Our History

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.

Buzz Thomas, Director of the Niswonger Foundation and also a lawyer who has worked with not-for-profit organizations in the past, was then brought into the process.  He began working through the East Tennessee Foundation on a temporary basis, while setting the wheels in motion to obtain a 501 (C)(3) status for the performing arts center.  In January, 2005 the center received notice of its federal 501(C)(3) status.

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; 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 are16 additional members of the community who serve in an ex-officio capacity with experience and interest in the arts.

As of January 2005, more than 125 volunteers are helping to develop policies and procedures, market and advertise the center, develop memberships and sponsorships, serve as ushers at performances, assist in the technical area of the center 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 to benefit Takoma Adventist Hospital.

The inaugural event for NPAC itself was a 1940's musical revue, "In The Mood."

Renowned entertainer Gladys Knight performed before a sold out crowd for the grand opening of NPAC on Tuesday, January 25th. The performance was attended by dignitaries from throughout the region.

Seven Brides for Seven Brothers was presented to an enthusiastic crowd by Windwood Productions on February 7th.

What's Ahead for NPAC?

Executive Director Darrell Bryan promises a variety of entertainment for one and all. "We will strive to offer performances of all types. We want to appeal to young and old and to have a performing arts center that will be regional in scope and will enhance the arts in this and surrounding communities."

©Copyright 2008, Niswonger Performing Arts Center - All Rights Reserved