"bringing human beings together through the shared experience of live theatre"

TENNESSEE THEATER FELLOWSHIP (TTF) IS A SEMI-PROFESSIONAL, NON-PROFIT THEATRE COMPANY SERVING MIDDLE TENNESSEE. WE STRIVE TO BRING THE KIND OF ARTS PROGRAMMING TO OUR CITY THAT NOT ONLY ENTERTAINS AN AUDIENCE WITH EXCELLENCE, BUT ALSO CHALLENGES ALL OF US TO BE A BETTER COMMUNITY. WE BELIEVE THAT THE TELLING OF STORIES AND THE SHARING OF LAUGHTER, TEARS, SONGS, OR POWERFUL WORDS CAN HELP US UNDERSTAND AND CONNECT TO ONE ANOTHER MORE FULLY. THIS VISION FOR HIGH-QUALITY, ARTS-BASED FELLOWSHIP GUIDES US TOWARD THE FOLLOWING CORE VALUES:
Enrichment
The shows and events we choose to produce — both classic and current — will be thoughtful, challenging, inspiring, or even just joyfully uplifting, making the performers & audience members better for having been part of it.
civil discourse
Post-show conversations with cast and audience members foster and model open and respectful dialogue, and meaningful connection surrounding theatre-making, as well as the issues or human conditions of our time that productions may address, and what it made us feel. We hope this kind of conversation- sparked by beautifully told stories on stage- produces empathy & enlightenment in participants.
hospitality
Fellowship over good food & drink is a key aspect of human connection in southern towns like Franklin (and around the world)! Patrons will be encouraged to connect with others and feel at home in a convivial atmosphere with certain items provided to our guests "on the house." We aim to partner with special local vendors to make the "hometown hospitality" at our shows even more special.
EQUalITY & GENEROSITY
Along with our theatrical season, we will create or partner with productions, classes, & camps for youth who have an interest in the performing arts. These offerings will be easily accessible regardless of socio-economic status. Through generous scholarships, and by collaborating with specific schools and organizations, we can share the invaluable benefits of theatre arts participation with all young artists in our area. 
We cast & contract with many gifted theatre professionals onstage, behind the curtains, and in the booth for our shows. Our workshops, lessons, and camps utilize a variety of local artists and instructors. We also have a wonderful base of volunteers who make our work possible in this community. The core team behind Tennessee Theater Fellowship consists of:

Melanie sutton

Founder & Managing Artistic Director
Melanie Sutton has directed over 25 plays and musicals in her career, including FTF's bold reimagining of TWELVE ANGRY JURORS & GUYS & DOLLS: An Immersive Theatrical Experience. In January, Melanie directed the national post-Broadway regional premiere of Tony-winner GOOD NIGHT, OSCAR. Melanie spent 15 years in upper school theatre education here in Franklin, building a thriving Performing Arts department from the ground up. In her past, Melanie studied, performed, and assistant directed at the highly acclaimed Stratford Playhouse in Houston, TX, winning a regional Best Actress award for her role in THE DIARY OF ANNE FRANK. Melanie's desire to foster connectedness & empathy, to raise up the next generation of artists, and to produce excellent theatrical experiences, all came together in her unique vision for FTF. She loves beautifully-told stories that bring people together - this one included. Melanie and her husband Ryan (a record producer and mix engineer), have two amazing sons and live in Franklin, TN. melanie@ftfshows.org

Emily Stephens

Social Media Marketing & Executive Assistant Emily is a recent graduate of Lipscomb University with a BFA in Acting. She is a professional actress in Nashville, TN and holds 6+ years of experience in social media marketing and content creation. She is thrilled to join the TTF Team and passionate about making theatre happen.

Ben Gregg

Co-Founder, Executive Producer, & Board Member
Ben Gregg is an actor and local entrepreneur. In his early 30's, Ben found a love for the stage, performing in several shows for the Auburn Avenue Dinner Theatre and Gig Harbor Playhouse in Washington state. His favorite roles included "Joseph" in "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat", and leads in productions of "Guys & Dolls" and "Sound of Music." After moving to Franklin, he eventually stepped away from theatre and into the business world. Ben is currently the owner and CEO of an insurance company here. He is excited to combine his entrepreneurial spirit and resources with his love for acting in launching FTF.

board of directors

Rob McRay - President (Lipscomb University, Retired Non-Profit Executive Director) Cassie LaFevor - Vice President (TPAC) Ben Gregg - Treasurer (Private Insurance, Entrepreneur) RJ Comer - Secretary (Ambit+ Advisors) Sandy Statler Weik - Board Member (Owner, ProExecutive Inc.) Jennifer Clapp - Board Member (Alliance Bernstein) Melanie Sutton - Board Member (TTF Managing Artistic Director)

OUR Sponsors & PARTNERS

  • Visit CAMP BROADWAY and BEA online!
  • this could be you!
    Join the FTF family today and get invaluable exposure for your business! Market to a captive audience of local theatre-goers all season long with ads in our programs and online!
    SPONSOR FTF!
    We are looking for more amazing companies like yours to partner with us in making great art and a more connected community! Make a difference, market your business, and earn a tax write-off!