The Franklin Theatre
The Franklin Theatre is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) performing arts venue in Franklin, Tennessee, operating a 300-seat historic Art Deco auditorium that presents approximately 600 concerts, film screenings, and live theatre events annually to 75,000+ patrons as a division of the Heritage Foundation of Williamson County.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1937
- HeadquartersFranklin, United States
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What The Franklin Theatre does
The Franklin Theatre is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) performing arts venue in downtown Franklin, Tennessee, operating as a wholly-owned division of the Heritage Foundation of Williamson County. The 300-seat Art Deco-inspired auditorium, originally opened in 1937, closed in 1989, and was acquired, renovated, and reopened by the Heritage Foundation in 2011; the building holds LEED Silver certification. The theatre presents approximately 600 events per year, serving 75,000+ ticketed patrons across live music concerts, cinema screenings, live theatre, and dance, with notable bookings including Sheryl Crow, T Bone Burnett, Vince Gill, and Wynonna Judd. Programming is organized into recurring branded series such as the Songwriters Series, Variety on Main, FearFest (annual horror series), Filmmakers in Franklin (filmmaker Q&A events), Summer Sessions (music industry workshops for high school students), and Oddity Improv comedy.
The underlying technology stack is modest and event-venue-appropriate rather than software-centric: Agile Ticketing Solutions handles online ticketing, memberships, donations, and gift cards; the auditorium is equipped with HD video, state-of-the-art sound and lighting, and a 23-foot retractable screen; and merchandise is sold via the Bonfire print-on-demand platform. The venue has no mobile app, no public API, and no AI/ML capabilities. Marketing and distribution are executed through an email newsletter, Instagram, the company's website, earned media, and community partnerships, reaching approximately 175,000 social followers and 75,000 email subscribers.
The business model is a hybrid nonprofit operating model combining transactional, recurring, and contributed revenue. Transactional revenue comes from ticket sales (concerts, cinema, theatre, dance), venue rental (corporate functions, premieres, fundraisers), concessions, merchandise, and gift cards. Recurring revenue is generated by the seven-tier 1937 Society membership program, with annual dues from $75 (Individual) to $10,000+ (Producer) offering pre-sale access, complimentary tickets, VIP experiences, and marquee messages. Contributed revenue includes tax-deductible donations at preset levels ($100, $250, $500, $1,000) and a $100-donation marquee-message program. Corporate sponsorships (Atmos Energy, Jackson National Life, Craft Body Scan, Lincoln) and a community volunteer program (ushers, ticket scanners) further supplement revenue and reduce operating costs. The venue claims a $7.4 million direct annual economic impact on the region, with over $5 million raised for charitable organizations through hosted benefit events.
The Franklin Theatre firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- The Franklin Theatre
- Legal name
- The Franklin Theatre (a division of Heritage Foundation of Williamson County, TN)
- Website
- https://franklintheatre.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1937
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- The Franklin Theatre is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) performing arts venue in Franklin, Tennessee, operating a 300-seat historic Art Deco auditorium that presents approximately 600 concerts, film screenings, and live theatre events annually to 75,000+ patrons as a division of the Heritage Foundation of Williamson County.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
The Franklin Theatre industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Performing Arts Venue
- NAICS
- Promoters of Performing Arts, Sports, and Similar Events with Facilities (71131), Performing Arts, Spectator Sports, and Related Industries (711), Motion Picture and Video Exhibition (51213)
- SIC
- Services-Amusement & Recreation Services (7900), Services-Miscellaneous Amusement & Recreation (7990)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Performing Arts Centers & Presenters (Programming/Booking) (MPAGABAM)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Theater & Performing Arts Venue Operations (Playhouses, Opera Houses) (MPAGALAB), Event Operations & Venue Services (Box Office, FOH/BOH, Concessions) (MPAIAFAL), Concert Venue Operators (Arenas, Amphitheaters, Clubs) (MPAGAAAC), Theater, Musicals & Performing Arts (THAJAFAB)
