Mission Statement

Free Spirit Theatre
 
Free Spirit Theatre provides the Knoxville community with innovative and provocative theatre productions from the global canon as well as experimental and original works. Our mission is to explore the boundaries of theatre and push the envelope for social awareness, change, tolerance, and enlightenment.

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Jill Stapleton Bergeron 
Artistic Director

Jill Stapleton Bergeron has enjoyed a varied and diverse career in theatre as professional actor and director, college professor, and writer. She holds degrees in both music and theatre and has worked in every type of theatre including professional, academic, community, and church. Besides her main interests in acting and directing, Jill has also enjoyed professional work in live performance photography, costume design, publicity and promotion, playwriting, and jewelry design. 

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Gary Bergeron, Technical Director

Gary is an engineer by day, but an avid theatre lover at heart. He is also a gifted woodworker, carpenter, and all-around handyman. Gary acts as stage manager, as well as TD, and lovingly supports his wife in pursuing her theatrical dreams. He has worked on shows such as The Lesson (produced by FST), The Trail of the Lonesome Pine Outdoor Drama, and many others. He is active in Knoxville's chapter of Construction Specifications Institute (CSI) having been recognized with a national award last year for his dedication in helping educate and mentor budding architects. He guest lectures for the architecture department at the University of Tennessee and offers "lunch and learns" around the area teaching engineers, architects, and other designers about geothermal heating and air. Without his technical expertise Free Spirit Theatre's productions would not come to life on stage.