The Carousel Theatre
The Ula Love Doughty Carousel Theatre is an intimate, versatile 400 seat arena space, featuring flexible seating and staging. Located next to the Clarence Brown Theatre, the Carousel Theatre was renamed in 1991 in tribute to Mrs. Doughty, a devoted patron who has provided for the building’s future. All seating is general admission.
The Carousel Theatre Campaign
From Award Winning productions to commissioning World Premieres, the Carousel continues to impact our community. Respecting the past, recognizing the present, and revealing the future…this is what we hope for the future of the Carousel Theatre.
- Enhanced audience experience
- Flexible seating and staging
- Lobby for pre and post show gatherings
- Restroom facilities in the theatre
- Cutting edge technology
The new Jenny Boyd Carousel Theatre will provide state-of-the-art technology and infrastructure and be built in place of the existing theatre, which began its legacy during the 1950s as a temporary structure. The theatre has been used to train generations of actors, set designers, and other performing arts professionals who value its unique design.
Join the Legacy
Join the legacy of the Carousel by helping us support the future of the new Jenny Boyd Carousel Theatre today!
Campaign Committee Members
- Liz Stowers
- Margie Nichols
- Jan Simek
- Lyle Irish
- Christian Corts
- Cal MacLean
- Tom Cervone
Did You Know…
- The Carousel Theatre is the only theatre in the round in the Southeast
- It is unique in that it also has a circular stage
- Nearly 17,000 people attended the 1953 summer series
- Architect Frederick Roth donated his time and efforts as a “labor of love”
- Inspired by a tent and sawdust stage, the original outdoor theatre had seats for 300
- Structure was enclosed by the end of 1952
- By 1965 the theatre’s doors were open year round
A Career-Launching Venue for These Celebrities
- John Cullum – 2-time Tony Award Winner
- Carol Mayo Jenkins – Fame TV Series
- David Keith – An Officer and A Gentleman (Golden Globe Nominee)
- Dale Dickey – Hell or High Water, Winter’s Bone
- Conrad Ricamora – How to Get Away With Murder, The King and I (2015 Broadway Production)
- Tramell Tillman – The Godfather of Harlem, Dietland, Severance
Mailing Address
Ula Love Doughty Carousel Theatre
206 McClung Tower
1115 Volunteer Blvd.
Knoxville, TN 37996
Physical and Shipping Address
Ula Love Doughty Carousel Theatre
1704 Andy Holt Ave.
Knoxville, TN 37916-3702
Seating
Full Arena Maximum: 400
Accessible Seating: 7
Stage Dimensions
Lower ring: 31′-4″
Avg. ring depth: 2′-10 ½”
Avg. ring rise: 6″
General Information
Stage Floor: Cement slab painted gloss black.
Traps: None
Pit: None
Dance Floor: None
Downloads
Full technical details including lighting, sound, and dressing room information.
“I thought it was the coolest building I’d ever been in, and I wanted to be an actor just like Annie.”
—Jenny Boyd, about her first visit to the Carousel Theatre on a school trip in the 1960s to see Annie Get Your Gun
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