history

In 1995, Amy Hubbard recognized the need for a fresh face on the Knoxville theatre scene. Along with local actors Biz Lyon and Michael Golebieskwi, Hubbard mounted two Tennessee William's one-act plays (THIS PROPERTY IS CONDEMNED and TALK TO ME LIKE THE RAIN AND LET ME LISTEN) at the Tomato Head Restaurant in downtown Knoxville. Hubbard then produced a second show, along with Katie Norwood, Pam Hurley, and Mark Lamb. I STAND BEFORE YOU, NAKED, by Joyce Carol Oates was performed in February 1997. The success of the second show prompted Amy Hubbard and Katie Norwood to incorporate. The Actors Co-op incorporated on August 27, 1997 and received 501-(c) 3 status on December 6, 1999.

The Co-op now produces 5 Main Stage productions, 2 Whippersnapper (children’s theatre) productions and 2 Special Works each season, a theatre-training program known as the Actors Co-op Training Studio and several arts outreach programs.

The mission of the Actors Co-op is to engage our community with inventive, entertaining and thought-provoking theatre.