About Chattanooga
Chattanooga, Tennessee, is a city of many surprises. Nestled in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, on the banks of the Tennessee River, this southern gem is known for its unique mix of modern amenities and scenic beauty. With so many things to see and discover, it's easy to see why Chattanooga has become a go-to destination for locals and visitors.
The city's rich history and vibrant culture have earned it the nickname "Scenic City." From outdoor activities like kayaking, hiking, or rock climbing at Lookout Mountain to live music events, there are countless ways to experience the city. And with local attractions such as Ruby Falls, Rock City Gardens, and the Tennessee Aquarium, there is always something interesting to do in this gorgeous River City.
When it comes to performance art, Chattanooga truly shines. Whether it's an outdoor concert in one of the city's park amphitheaters, a show at theaters, or even a theater production at historic auditoriums, Chattanooga has no shortage of suitable spaces for showcasing talent. With its mix of traditional architecture and modern facilities, such as the Songbirds Guitar Museum, Chattanooga is ready-made for any performance needs in this unique town.
Performance Options in Chattanooga
- Creative Director
A creative director oversees the creative aspects of every performance, such as the overall look, design, stage setup, lighting design, costuming, and sound engineering. Having a creative director allows one to focus more on executing the performance and less on the logistics of organizing it.
- Technical Production Specialist
A technical production specialist handles all the technical aspects of performance, such as setting up sound systems or visuals (such as screens). They also work closely with artists to ensure everything runs smoothly during a show and that your performance is presented in its best possible form.
- Public Relations Expert
A public relations expert in Chattanooga works with performers to create awareness about their shows and reach out to potential audiences before the event. They also help generate interest by crafting press releases or contacting media outlets about upcoming events, which helps secure additional exposure for performances and reach larger audiences than if done alone.
- Videographer/Photographer
A Chattanooga videographer and photographer specialize in capturing moments from live performances on film or video. They are essential for creating lasting memories of the event or performance. Videographers and photographers provide a range of services, including multi-camera shoots, editing footage to make videos of shows or presentations, and other audio/visual-related services.
Performance Vendors in Chattanooga
- Seals Productions
Seals Productions is a leading audio-visual and event production company based in Chattanooga, TN. Founded in 2013, the company has grown rapidly over the years to become a fully integrated service provider. Seals Productions offers comprehensive services, including staging, sound, lighting, video, and event coordination, emphasizing customizing every aspect of its production services for each event. The company prides itself on its professional and efficient approach to servicing its client's needs, utilizing the experience gained from countless projects across the Southeast and beyond. With extensive knowledge of industry trends, current technology, and creative solutions, Seals Production is dedicated to delivering top-notch customer service that meets all expectations.
- 6 STRONG MEDIA
6 STRONG MEDIA is a full-service video production and post-production studio that creates compelling videos for businesses. With over 20 years of experience in the video industry, founder and CEO Kris Simmons offers his clients world-class services ranging from pre-produced mission moment videos to award recognition videos, promo spots, branded motion graphics, and more. 6 STRONG MEDIA stands out by providing high-quality content with a quick turn-around time while maintaining an affordable price. They are passionate about improving the creative process to deliver the highest quality product for their clients.
- LEO Events
LEO Events is a company that specializes in managing events and meetings. They have more than 80 full-time staff members and four offices in the US, along with several streaming studios and their own digital platform. Thanks to their vast resources, they can execute events of any scale. LEO's Public Events and Festivals team is highly skilled in organizing large-scale events like festivals and is known for its creativity and production expertise. They offer various services, including guest services, food and beverage, and environmental design and media marketing. As a Certified Woman-Owned Business, they have vast experience creating memorable moments and engaging experiences that motivate audiences to take action.
Pros and Cons of Performance Spaces in Chattanooga
Chattanooga is a vibrant city in the southeastern United States, with plenty of performance venues for both local and international performers. However, organizing performances in Chattanooga can be a double-edged sword, with both advantages and disadvantages associated with it.
Advantages
- Chattanooga has a wide variety of established venues for performance events. These include traditional theaters, large outdoor arenas, university auditoriums, amphitheaters, parks, and many more.
- Many professional organizations, such as the Arts & Entertainment Commission or the Chattanooga Symphony & Opera Association, can assist in organizing shows.
