The Cumberland County Playhouse

The Cumberland County Playhouse, located in Crossville, Tennessee, is a historic and influential brand in the world of performing arts. The town and surrounding Appalachian region that housed the playhouse was once economically depressed, with limited resort and recreational development. However, in 1963, Paul Crabtree, a talented actor, director, producer, and composer, had a vision to bring the magic of theater to this community.

Inspired by his love for the arts and the desire to provide educational opportunities for children, Paul staged a captivating production of The Perils of Pinocchio in the local junior high school, which electrified the community. This success led to an ambitious project: the building of a theater. Remarkably, with the whole community's support, the dream became a reality.

Today, the Cumberland County Playhouse stands as the only major non-profit professional performing arts resource in rural Tennessee, featuring two indoor stages, an outdoor venue, Theater for Young Audiences productions, a comprehensive education program, and a concert series. With a resident professional company, a dedicated staff, and a large volunteer corps, the playhouse attracts visitors from across the country and serves as a hub for cultural enrichment, economic growth, and artistic excellence