Community aims to bring ‘2nd act’ to historic Bells Theatre

BELLS, Tenn. — A group of West Tennesseans are now on a mission to bring a second act to a vacant theater.

“This lovely old theater has wallpaper that’s crumbling, but you can still hear the echo of the people that have been in here,” Sarah Conley, Chairperson of the Arts Council of Crockett County, said.

Web Exclusive: See Conley give a brief tour of the historic theater.

Built in the late 1930s, the Bells Theatre has been closed since 1996. “I did my first performance on this stage,” Christina Duffey said.

“I was 4 or 5 maybe. I sang ‘Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star,'” Duffey said as she reminisced about the 30 years the theater belonged to her family.

Spider webs now hang on light fixtures in the lobby, but a group of Crockett County residents are working on a comeback for the once thriving theater.

“We need to raise several hundred thousand dollars to see this dream come to life,” Conley said.

The Chamber of Commerce is partnering with the Arts Council of Crockett County for the multi-phase project.

The goal is to raise $500,000 and to apply for grants for additional funding. “The grants would just double those dollars,” Chamber of Commerce Director Charlie Moore said.

Moore said regardless of grants the project will happen and all money raised will fund the revamp.

“We feel like this will connect everything,” Moore said about the ability for residents in neighboring towns and counties to benefit from the theater.

Known for film screenings and live performances, fundraisers said the goal is to make the theater a center stage for the community to hold conferences, entertainment and weddings.

“That’s what it’s all about, the opportunities,” Bob Pigue said.

Pigue and his wife have owned the theater for nine years. The couple have donated the building to the council for the revitalization program.

With mold damage, old carpet and torn seats, it’s pretty clear the theater needs a little help before it can reopen.

Crockett County residents said they have what it takes to see the piece of history come back to life.

“In our rural communities, it’s the citizens that get it done,” Moore said.