Opera House Arts

Opera House Arts is a non-profit organization dedicated to revitalizing the 1912 Stonington Opera House, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and reestablishing it as a vital center for the performing arts and community engagement. Founded in 1999, Opera House Arts has been instrumental in restoring the historic venue to its former glory as a cultural hub for theater, music, film, dance, educational programs, and various community events. The organization's mission extends beyond the Opera House itself, as it offers a year-round schedule of professional performances and programs that serve all of Hancock County's residents and visitors, with a particular focus on the communities of Deer Isle and the Blue Hill Peninsula. Opera House Arts operates in multiple venues, including the Stonington Opera House, the restored Burnt Cove Church Community Center, and at site-specific locations throughout Deer Isle and Stonington, Maine. One of the notable traditions of Opera House Arts is its commitment to inventive, site-specific theater. An example of this is the outdoor production of William Shakespeare's "Much Ado About Nothing," directed by Emma Rosa Went, which took place from June 29 through July 17, 2022, at Mariners Memorial Park in Deer Isle. This production continued the organization's legacy of creating unique theatrical experiences that resonate with the local community and its history. The "Much Ado About Nothing" production featured live music by folk composer Ray Duncan, dance choreography by Molly Gawler, and a creative team that included Yi-Hsuan Ant Ma as Production Designer, Jennifer Paar as Costume Designer, and a production team led by Production Manager Ellie Kuoppala and Costume Construction Specialist Randon Pool. The cast was one of the most geographically diverse in the organization's history, with actors hailing from various parts of the United States and even India. Mariners Memorial Park, the venue for the outdoor play, is a site with historical significance, named in honor of the brave men of the island who lost their lives at sea. The park's beautiful gardens, gentle paths, and meadow provided a fitting backdrop for the Shakespearean production, enhancing the themes of the play and creating a classic Americana atmosphere. Opera House Arts continues to enrich the cultural landscape of the region through its diverse programming and engagement with the community. Its efforts ensure that the performing arts remain an integral part of the local heritage and provide a space for artistic expression and collective experience. For more information about Opera House Arts and its upcoming events, or to purchase tickets, interested parties can visit the organization's website at operahousearts.org.

Opera House Arts is a non-profit organization dedicated to revitalizing the 1912 Stonington Opera Ho...