- Chattanooga is easily accessible to other cities due to its central location in the Southeast US. This makes it ideal for touring bands and other acts seeking to perform in multiple cities on tour.
- The relatively low cost of living compared to other larger cities in the US makes it a viable option for organizers on a budget looking to host performances in an affordable city.
Disadvantages
- Competition from larger cities like Nashville may attract more prominent names and have more resources, making it difficult for local performers to establish themselves properly without having support from outside sources.
- Some smaller venues are unable to provide technical support, such as sound equipment or lighting rigs, due to limited resources, so performers need to bring their own gear or hire professionals if necessary.
- Due to its location, demand may vary depending on weather conditions or specific seasons, which could result in lower attendance levels than expected for some events.
- Funding for organizing performances may be limited since some subsidies are unavailable due to a smaller network of donors and sponsors in the area.
Tips on How to Organize Performance Spaces in Chattanooga
Preparing a suitable space for a performance can significantly enhance its success. It is important to consider the setting, environment, and audience when preparing for a performance. Here are some tips for creating an optimal space in Chattanooga for a fantastic act.
- Choose the right venue: Choosing the right performance site in Chattanooga can make all the difference. Look into theaters, art halls, and other event spaces appropriate for your type of act. Also, ensure it has enough capacity to accommodate your audience and any additional needs you may have, such as parking or accessibility requirements.
- Manage lighting and sound: Adequate stage lighting is crucial to highlight key moments or performers during your show. Additionally, test your sound system before the show begins to ensure all levels are balanced throughout the space. This will create an even ambiance that will keep audiences engaged throughout the entire performance.
- Keep guests comfortable: One way to ensure your guests remember your performance is by providing a relaxing experience. Consider seating arrangements, temperature regulation (if indoors), and any potential distractions that could disrupt focus from the show itself (e.g., loud noises). These small touches can go a long way toward helping create a positive experience during performances in Chattanooga.
- Utilize stage props: Stage props can add depth and excitement to performances in Chattanooga by helping to create unique visuals or interactive elements with audiences. Look for ways to include props within stories or interactive pieces that could further engage viewers with what is happening on stage; this could also help liven up performances while keeping them entertaining.
- Promote your show: As with any event, spreading the word about upcoming performances is essential if you want people to attend. Take advantage of social media platforms like Facebook or Twitter and traditional methods such as flyers or printed posters around town. Doing so should help draw attention toward upcoming shows and get people more excited about attending them!
Famous Locations in Chattanooga
- Rock City Gardens
Located atop Lookout Mountain in Chattanooga, Tennessee, Rock City Gardens is a breathtaking outdoor space boasting a variety of natural wonders, including a cascading 100-foot waterfall and winding trails offering stunning views of caverns, rock formations, and wildflowers. Lookout Mountain is also home to other renowned attractions like Ruby Falls and Incline Railway, with Rock City as its crowning jewel. A visit to Rock City offers breathtaking views of seven states, a 180-foot suspension bridge, and gardens adorned with art and 400 species of local plants. Fairyland Caverns, which exhibits sculptures illustrating beloved fairy tales, adds to the experience of exploring this stunning location.
- Ross's Landing
Ross's Landing is a significant historical site that not only offers visitors spectacular views of the majestic Tennessee River but also serves as a reminder of the tragic history on its shores. Marking the starting point of the Trail of Tears, more than 1000 Cherokee were forced to relocate from their homeland in 1838. Today, The Passage, a memorial walkway featuring a weeping wall and seven ceramic discs sharing the stories of the Cherokee, stands as a tribute to those torn from their homes and communities.
- Walnut Street Bridge
The Walnut Street Bridge, built in 1891, is one of the most iconic structures in Chattanooga. The bridge spans the width of the Tennessee River and connects the city's downtown area to the North Shore neighborhood. Unlike its counterparts, the Walnut Street Bridge is dedicated solely to pedestrians, making it the perfect spot for a leisurely stroll or bike ride. It's the ideal spot to take in the sights of the city and enjoy views of the magnificent Tennessee River. Visitors can combine a trip to nearby attractions like the Hunter Museum of American Art and the Tennessee Aquarium.