Blessed is an understatement when one describes the talent that middle Tennessee, especially Williamson County, holds. From singing to acting to dancing–Studio Tenn Theatre Company brings all this talent to the stage, as well as behind the curtain, to offer show-stopping performances right here in our community. In its fifteenth year, Studio Tenn has established a reputation as a professional regional theater company that is invested in being community-oriented. Their mission is to captivate and inspire with Broadway-quality musicals, plays and concerts–while educating the next generation to create and delight in the experience of live theater.

 

Under the artistic direction of Patrick Cassidy, the company has consistently raised the bar for regional theater. Patrick, a seasoned performer and director with decades of experience, speaks passionately about the vision that drives Studio Tenn, the careful planning that goes into each season and his commitment to community and storytelling. “I try to make sure there's something for everyone,” Patrick explains. “Some shows are just pure fun, while others invite you to think and discuss. For me, it’s about diversity—not just in content, but in what’s on the stage. I try to create a balance of what people expect, what they know and what they’ll discover.”

Creating a season isn’t just about selecting plays and musicals that will sell tickets. It’s a careful balancing act—one that takes into account the tastes of the community, the artistic integrity of the shows and the availability of local talent. "It's an intricate process," Patrick shares. "How many musicals should we do? How many plays? What works for our local audience? Franklin, where Studio Tenn is based, has a different vibe from downtown Nashville, and I want to make sure we have a season that speaks to both." His approach also reflects his deep respect for Southern culture. He notes that while he’s not strictly focused on works from the South, there’s always a nod to regional heritage. “This season, Crimes of the Heart is our southern piece—an exploration of family dynamics and the complexity of relationships.”

 

Casting is a point of pride for Patrick. "I’m meticulous about casting," he says. "Having been an actor myself, I know how crucial it is to get the right people in the room." Studio Tenn is proud to showcase local talent, but Patrick also recognizes that certain shows may require bringing in professionals from outside the area. "This season, we had to bring in talent from New York for Jersey Boys and Million Dollar Quartet," he says. "But ninety percent of our shows are cast locally. The talent pool here is incredible. I love discovering new faces—there’s nothing more exciting than finding someone and thinking, ‘I want to work with you again.'"

One of Patrick’s primary goals for Studio Tenn is to foster the next generation of theater artists. With the company’s strong educational partnerships—especially with Williamson County Schools—he hopes to inspire young people to explore the magic of live theater. "We want to bring kids into our shows, show them how we build sets, design costumes and operate the lights," he says. "We want them to see that it’s not just about what happens on stage—it’s the whole ecosystem… It’s about giving them the tools and resources they need to pursue their dreams, whether that’s acting, directing or behind-the-scenes work."

 

As a nonprofit organization, Studio Tenn relies heavily on donations and sponsorships. Patrick acknowledges that ticket sales only cover a portion of the costs involved in producing high-quality theater. "Ticket sales cover about fifty percent of our costs," he says. "The rest comes from donations and corporate sponsors. It’s an ongoing challenge, but we’re fortunate to have a dedicated team working to build those relationships and bring in new donors." Patrick emphasizes that it’s not just about financial contributions—community engagement is key. "Getting people involved in the theater, whether that’s by becoming a season ticket holder, volunteering or simply attending a show, is essential," he explains. "It’s about making Studio Tenn a place where people feel welcome and invested in the work we’re doing."

For Patrick, the role of artistic director has become much more than just a career. It’s a calling. "I’ve had a wonderful career as an actor and performer, but now, I’m excited to give back,” he says. “This job allows me to share everything I’ve learned over the years, not just with the performers, but with the entire community… I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve built here. It’s not just about what we’ve done—it’s about what we’ll do next. Studio Tenn is a place where stories come to life, and I can’t wait to see where we go from here."