From its name to the intimate shows this space puts on, there is nothing ordinary about Barking Legs Theater. So, why celebrate 30 years any other way than with a month full of events?
For 22 days in November, the theater (located at 1307 Dodds Ave.) will host new shows, taking the audience on a journey and showcasing the organization’s mission that began in 1993.
Associate Director Courtenay Cholovich said that the theater’s founder Ann Law, who is classically trained in dance, came to Chattanooga and realized there wasn’t a venue for boundary-pushing work. She added that over the course of 30 years, Barking Legs has hosted artists across mediums, worked with community outreach + programming, and continues to be a safe and inclusive space for voices.
“We want them to realize that Barking Legs is not just an event venue, it’s a community space, it’s a community hub,” said Cholovich.
Cholovich said that there will be new programming in 2024 to activate the space. She added that this celebration doubles as a showcase to get the community invested in the theater’s next 30 years.
That includes expanding on its educational programs + artists residencies to teach in schools, opening the lounge for coworking, and building towards a festival.
The show must go on. Each day of the week will have its own dedicated theme Sunday through Saturday, curated by each member on staff. Think: Film, new works by local artists, comedy, jazz, dance, theater, and various acts.
Event schedule
- Wednesday, Nov. 1 | 7:30-9:30 p.m. | Alan Wyatt Extravaganza
- Thursday, Nov. 2 | 7:30-8:45 p.m. | “This Place” — Ann Law
- Friday, Nov. 3 | 7:30-9:30 p.m. | “Weird/Rude/Probably Cursed”
- Saturday, Nov. 4 | 7:30-9:30 p.m. | “A Body in the O” — Tim Miller
- Sunday, Nov. 5 | 2-10 p.m. | A Celebration of Chattanooga Film
- Monday, Nov. 6 | 7:30-9:30 p.m. | “‘Don’t Stand in Front of the Microwave’ and Other Things My Mother Told Me” + Reflection
- Tuesday, Nov. 7 | 7:30-9:30 p.m. | Improv vs. Standup
- Wednesday, Nov. 8 | 7:30-9:30 p.m. | Alan Shikoh: An Evening of Solo Guitar
- Thursday, Nov. 9 | 7:30-9:30 p.m. | Nutbush City Limits: Tina Turner Tribute
- Friday, Nov. 10 | 7:30-9:30 p.m. | Burlesque Obscura
- Saturday, Nov. 11 | 7:30-10 p.m. | Bob Stagner: Shaking Ray Levi Society
- Sunday, Nov. 12 | 7:30-9:30 p.m. | Interactive Film Viewing
- Monday, Nov. 13 | 7:30-9:30 p.m. | “Squeeze SH*T In (Ain’t Got Time For Nothin’)” + “at night by grass & trees”
- Tuesday, Nov. 14 | 7:30-9:30 p.m. | “Formation - Diversity in Comedy”
- Wednesday, Nov. 15 | 7:30-9:30 p.m. | Trevor Watts & Jamie Harris
- Thursday, Nov. 16 | 7:30-10 p.m. | Mike Compton & David Grier
- Friday, Nov. 17 | 7:30-9:30 p.m. | “Beyond the Rainbow”
- Saturday, Nov. 18 | 7:30-8:30 p.m. | Mouthing Off
- Sunday, Nov. 19 | 7:30-9:30 p.m. | “Personal Problems”
- Monday, Nov. 20 | 7:30-9:30 p.m. | “As You Did to the Leased of These” + “Amen Cul du Sac”
- Tuesday, Nov. 21 | 7:30-9:30 p.m. | Cutthroat Comedy
- Wednesday, Nov. 22 | 7:30-10 p.m. | Dexter Bell Extravaganza
Note: Tickets can be purchased individually or you can buy passes to attend multiple events.
“I think it’s the same [over the last 30 years], I think it’s always been a really safe environment where we can build relationships. This is where we build community.” — Ann Law
