The audience holds its breath as the velvet curtain rolls back, revealing the stage of Tullahoma’s South Jackson Performing Arts Center (SJPAC). This moment, repeated numerous times over the years, isn’t just the start of a show — it’s the core of a community, the essence of artistic expression that has long defined this small town. Known to many as Tullahoma’s “mini Ryman,” the South Jackson Performing Arts Center is an intimate space where the arts flourish and history meets the aspirations of today’s artists.
SJPAC was born from the dreams of community members who envisioned a space dedicated to the arts. Led by Alice Ratcliff, who recognized the potential of the historic South Jackson Street School building, it came to life through unity and unfaltering efforts to preserve the structure. This vision attracted artists, dreamers, and volunteers who saw an opportunity to bring the arts to the forefront of Tullahoma’s cultural scene.
“Our legacy is to be a regional epicenter for the arts — providing opportunities for our musicians, thespians, and patrons alike to experience the power of art and contribute to the quality of life for our community,” said Executive Director Greg Gressel. “We strive to be that space where people can find themselves and express themselves through art.”
Gressel brings decades of experience and a strong passion for the arts. Under his guidance, the team strives to bring their best to every production, outreach effort, and new endeavor.
“SJPAC has served as a powerful medium to express, preserve, and transmit the community’s history, traditions, values, and experiences through mediums like music, dance, and theatre,” he added. “We provide a platform for diverse voices and perspectives to be heard and celebrated.”
One step inside the theatre, and visitors will understand why it earned the title of the “mini Ryman.” The SJPAC’s design transforms it into a stage within a stage, where Tullahoma’s history and dreams share the spotlight with each performance. The center’s acoustically rich hall, 1920s Art Deco renovations, and preserved 102-year-old floors create a story that parallels the acts onstage — it represents self-expression, transformation, and community pride. Music legends like Sandi Patty and Dustin Lynch have praised its acoustics and added their voices to the legacy that fills this space.
At the center of SJPAC’s pursuits is its diversity in programming. The venue has become a platform for an inclusive mix of performances, from concerts and plays to educational workshops and community events. Its stages have hosted everything from classical concerts to youth programs like Performing Arts for Children and Teens and Theatre Enrichment Arts Curriculum for Homeschoolers, inspiring students and adults alike and promoting an appreciation for the arts that often enrich lives.
“We have had dozens of students in the last couple of years go on to universities and schools of music to study their art further,” Gressel explained. “Some of our staple programs at SJPAC are not strictly for kids but do include kids and produced singer-songwriter artists like Dustin Lynch and HunterGirl.”
Aside from hosting local talent, SJPAC’s legacy is inscribed in its many milestones. It celebrated the auditorium’s 100th anniversary with a vision for the “Next 100 Years,” adding spaces like the Courtyard Stage and the Spotlight Lounge. The acquisition of the Community Playhouse and the Miss Tullahoma Scholarship Pageant are also notable achievements. These milestones have established SJPAC’s reputation as a premier arts venue in Tennessee.
The SJPAC gives individuals and families a sense of belonging and pride, attracting visitors from neighboring states and over 100 zip codes. Tullahoma has embraced its status as an arts destination, with the center’s success invigorating the community and contributing to the local economy through tourism.
“As a community, we have cultivated our love for the arts through this wonderful facility and all the other art outlets that we have,” Gressel said. “We have created an incredible arts community that people travel to see and be a part of.”
Like many nonprofits, SJPAC faces financial challenges. Yet, the center has consistently met these challenges through strategic fundraising, grants, and local sponsorships. Community support, including sponsorships from businesses and individual donors, is vital to its financial stability.
In recent years, the SJPAC has shown its adaptability. During the COVID-19 pandemic, it restructured programming to continue reaching its audience, proving its excellence in innovation. Future plans include adding a Black Box Theatre and an orchestra pit, embracing change while preserving the traditional elements that patrons have cherished for many years.
In the future, the SJPAC plans to continue growing and restoring, blending historical and modern elements. Planned upgrades, including energy-efficient windows and a new main stage design, reflect their desire to expand while respecting the building’s heritage. Through these efforts, SJPAC continues to serve as a dynamic space where the past and future harmonize.
“We are a living archive of our community’s cultural heritage and love for the arts.”
SJPAC’s achievements are reflective of its volunteers, local businesses, and sponsors. Many leaders have supported the arts in Tullahoma, but the center’s story is truly a product of the support from many individuals and organizations. This community breathes life into the center, ensuring its doors remain open.
In every way, the South Jackson Performing Arts Center represents transformation — of a building, a community, and the many lives touched by the arts. The center is a ray of light for the Tullahoma community, revealing how art connects, inspires, and heals. As SJPAC steps into its next century, it carries forward the hopes, dreams, and histories of Tullahoma. It beautifully reflects the art’s ability to inspire and uplift communities. GN