Keywords
Where The Franklin Theatre is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Franklin
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
The Franklin Theatre business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Ticket Sales: Revenue from concerts, theatre performances, cinema screenings, and dance events through online and box office sales
- Venue Rental: Corporate functions, private events, movie premieres, benefits, fundraisers, and social gatherings hosted at the theatre
- 1937 Society Membership: Annual membership program with tiers from $75 to $10,000+ offering exclusive benefits including pre-sale access, complimentary tickets, and VIP experiences
- Donations: Tax-deductible donations to support theatre operations as ticket sales alone do not sustain the nonprofit
- Concessions and Merchandise: Food, beverage, and merchandise sales including popcorn, beverages, Franklin Theatre branded merchandise
- Marquee Messages: $100 donation to display personal messages on the theatre marquee for 24 hours
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | Annual | Individual Membership - $75/year |
| Subscription | Annual | Family Membership - $150/year |
| Subscription | Annual | Sustaining Partner - $500/year |
| Subscription | Annual | Patron - $1,000/year |
| Subscription | Annual | Artist - $2,500/year |
| Subscription | Annual | Director - $5,000/year |
| Subscription | Annual | Producer - $10,000+/year |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Marquee Message - $100 donation |
| Subscription | Annual | Oddity Improv Season Pass |
| Other | Pay-as-you-go | General Donations |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels5 records
Marketing channels6 records
The Franklin Theatre product offering
Product offeringCore offering
The Franklin Theatre operates a 300-seat nonprofit performing arts venue in Downtown Franklin, Tennessee, presenting ticketed live music concerts, cinema/movie screenings, live theatre productions, and dance performances, supplemented by recurring branded series (Songwriters Series, Variety on Main, FearFest, Filmmakers in Franklin, Summer Sessions). The venue also offers private and corporate venue rental, a multi-tiered annual 1937 Society membership program, gift cards, marquee message donations, and tax-deductible giving to sustain nonprofit operations.
Product overview
The Franklin Theatre is a nonprofit, Art Deco-inspired live entertainment venue in Downtown Franklin, Tennessee, operated as a division of the Heritage Foundation of Williamson County. Its core product is the presentation of live performances across multiple programming strands: ticketed live music concerts, cinema/movie screenings, live theatre productions, and dance performances. These core offerings are complemented by recurring branded series including the Songwriters Series, Variety on Main, Summer Sessions (music industry workshops), FearFest (annual horror movie series), and Filmmakers in Franklin (film screenings with filmmaker Q&As). Supporting revenue streams include a multi-tiered 1937 Society membership/donation program, venue and marquee rental services, gift cards, merchandise (via Bonfire), and a tax-deductible donation program. The venue also produces its own documentary content and runs a community volunteer program. All ticketing is powered by Agile Ticketing Solutions.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Live Music Performances Ticketed live concert events featuring a wide variety of music genres including country, Americana, bluegrass, rock, R&B, classical, and gospel performed by touring artists and local talent in the 300-seat venue.
- Cinema / Movie Screenings Curated and themed classic and contemporary film screenings in an Art Deco-inspired auditorium, including special Q&A events with filmmakers, directors, and industry talent.
- Live Theatre Ticketed theatrical performances and stage productions presented at the Franklin Theatre, including original productions, tributes, and Broadway-style shows.
- Dance Performances Dance and movement-based live performances showcased at the Franklin Theatre.
- Summer Sessions An annual multi-day music industry workshop series for high school students held at the Franklin Theatre, providing educational programming around the music industry.
- FearFest An annual curated horror and mystery movie screening series held each October at the Franklin Theatre, featuring themed screenings and special guest presentations.
- Filmmakers in Franklin A film event series presenting screenings of classic and contemporary films with live Q&A sessions and meet & greets featuring directors, animators, and industry talent, presented in collaboration with SMC.
