Antoinette Hall: A Glimpse into the Past and a Touch of the Paranormal

Antoinette Hall, an historic opera house located in Giles County, Tennessee, was built in

1868 on the courthouse square. As the oldest standing opera house in Tennessee, it

offers a rare and fascinating glimpse into the past. Although the building has not been

used as a theater since the 1930s, it remains remarkably preserved, with its sloping

stage, footlight remnants and delicate balconies all frozen in time.

The Southern Tennessee Area Arts Repertory (STAAR), a nonprofit organization, now

owns the opera house. STAAR is committed to restoring Antoinette Hall as a regional

arts center, but the building’s rich history has attracted interest from another, perhaps

unexpected, group: paranormal explorers. The atmosphere in the unrestored opera

house, while undeniably eerie at times, remains one of intrigue rather than fear.

“While the STAAR Board does not officially endorse the existence of ghosts or spirits, we

cannot dismiss the experiences of those who have visited,” said Tammy Pierchoski,

STAAR’s executive director. “Paranormal explorers, as well as some of our own staff and

volunteers, have reported unusual occurrences within the opera house.”

As a result, STAAR makes the building available for respectful and organized

paranormal investigations.

“Over the years, we have hosted groups from various places, including a visit from

singer Kesha, who filmed an episode for her show, ‘Conjuring Kesha,’ here,” Pierchoski

said. “Those who have come to make contact with Antoinette Hall’s spirits have

encountered some distinctive entities. Through genealogical research and historical

newspapers, we have been able to identify a few of these spirits and learn more about

their lives.”

To read more about visits from ghost hunters in the past, visit Antoinette Halls’

haunting age here.

Pierchoski suggests following the Antoinette Hall event calendar for upcoming

paranormal activities or events, several of which have already been scheduled for the

current year.

“Who knows? You might just get the chance to meet one of Antoinette Hall’s resident

spirits,” Pierchoski said.

For more information about scheduling a ghost hunt or exploring paranormal activities

at Antoinette Hall, email info@STAARtheatre.org or call 931-371-0955.