Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: Bijou Theatre Center
Legal Name (if Different):
Also Known As: The Bijou Theatre
Mailing Address: PO Box 1746
City: Knoxville
State: TN
Postal Code: 37901
Main Phone: 865-522-0832
Main Fax:
Organization Website: knoxbijou.org
Employer ID Number: 62-1303589
Organization Tax Status: 501(c)3 Non-Profit Organization

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: 3/27/2025
Requested Amount: $10,000

Project Title: Imagination Series – Artist Fee Support for 2026 Season
Project Description:

The Bijou Theatre’s Imagination Series is a cherished arts education program that brings high-quality, professional theatrical performances to school-age children across East Tennessee. Hosted in Knoxville’s historic Bijou Theatre—recognized by The New York Times as one of the best-sounding rooms in America—the series often provides students with their very first live performing arts experience.

Central to the Bijou’s mission, the Imagination Series partners with schools and community organizations to offer immersive field trip experiences. The 2026 season will feature two productions specifically curated for Pre-K through 5th-grade students, with a strong focus on serving rural and underserved communities that lack regular access to arts programming.

Requested funds from the Hermanowski Family Foundation will directly support artist and production fees for both titles in the 2026 season. This investment will ensure that students experience engaging, professionally produced performances that inspire creativity, empathy, and curiosity.

Additional funding will cover ticket subsidies and travel grants, helping schools overcome financial barriers. The anticipated impact includes reaching more than 3,000 students and educators through live performances, with feedback collected through post-show educator surveys to evaluate outcomes and guide future programming.

Past seasons have featured productions such as The Rainbow Fish and Dot Dot Dot, sparking joy and wonder among young audiences. Upcoming performances include Goodnight Moon and The Remember Balloons in the 2024–2025 season, laying the foundation for an even more impactful 2026.

Support from the Hermanowski Family Foundation will play a vital role in sustaining this meaningful work—keeping the Imagination Series accessible, high-quality, and deeply enriching for the children of East Tennessee. Your investment helps foster a lifelong appreciation for the arts and cultivates the next generation of creative thinkers and theatre lovers.

Total Project Budget: $44,385

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): $5,000 East TN Foundation (Committed), $20,000 Oak Ridge Nat’l Lab (Potential), $14,665 TN Arts Commission (Potential)

Project Duration: January 2026 – November 2026
Geographical Area Served: Knox, Jefferson, Grainger, Blount, Sevier, and surrounding East Tennessee areas
Age Group To Be Served: Pre-K to 5th Grade

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Mrs.
Contact First Name: Courtney
Contact Last Name: Bergmeier
Contact Title: Executive Director
Contact Phone: 865-522-0832 ext. 201
Contact Email: courtney@knoxbijou.org