About Children’s Theatre of Knoxville
Children’s Theatre of Knoxville, Inc. (CTK) is a Tennessee non-profit corporation, operating under Tennessee State Charter #0561570, dedicated to producing meaningful theatrical productions for children and families, providing advanced theatrical instruction for children, and serving the community through drama-related outreach programs. The company was formed by Zack Allen, who serves as the corporation’s Executive Director, and by Jenny Ballard, who served as Artistic Director through August 2010.
Since our first production in February 2008, over 14,500 people have attended our shows. Over 1,000 children have auditioned for CTK shows since we formed, and we have produced over 400 roles for children in the past three years. In the company’s first year of eligibility, CTK was named as a Runner-Up in Metropulse’s Best of Knoxville – Best Theatre Group.
In April 2009, CTK acquired a new permanent home, a 2,900 square-foot theatre facility, which includes a large 100-seat auditorium and a rehearsal hall. The theatre is located in downtown Knoxville at 800 Tyson Street. Heading north from downtown on Broadway, Tyson Street turns left (west) immediately past Old Gray Cemetery, across the street from historic Emory Place. The theatre sits about 300 feet down Tyson Street, and our CTK sign is visible from Broadway. All classes, rehearsals and performances now take place at our new home!
In July 2009, after 2,000 votes were cast in WTNZ’s Best of Knoxville contest, Children’s Theatre won the “Best Local Theatre Company” award, with over 35% of the votes. In 2010, we were runner-up to adult improvisational comedy troupe Einstein Simplified. CTK was also named a Runner-Up, along with The Clarence Brown Theatre, as Best Local Theatre in MetroPulse’s 2009, 2010 & 2011 Best of Knoxville contest. During the week of July 13, 2009, WBIR honored Jenny Ballard and Zack Allen of Children’s Theatre of Knoxville as one of five “Hometown Heroes”! Thanks to those who nominated and voted for our organization!
In August 2010, Founding Artistic Director Jenny Ballard departed CTK to seek her Master’s Degree at LSU. Caroline King was named Artistic Director in September 2010.
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About Caroline King
CAROLINE KING began her stint as Artistic Director of CTK in September 2010, and she enjoys living out her dream of being a full-time theatre arts professional. She is a graduate of The University of Tennessee and has a degree in Secondary Education from LMU. Prior to CTK, Caroline served as drama instructor at Sacred Heart Cathedral School. A native Knoxvillian, she has performed in numerous local theatre productions, such as “Bell, Book And Candle” for Theatre Knoxville Downtown and Tennessee Stage Company’s Shakespeare In The Square. Caroline has directed “Alice In Wonderland,” “The Jungle Book,” “The True Story of Pippi Longstocking,” “The Snow Queen,” and “Annie, Jr.” for CTK. Caroline is the wife of Patrick King and mother to August.
About Zack Allen
Zack Allen was most recently the Executive Director of Rose Center, a multi-disciplinary cultural arts center in Morristown, TN, which serves as the Designated Agency of the Tennessee Arts Commission for an 8-county area of northeast Tennessee. As a member of the Clarence Brown Theatre Company, Zack performed in over 30 productions there from 1986 to 1996. He also served as Director of Media Relations for the CBT for six years. As a company member of The Actor’s Co-Op, Zack directed “Prelude to A Kiss,” “On the Verge,” “Cloud 9,” and other plays. He has also directed plays for Tennessee Stage Company (“The Foreigner,” “Much Ado About Nothing,” “Othello”) and Theatre Knoxville Downtown (“Driving Miss Daisy,” “Blood Relations,” “The Trip to Bountiful,” “Picnic,” “Bell Book and Candle”). Zack has taught theatre classes for 20 years, beginning with a four-year stint with The Bijou Theatre in 1989. He is also a playwright, having penned the CTK adaptations: “The Princess and The Pauper,” “Treasure Island USA,” ”The Little Prince,” “The Ballad of Robin Hood,” “The Witches,” and “Fantastic Mr. Fox.”
How to Help
Only about 50% of our annual budget is comprised of ticket sales. CTK relies on the support of arts-minded and child-supporting businesses and individuals to continue our on-going activities. If you believe in the positive impact CTK is having on the children who perform and attend the productions, please consider a donation to our organization. Donations are accepted by mail at 800 Tyson Street (Knoxville, TN 37917). For more information about sponsorship opportunities and other donation possibilities, please contact Zack Allen at (865) 599-5284.