations,” Bowie said. “We are fortunate in Clarksville to have a very philanthropic base.”
Bowie said the theatre is open for outside rentals, including weddings, award ceremonies, sports signing events, Austin Peay State University events, and much more.
“When I became Executive Director I just wanted to open the space up to other people and other things,” he said, which includes the theatre’s film series.
The Roxy Regional Theatre is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to producing professional live theatre and promoting the arts, with emphasis on education, in Clarksville, Middle Tennessee and the Southeast. The theatre is located at 100 Franklin Street in Historic Downtown Clarksville. For more information and a list of upcoming performances, visit www.roxyregionaltheatre.org, follow the Roxy on Facebook, or call the box office at 931-645-7699.
Want to learn more about what inspires Ryan Bowie and why he enjoys his eyebrow diary on Facebook Live? Listen to the Clarksville’s Conversation podcast below:
About Clarksville’s Conversation:
The Clarksville’s Conversation podcast, hosted by Katie Gambill and Charlie Koon on Clarksvillenow.com, gives you the opportunity to eavesdrop on interviews with leaders and innovators in Clarksville-Montgomery County who shape our community. Check back every Wednesday for new episodes.