When walking down Ped Walkway, many students have passed a building that is hard to miss yet remains unfamiliar to the majority of the student body. The Clarence Brown Theatre, located next to the Art and Architecture Building, is a hidden gem on UT’s campus that provides the school with artistic vision and culture.

Clarence Brown, for which the theater is dedicated, was a famous film director and UT alum. He dedicated his life to the art of telling stories and the importance of entertainment. After finding much success in the film industry, Brown returned to his alma mater, giving back to his foundation.

Brown supported various scholarships and assistantships in UT’s drama department throughout his life. He left a legacy on campus that effectively combined professionals and amateurs in order to expose students to the best opportunities possible.

Tom Cervone is the managing and program director of CBT.

“We have a dual mission here,” Cervone said. “Producing high quality productions and training our students.”

To meet this goal, CBT has a variety of departments that work closely with the students to prepare them for the professional world. First and foremost, the students are given direct exposure to professional actors.

Catherine Blevins is a senior in UT’s drama department.

“My time working with the CBT has prepared me for a future career by giving me opportunities to work in a professional setting and by having to learn to manage my time while I go to school full time,” Blevins said.

Every year, CBT produces two to three productions with a star-studded cast, either from their own company or, oftentimes, from New York. This offers students the opportunity to be mentored by the best in their area of interest.

In addition, two lab shows – productions produced and selected for undergraduates – offer students the unique opportunity to showcase their talents to our community. These labs also showcase the hard work and dedication that the technicians and design team put forth to maintain the high standard of quality that is expected.

Starting on Oct. 18, “The Moors,” a dark Victorian comedy written by Jen Silverman, will hit the stage as one of the student productions.

“I think audiences are in for a show that’s perfect for the Halloween season,” Blevins said. “It’s a beautifully unique and complex story told through dark comedy that will be hilarious, heartwarming and a bit spooky all at the same time.”

Jumpstarting the 2023-24 season, “Murder on the Orient Express” by Ken Ludwig, hit the stage on Sept. 6. The next two plays to open will be “A Christmas Carol” in the winter — a CBT tradition — and an adaptation of “The Giver” opening up the second semester.

Closing out the season, the Tony award-winning show “Kinky Boots” written by Harvey Fierstein with music by Cyndi Lauper will make its debut on UT’s campus, with Rusty Mowery, UT alum, directing the show.

After leaving UT, Mowery found success in New York, where he worked with the award winning production “Cats” for many years. He established connections with Jerry Mitchell, the original director of “Kinky Boots,” and became the associate choreographer. With Mowery back on UT’s campus, this show will be brought to Knoxville for the first time.

“This town in which we operate tends to be title-driven, so we strive to select shows that we believe a large group will recognize and enjoy,” Cervone said.

CBT has an incredible season ahead with highly qualified professionals working closely with the students of the drama department and dedicated actors that bring stories to life. The only thing left to do is fill the seats.

Cervone said the CBT department is working on many ways to get students interested in attending shows including amping up social media, setting up more events around campus and even offering behind the scenes tours.

Theater is not for everyone. However, with affordable tickets for students costing only $5 and a central location on campus, why not give it a try?

“We want to give students the opportunity to experience something live and refreshing,” Cervone said. “Connecting with some manifestation of art and culture is necessary for the soul.”