- Venue Rental The Franklin Theatre and its marquee are available to rent for private and corporate events including concerts, film screenings, fundraisers, private movie parties, corporate functions, educational presentations, and social gatherings. Capacity 289–312 seats, 30×23 foot stage, HD video, and full technical production.
- 1937 Society Membership A multi-tiered annual giving/membership program supporting the nonprofit Franklin Theatre. Tiers range from Individual ($75/year) to Producer ($10,000+/year) with escalating benefits including pre-sale ticket access, complimentary popcorn and drink vouchers, movie passes, VIP lounge access, marquee messages, and backstage tours.
- Donations / Tax-Deductible Giving Tax-deductible donations can be made at preset levels ($100, $250, $500, $1,000) or custom amounts to support the theatre's operations and mission of providing performing arts access to the community.
- Marquee Message For a $100 minimum donation, supporters can display a personal message on the historic Franklin Theatre marquee for 24 hours, with messages rotating in groups of up to six on the marquee display.
- Franklin Theatre Merchandise Official branded merchandise including crewneck logo sweatshirts, zip-up hoodies, t-shirts, baseball hats, ceramic mugs, travel mugs, and stainless steel water bottles, sold through the Bonfire print-on-demand platform.
- Gift Cards Franklin Theatre gift cards available for purchase, allowing recipients to use them toward tickets for live music, movies, and other events at the venue.
Quantifiable outcome
- 75,000+ ticketed patrons annually
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use The Franklin Theatre
Customer profileNamed customers12 records
Segments5 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
The Franklin Theatre technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature2 records
The Franklin Theatre partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Ten partnerships are on record, tiered core, minor and flagship.
- Craft Body ScancorePresenting sponsor for FearFest movie series. Partnership aligns with community health outreach, promoting early detection of health issues while supporting the theatre's programming.
- Lincoln (Ford Motor Company)minorPop-up test drive activation event showcasing the Lincoln Navigator at the theatre, offering gift cards to participants.
- African American Heritage Society of Williamson CountycorePartnered with Heritage Foundation to host Yale University's award-winning a cappella group Out of the Blue, celebrating connection between historic preservation and adaptive reuse.
- Chad Gilbert / New Found GlorycoreCollaboration with musician Chad Gilbert to re-launch movie series with curated themed experiences including Sci Fi Sundays, Rock & Roll Mondays, Throwback Thursday Comedy Nights, and Family Forever Matinee Saturdays.
- Atmos EnergycorePresenting sponsor for Summer Pay What You Can movie screenings, enabling low-cost community access to the theatre's programming.
- Shannon Sanders / Cromwell MediacorePartnership with Grammy-winning producer Shannon Sanders and Cromwell Media to host regional premiere of Baz Luhrmann's Elvis biopic as a fundraiser.
- Heritage Foundation of Williamson County, TNflagshipThe Franklin Theatre is a nonprofit LLC, a wholly-owned division of the Heritage Foundation of Williamson County, TN, a 501(c)(3) organization. The Heritage Foundation acquired, renovated, and reopened the theatre in 2011 after community support saved it from closure.
- Downtown Franklin AssociationminorLocal business association partnership; theatre is identified as anchor for Franklin's Historic Main Street.
- Jackson National LifecoreSponsor of live music shows presented at the Franklin Theatre.
- Agile Ticketing SolutionscoreTicketing technology platform provider for online ticket sales, memberships, donations, and gift cards.
Scale indicators7 records
Recent moves8 records
Expansion highlights5 records
The Franklin Theatre competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Boulder Theater: Historic 1906 theater in downtown Boulder, Colorado, presenting concerts, films, and private events in an intimate setting. Comparable as a historic, smaller-capacity presenting venue in a walkable downtown district.
- Schermerhorn Symphony Center: Home of the Nashville Symphony and a 1,860-seat concert hall operated by a nonprofit. Comparable as a Tennessee-based nonprofit performing arts venue presenting concerts and community programming in a purpose-built/renovated downtown setting.
