The Roby Auditorium Partnership Council (RAPC) is inviting the community to help write the next chapter in one of Greeneville’s most cherished landmarks through the launch of the “Every Seat. Every Story. Continuing a Legacy Since 1925.“ community pledge campaign to restore the historic Roby Auditorium.
For generations, Roby Auditorium served as a core thread in the civic and cultural fabric of the Greeneville community. It was there where the curtain rose on hundreds of community productions, young performers found their confidence, neighbors gathered, and countless memories were made, according to a news release from the council. While the auditorium has sat silent for two decades, a group of community members and stakeholders believe its story is far from over and that the cherished and nostalgic space deserves an encore.
The pledge campaign is the first coordinated community fundraising effort to support the long-term restoration and reopening of the historic auditorium.
“Roby Auditorium is much more than a historic building,” said Matt Hensley, chair of the Roby Auditorium Partnership Council. “It represents generations of memories, creativity, and civic pride. This campaign is about preserving that legacy while investing in the future of our community.”
The vision for Roby Auditorium extends well beyond restoring a historic structure. Once reopened, the venue has the potential to once again serve as a destination for school performances, concerts, community events, educational programming, and cultural and civc activities, bringing new energy to downtown Greeneville while supporting tourism and local economic development according to the release.
The pledge campaign offers several giving levels, including:
- The Legacy Society – $10,000+
- The Heritage Circle – $5,000
- Cornerstone Contributors – $1,000
- Friends of the Roby Auditorium – Up to $500
- Gifts of any amount are welcome.
Donors who pledge $1,000 or more will also have the opportunity to participate in the “Take a Seat in Legacy” campaign by permanently naming one of the auditorium’s seats. The opportunity is available to the first 300 qualifying donors, with additional naming opportunities also planned.
While the hard launch of the campaign officially begins this week, community enthusiasm has already been strong. More than $25,000 in pledges has already been committed in less than a month, demonstrating early momentum and broad community support for the project, according to the release.
Community members, businesses, civic organizations, foundations, and others are encouraged to participate. Pledge forms can be found here: Roby Auditorium Pledge Sheet.
Forms are also available at the Greene County Partnership located at 115 Academy St, Greeneville, TN 37743.
The campaign will continue through January 1, 2027 with regular progress updates shared through local media and social media throughout the fall.
“Every person who has attended a performance, walked across the stage, or sat in those seats has a story,” Hensley said. “Now we have an opportunity to ensure future generations can create stories of their own. Together, we can give the Roby Auditorium the encore it deserves.”
How to Make a Pledge
Pledge forms may be returned to:
Greene County Partnership
Attn: Amanda Waddell, Director of Grants and Strategic Initiatives
115 Academy Street
Greeneville, TN 37743
Forms can also be returned by email to [email protected]. Contributors will receive an invoice to collect pledged funds at a later date.
RAPC Members include: Nicole Rader (Roby Adult Center), Dave Wright (A. Dave Wright Architect), Heather McDougal (Andrew Johnson Bank), Dr. Matt Hensley (City Council Member, Town of Greeneville), Debbie Close, Carl Close, Carla Bewley, and Cindy Sams (Community Members). Jeff Taylor (Greene County Partnership), Amanda Waddell (Greene County Partnership), Marilyn and Wes duBrisk (Community Members). Frank Mengel, Paige Mengel (Greeneville Theatre Guild), Lori Ann Sparks (Central Ballet), David Hawk (Tennessee State Representative), and Jann Mirkov (Main Street Greeneville). Jennifer Fransler (First Horizon Bank), Mark Wills (Walters State Community College), Rich Boyd (Dickson Williams Mansion), Laraine and Kidwell King (Greene County Heritage Trust), Tim Massey (Greene County Heritage Trust).
