Jerry Summers: Clarence L. Brown – UTKs Movie Producer And Director Monday, June 7, 2021 - by Jerry Summers
Jerry Summers
One of the most famous personalities in Hollywood but relatively unknown in Tennessee is the late gentleman by the name of Clarence Leon Brown (1890-1987). Until recently he was also the largest financial contributor to the University of Tennessee at Knoxville having left a $12 million bequest at his death in 1987, contingent on the death of his fourth wife, Marian Spies.
Brown was born in Clinton, Massachusetts and at the age of 12 moved to Knoxville. After graduating from UTK with degrees in mechanical and electrical engineering, he initially worked for the Stevens-Duryea Automotive Company before forming the Brown Motor Car Company in Alabama. He then traveled to Fort Lee, New Jersey to serve as an assistant in the motion picture industry to French director Maurice Tourneur at the Peerless Studio in 1913.
Plans have been in the works for several years to replace the existing Carousel, which dates to the 1950s and started with the intent of being a temporary structure.
The venue is a sentimental favorite among audiences, but it s aging and has limited and primitive accommodations for actors backstage and can become cramped when trying to put on a play with a larger cast.
Recent shows there have included People Where They Are, Hamlet and Detroit 67.
The new structure will remain small and intimate but it ll be up-to-date technologically and able to accommodate the demands of productions in the 21st century.
Ramsdell Theatre Camp inauguration on the horizon
Compiled by Arielle Breen, arielle.breen@pioneergroup.com
May 5, 2021
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MANISTEE It is almost time for the inaugural Ramsdell Theatre Camp.
The Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts is launching the camp on June 14 and it runs through June 26.
Xavier Verna, Ramsdell executive director, noted that “with COVID, we had to cancel the camp in 2020, even after things were in motion and students had already registered. It was sad, but necessary to hold off until this year,” Verna said. “We’re thrilled to welcome students to the theatre this year. The camp directors are a class-act and will no doubt develop a memorable and educational experience for all.”
Cromwell martial artist featured in The World s Greatest
Jan. 29, 2021
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Sensei Frank Shekosky, owner of Cromwell Martial Arts, has been featured in the book “ The World’s Greatest” recognizing many of the world’s greatest martial artists which is authored by Ted Gambordella.Contributed photoShow MoreShow Less
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Sensei Frank Shekosky, owner of Cromwell Martial Arts, has been featured in the book “ The World’s Greatest” recognizing many of the world’s greatest martial artists which is authored by Ted Gambordella.Contributed photoShow MoreShow Less
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CROMWELL Sensei Frank Shekosky, owner of Cromwell Martial Arts, has been featured in the book “ The World’s Greatest” recognizing many of the world’s greatest martial artists which is authored by Ted Gambordella, according to a statement.