I had the privilege of co-planning a part-time staff appreciation party for the staff of the Historic Tennessee Theatre. Pulling from the history of wartime canteens and the theatre’s history as a movie palace. We called it Stagedoor Canteen. We encouraged staff to dress in their best Hollywood glam or as a famous actor or actress from the past. Letters of acceptance from MGM and Paramount were given out upon entry to divide the group for dinner. MGM got to eat first, while Paramount was encouraged to complete a scavenger hunt. Dinner was on the stage and access to the building was through the stage door. Many staff members have been with the theatre for years and have never been allowed to be back stage. This was a real treat, and it gave people an opportunity to explore both backstage and dressing rooms, but also the projection booth.
