When Greeneville High School in Greeneville, TN began a renovation project in March of 1999, there was a budget that included a $2.5 million line-item for an auditorium that would seat the entire student body of up to 800 at one time.
At that time a small group of local businessmen suggested that rather than stopping with just an auditorium that would be used occasionally, perhaps they should be more visionary. The idea was conceived to put private funding together with public money and upgrade the standards for an actual performing arts center.
This would enable the center to be an asset to the entire community and open it up for everyone's use. "This," according to Scott Niswonger, "would be an obvious recruiting tool for economic development, while at the same time offering enrichment in the arts for the entire community of Greeneville and Greene County."
An aggressive plan could be developed to offer performing arts for all age levels, from traveling troupes to orchestra performances, from Broadway plays to major concerts. The Niswonger Performing Arts Center could become a major tourist attraction for the region.
In addition, as far as Greeneville High School was concerned, Dr. Lyle Ailshie, Director of Schools, said, "This would be a tremendous plus for the school, allowing enhanced band and chorus programs in the high school - taking them to a higher level, plus enabling the school system to offer a drama program in the near future. It would certainly be a win/win situation for the school as well as the community."
Niswonger Steps Up
Scott M. Niswonger, business owner and philanthropist, stepped up to the plate and became the major benefactor, pledging $5.5 million in order to complete the performing arts project. This was in addition to the $1.3 million he had given to the academic educational project.
A separate bid process was held for the actual performing arts center itself right in the middle of the school project. Rouse Construction of Knoxville got the contract for the project, with Barber & McMurray of Knoxville as architect. John Fisher of Fisher and Associates of Greeneville was the Design Architect.
Hiring of Management Company
Scott Niswonger saw the need to find a company, preferably a local company, that would handle the development of the performing arts center. He turned to Darrell Bryan, who has been recognized in the community as a successful businessman and an advocate of the community. Not only had he been in the entertainment field more than 30 years, Bryan was owner and operator of two different radio stations for 20 years and has often been recognized for his leadership capabilities.
Niswonger hired Bryan's company, Bryan Management, Inc. to manage the day-to-day operation of the center and supervision of all employees, to schedule, contract, book and market the entertainment.
The management company is employed by the Niswonger Governing Board, which is made up of Scott M. Niswonger, President; Nikki Niswonger, Vice-President; Dr. Michelle Freeman, Treasurer; Carla Bewley; Bill Brown; Allison Weems;and Dr. Lyle Ailshie, ex-officio board member.
Performing Arts Advisory Board
Bryan hit the road running and one of his first goals was to obtain community support. He, with input from the Governing Board, appointed a 22-member Performing Arts Advisory Board. Also serving with this group are 16 additional members of the community who serve in an ex-officio capacity with experience and interest in the arts.
Annually more than 100 volunteers are helping serve as ushers at performances, assist in the technical area of the center, assist as parking attendants, and are writing grants to help fund the performing arts center.
The first time the Niswonger Performing Arts Center (NPAC) was used for a performance was a concert by Mark Lowry December 7, 2004 to benefit Takoma Adventist Hospital.
The inaugural event for NPAC itself was a 1940's musical revue, "In The Mood" December 16, 2004.
Renowned entertainer Gladys Knight performed before a sold out crowd for the grand opening of NPAC on January 25, 2005. The performance was attended by dignitaries from throughout the region.
IMPACT OF NPAC!
More than 50,000 people annually attend NPAC. Executive Director Darrell Bryan promises a variety of entertainment for one and all, with a variety of shows each year. NPAC has become an entertainment center for the entire region and an economic boost for Greene County.
