OVG’s Theater Alliance Benefit Returns to Nashville

Oak View Group (OVG) is bringing its Theater Alliance Benefit back to Nashville this fall, with a new format designed to combine industry networking, entertainment, and philanthropy under the banner of “Play with Purpose.”

The fourth annual fundraising event will take place on October 3, 2026, inside the Commodore Club at Vanderbilt University’s FirstBank Stadium. Tickets are on sale now for the signature gathering, which supports theater-focused nonprofit organizations across the United States.

This year’s event introduces a more interactive experience centered on networking, games, and friendly competition while continuing its mission of raising funds for the OVG Theater Alliance Fund. Since launching in Nashville in 2023, the benefit has become a recurring industry event, traveling to major venues across the country while supporting performing arts initiatives nationwide.

“Play with Purpose is about bringing people together in the same spirit that defines live entertainment: connection, creativity, and community,” said Joe Giordano, Vice President for OVG Alliances. “This benefit gives our industry a chance to gather in a fun and meaningful way while contributing to and supporting theater missions across the U.S.”

A centerpiece of the evening will be the presentation of the 2026 Impact Awards, recognizing two prominent figures in the live entertainment industry: Gayle Holcomb, Partner and Agent at WME, and Colleen Fischer, the recently retired Vice President and General Manager of Austin City Limits Live at The Moody Theater.

Holcomb has spent more than 40 years with WMA/WME, representing major artists and building a reputation as one of the industry’s most respected agents. Her career includes leadership roles as a former Chairman of the Academy of Country Music, founding member of ACM Lifting Lives, and recognition as a Pollstar Women of Live honoree in 2024.

Fischer, meanwhile, helped shape Austin’s live music landscape through her leadership at ACL Live at The Moody Theater and 3TEN ACL Live. Her career spans venue programming, booking, and executive leadership positions, including roles with Live Nation and its predecessor companies.

“The Theater Alliance Benefit is not only about raising crucial funds, but also about recognizing the people whose leadership and service continue to shape the performing arts – and this year we are honoring two trailblazing women,” said Noël Mirhadi, Senior Director for OVG’s Theater Alliance. “Gayle and Colleen have each made a lasting impact through their work with artists, venues, teams and communities, and we are proud to celebrate their contributions as this year’s Impact Award honorees.”

Guests attending the Nashville event can expect an evening featuring gaming activities, live musical entertainment, a silent auction, and premium food and beverage offerings from OVG Hospitality. The event will take place in the Commodore Club, a hospitality venue overlooking Vanderbilt’s football field.

Proceeds from the benefit support the OVG Theater Alliance Fund, a 501(c)(3) organization established in 2023 in partnership with Music’s Promise. The fund distributes contributions equally among 25 U.S.-based nonprofit organizations represented by OVG’s Theater Alliance, with a focus on performing arts education, venue preservation, and expanding access to the arts.

Previous Theater Alliance Benefits have been held at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, Radio City Music Hall in New York, and YouTube Theater in Los Angeles. Past Impact Award recipients include Alex Hodges of Nederlander Concerts and Aaron Egigian of Segerstrom Center for the Arts.

Additional information, ticket purchases, and sponsorship opportunities are available through Oak View Group’s Theater Alliance Benefit website.