Martin Center earns 'Attraction of the Year' for Broadway productions

Broadway productions draw fans from across the region to the Martin Center for the Arts at East Tennessee State University to enjoy music, acting, choreography, costumes and intricate sets. The Martin Center was recently recognized for its efforts in presenting a full season of Broadway productions with "Attraction of the Year" honors at the Northeast Tennessee Tourism Association's 29th annual Pinnacle Awards, according to a press release from ETSU. Having Broadway shows come to Johnson City was discussed as early as the 1970s, according to Jennifer Clements, executive director of the Martin Center. "Finally, that dream has come true," Clements said. "Having these high-quality shows here has provided an amazing opportunity for our region and the community to expand access to the arts. We have so many excellent performing arts centers around our area, and this is just another extension of the wonderful opportunity to have Broadway here and broaden the horizons for all the arts offered." Clements expressed gratitude for the sponsors, patrons, volunteers and staff. "We could not do this alone, and we're so very thankful for the many individuals across our community who come together to support bringing Broadway here and giving us the opportunity to inspire new audiences and open doors to the arts for generations to come," she said. In addition to the Attraction of the Year Award, the Martin Center won the Commercial category for "Experience ETSU Martin Center for the Arts," a 15-second video spot. "This commercial was created, with the help of Ripl Creative, to celebrate the heart of the ETSU Martin Center experience, our patrons and the memories they make here," said Sara Allen, director of sales and marketing at the Martin Center. "We wanted to showcase the excitement, connection and impact these performances bring to our region and the people who share in them." The full list of Pinnacle Awards is available on the Northeast Tennessee Tourism Association's Facebook page.