Press release submitted by Carriage House Players
IN THE heart of Lincoln County, a passionate community theater group known as the Carriage House Players (CHP) is working to bring the magic of the stage closer to home. The primary purpose of community theater is to enrich communities by fostering creativity, providing educational opportunities, and promoting social engagement through the collaborative art of live performances. It serves as a vital platform for amateur artists and technicians to develop skills and explore talents, while offering audiences a shared cultural experience that can inspire dialogue, build connections, and boost the local economy.
CHP was established as a nonprofit theater group in 1987. After years of performing on every borrowed stage in Lincoln County, in 2018, CHP purchased the old “Fred’s” building at 301 E. Market St. Mickey Johnson has been a part of CHP for over 30 years. When CHP purchased the building, Johnson became the project manager for the renovation.
“If you’ve driven past the corner of Market and Franklin streets lately, you may have noticed something new happening at 301 Market St. That building — once home to the J.A. Sloan Produce Company back in 1920 — is now buzzing with fresh energy as it transforms into The Carriage House, the future home of the Carriage House Players.” Johnson explained.
“Since purchasing the property in 2018, we’ve worked steadily to breathe new life into this piece of Fayetteville history. The exterior is nearly complete — signage and awnings are next — the community’s encouraging words about the building’s new look have meant the world to us. Inside, demolition is making way for something even more exciting: Phase I, our community event center. With a kitchen, restrooms, concessions, ticket office, and seating for 150, this space will be open to the public for special events, offering a place where the community can gather and celebrate.”
“And that’s just the beginning. Phase II will bring our dream to life: a true theater with tiered seating for 180 guests. After nearly four decades of staging plays, concerts, and youth programs in borrowed spaces, we are building a permanent home for live theater in Lincoln County.”
“The Carriage House Players have been part of this community for 39 years. What began as a small group with big dreams has become a nonprofit dedicated to creating art, opportunity, and joy for our neighbors. Every nail, every wall, every new detail in The Carriage House is built on love — for the stage, for Fayetteville, and for you.”
Mickey continued,” Since beginning this project, the Carriage House Players have hosted a variety of fundraisers to move The Carriage House closer to reality. One of the most exciting is our special show choir, Voices of Carriage House. This talented ensemble performs holiday shows and themed concerts throughout the year, featuring everything from Broadway hits to Disney favorites. Proceeds from every performance go directly into the building fund, making each show an evening of entertainment and an investment in our future theater.”
“In addition, Drama Camp was established not only to nurture the next generation of performers, but also to help raise the down payment needed to purchase the building at 301 Market St. The camp has quickly become one of our most meaningful traditions, providing local youth the chance to explore theater, build confidence, and find their voices on stage.”
From concerts and camp programs to CHP’s now-annual Dinner Theater fundraiser, every effort reflects the CHPs’ dedication to the arts and the community we call home. Each dollar raised brings the organization closer to completing The Carriage House, a space that will serve Fayetteville and Lincoln County for generations.
Mickey concluded, “The Carriage House Players are building more than a theater — we’re building a home for the arts in Lincoln County. But we can’t do this alone. We invite you to stand with us, support this vision, and help make The Carriage House a place where our whole community can gather, laugh, cry, and be inspired — together.” GN
For more information on upcoming productions and ticket information, call (931) 433-1300. You may send your tax-deductible contribution anytime to: CHP, P.O. Box 916, Fayetteville, Tennessee 37334. Check out their website at https://www.carriagehouseplayers.com/.
