CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – As the Performing Arts Center works toward a planned opening in the fall of 2028, new Executive Director Cameron O’Hanlon this week presented a timeline for the next two years to the Arts, Culture & Tourism (ACT) Authority board.
The plan is to replace the existing dilapidated Roxy Regional Theatre with a “world-class” building that includes a 500-seat main stage, a 200-seat auditorium, and space for classes, offices and events. While the Roxy Regional Theatre would be the primary tenant, the venue would carry a broader name and would schedule a variety of local and touring entertainment events. The board hopes to pay for as much of the project as possible through donations and grants.
July-September 2026
For the first fiscal quarter of this year, the ACT Authority will focus on their welcome event. Hosted by the Customs House Museum, this event will help O’Hanlon meet and build relationships with key stakeholders in Clarksville.
O’Hanlon also proposed a separate gathering for downtown business owners, particularly those on Franklin Street. “I want every question, concern, objection that anybody’s ever had about this project to be brought up,” he said at Tuesday’s meeting.
| PREVIOUSLY: Performing Arts Center plan updated to demolish 80-year-old Roxy building, re-create ‘yellow box’ front
The board will also be forming a Campaign Committee, in charge of finding naming donors for the venue.
In regard to financing, the board is considering a bond measure plan, which would require City Council approval. The city would act as a financial backstop, though not a direct funder of construction. “If we walk in with a couple million dollars raised and a really strong Campaign Committee, and a strong plan, I think we have a great shot of getting this passed first try,” O’Hanlon said.
Construction documents reached 100% completion on July 2, and pricing is expected by the end of July.
October-December 2026
The Authority’s goals are to break ground on construction and host a groundbreaking ceremony. No exact date has been scheduled yet.
Demolition will be careful. “There will be no big boom,” O’Hanlon noted, with historic yellow brick from the Roxy facade being salvaged for reuse.
January-April 2027
The Authority will begin presenting small performances around town in locations such as churches, the library and parks.
“I have a meeting with the Tennessee Arts Commission next week, and I’m hopeful that they’ll help us out a little bit in the spring, to get some activity going,” O’Hanlon said.
The board will be posting a position for director of administration and finance, and the Roxy Regional Theatre will begin planning for the 2028-29 season, laying dates into the Performing Arts Center calendar. Roxy productions moved out of the building in January, and they are putting on shows in a temporary space at 114 Public Square.
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Meanwhile, the Campaign Committee will have secured early major naming gifts with 35% to 50% of the total funds raised. The committee will also have met for the second time to move on to the public donation phase.
This phase allows for $500 gifts to name seats. O’Hanlon said this is for people who are engaged in supporting the venue but do not have capacity to name a dressing room or bathroom. It is more affordable and attainable to the general public.
April-June 2027
The Authority will be hiring the director of administration and finance and posting a position for philanthropy manager. They will also finalize Roxy Regional Theatre dates in the PAC calendar.
The Campaign Committee will have 50% raised in major gift fundraising, and construction for the venue will be ongoing.
Fiscal year 2027-28
- Finishing out hiring for staff
- Seat naming begins, and major gift fundraising starts winding down
- Major naming gifts completed
- Final round of non-naming Founder Gifts
- Full-time staff in place
- Final Gala planning
- Three months to opening night
Board members did raise concerns about the price of admission tickets and not wanting to “price out” average ticket-buyers.
O’Hanlon said the price for entry-level tickets would be around $30. “The more successful we are in our fundraising, the less we have to rely on ticket revenues and the more flexible we can be on that. I would love to have tickets as low as $10 to get you in the door,” he said.
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