- Bijou Theatre: Historic 1920s-era theater in downtown Knoxville presenting concerts, comedy, and films, operated as a nonprofit. Highly comparable as a Tennessee-based historic theater presenting diverse programming in an intimate setting.
- Orpheum Theatre (Memphis): 1928 historic theater in Memphis presenting Broadway tours, concerts, and films, operated by a nonprofit. Comparable as a Tennessee-based historic nonprofit performing arts venue with multi-format programming.
- Tennessee Performing Arts Center (TPAC): Nashville's largest nonprofit performing arts center, presenting Broadway tours, concerts, and dance. Comparable as a Tennessee-based nonprofit presenting organization operating its own venues and relying on community and donor support.
- Ryman Auditorium: Nashville's iconic historic live music venue, originally a tabernacle and now a 2,400-seat performance hall operated by Ryman Hospitality. Directly comparable as a Tennessee-based historic venue presenting concerts, theatre, and special events, though at a much larger scale.
- Belcourt Theatre: Nashville-based nonprofit cinema and live events venue operated as a 501(c)(3). Closely comparable as a Tennessee nonprofit presenting curated film, live music, and community programming in a historic single-screen setting.
- The Ark: Intimate ~400-seat nonprofit folk and acoustic music venue in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Comparable as a small, intimate, nonprofit presenting venue focused on live music with a strong donor and volunteer community.
- Tennessee Theatre: 1928 historic movie palace in Knoxville, now operating as a presenting venue for concerts, films, and events. Comparable as a Tennessee-based historic theater presenting diverse performing arts programming.
- Charleston Music Hall: Historic 1800s-era music hall in Charleston, SC, presenting concerts, comedy, films, and community events. Comparable as a smaller-capacity historic venue in a downtown/preservation district presenting multi-format programming.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
The Franklin Theatre social profiles
Digital presenceThe Franklin Theatre financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
The Franklin Theatre leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles2 records
The Franklin Theatre funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
The Franklin Theatre M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about The Franklin Theatre
What does The Franklin Theatre do?
The Franklin Theatre operates a 300-seat nonprofit performing arts venue in Downtown Franklin, Tennessee, presenting ticketed live music concerts, cinema/movie screenings, live theatre productions, and dance performances, supplemented by recurring branded series (Songwriters Series, Variety on Main, FearFest, Filmmakers in Franklin, Summer Sessions). The venue also offers private and corporate venue rental, a multi-tiered annual 1937 Society membership program, gift cards, marquee message donations, and tax-deductible giving to sustain nonprofit operations.
Is The Franklin Theatre a public or private company?
The Franklin Theatre is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was The Franklin Theatre founded?
The Franklin Theatre was founded in 1937. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is The Franklin Theatre based?
The Franklin Theatre is headquartered in Franklin, United States, in the North America region.
How does The Franklin Theatre make money?
Six revenue lines are on record. Ticket Sales are the primary driver. The others are venue Rental, 1937 Society Membership, donations, concessions and Merchandise and marquee Messages.
Who are The Franklin Theatre's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Boulder Theater, Schermerhorn Symphony Center, Bijou Theatre, Orpheum Theatre (Memphis), Tennessee Performing Arts Center (TPAC), Ryman Auditorium, Belcourt Theatre, The Ark, Tennessee Theatre and Charleston Music Hall.
Does The Franklin Theatre have an API?
No public API is recorded for The Franklin Theatre.
What industry is The Franklin Theatre in?
The Franklin Theatre's product category is Performing Arts Venue. Its primary akta.pro industry code is MPAGABAM, Performing Arts Centers & Presenters (Programming/Booking), with a secondary code of MPAGALAB, Theater & Performing Arts Venue Operations (Playhouses, Opera Houses). Its NAICS code is 71131 and its SIC code is 7900.