The Jackson Theatre

The history of the Jackson Theatre goes all the way back to the 1920s when business owner L.M. Broyles decided to show silent movies out of his furniture store on West Main Street. The movies were so well attended, he turned it into a full-time operation and the Blue Mouse Theatre opened in 1922. In the 30s, the theater was known as the Lyric Theater and then it closed for a time before being renovated by the Sevier Theatre Corporation and reopened as the Jackson Theatre on August 30, 1945. A contest was held to select the name, and many people chose to christen the theatre after President Andrew Jackson. The restoration of the Jackson Theatre is not just about preserving a building; it’s about rekindling the cultural flame that once burned brightly in the community. The project has garnered support from local artists, historians, and residents who are eager to see the theater come back to life. Plans include modernizing the stage and seating, installing state-of-the-art sound and lighting systems, and creating spaces for art exhibitions and community gatherings. Jackson Theatre will also offer educational programs, workshops, and tours to engage the younger generation and instill an appreciation for the arts and history. By blending the old with the new, Jackson Theatre aims to create a space where memories are cherished, and new ones are made. 

Amber Crumley, Operations Manager for the Jackson Theatre, is a Jonesborough native and East Tennessee State University graduate. The Operations Manager oversees all aspects of the Jackson Theatre Department for the Town of Jonesborough, including programming for a wide variety of events, rentals, partnerships, accounting, and all theatre staff. The Operations Manager is directly accountable to the Town Administrator.

The Jackson Theatre family shall strive to make patrons, artists and the overall community feel welcome in what we consider to be Jonesborough’s “living room”. We are mindful that respect, integrity, fairness, trust, and compassion are character traits to be reflected in the way we do business and -at their highest- our daily actions in accomplishing our purpose. Our programs will reflect a diversity of entertainment styles, opportunities, and education to foster accessibility for all.