Woodland Opera House

The '''Woodland Opera House''' (WOH) is a historic theater and a treasured California State landmark located in Woodland, California. Established in 1885, it is one of only four remaining fully functioning 19th-century opera houses in California and serves as a contributing property to the Downtown Historic District of Woodland. The Opera House is recognized on the National Register of Historic Places and has been designated as California Registered Historical Landmark No. 851. ===History=== The original Woodland Opera House was tragically consumed by fire in 1892, which destroyed much of downtown Woodland. However, it was rebuilt on the same site, utilizing some of the remaining foundations and bricks from the original walls, and reopened in 1896. Over the years, it became a prominent venue for a variety of performers, including Nance O’Neil, James A. Herne, Harry Davenport, Madame Helen Modjeska, John Philip Sousa, and George M. Cohan’s troupe, among others. By 1913, the Opera House had hosted over 300 touring companies. However, the advent of motion pictures and a lawsuit over an injury led to its closure. The building remained shuttered until 1971 when the Yolo County Historical Society purchased it to prevent its demolition. In 1976, it was declared a state historical park, and the property was transferred to the State of California in 1980. A significant restoration project commenced in 1981, culminating in the Opera House's grand reopening in January 1989. ===Restoration=== The restoration of the Woodland Opera House was a seven-year, $2,000,000 endeavor that revitalized the building and allowed it to offer live entertainment year-round. The project included structural reinforcements, modern amenities such as central heating, air-conditioning, and a sprinkler system, as well as accessibility improvements. The interior was restored to its turn-of-the-century splendor, with careful attention to historical details in the wallpaper, paint colors, and carpeting. The stage was updated with a modern, computerized lighting system and sound equipment, enhancing the already excellent acoustics of the venue. While the original hemp-line and sandbag fly system was replaced with a modern counter-weighted system for safety and ease of use, one original hemp-line and sandbag remain for historical demonstrations. ===Operations and Programming=== The Woodland Opera House is owned by the State of California but is managed by a professional staff hired by the Woodland Opera House Board of Trustees, which consists of arts lovers, theater enthusiasts, historians, and business persons. Despite its state ownership, the Opera House is entirely self-sufficient, generating income through ticket sales, rentals, fundraising, and donations, without financial support from the state, county, or city. The WOH presents a variety of productions, including Mainstage productions, a youth theater camp, and the Theatre for Families program. It also hosts a range of special events, educational productions, and community outreach programs. ==Mission Statement== The mission of the Woodland Opera House, Inc. is to preserve and operate the historic venue for the benefit of the region and to nurture the performing arts. The organization is committed to inclusivity and does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender, age, national origin, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status in any of its activities or operations. ==Facilities and Visitor Information== The Woodland Opera House offers a seating chart that accommodates both main floor and balcony seating, with accessibility for physically challenged patrons. The theater's policy ensures a welcoming environment, with refreshments available before the show and during intermission, a strict no food or drink rule in the auditorium, and a request for patrons to turn off mobile devices. Tours of the Opera House are available, and the venue provides sound enhancement headsets for the deaf and hard of hearing. ==Community Support== The Woodland Opera House is supported by its Guild, Circle of Friends, and various endowment and sponsorship programs. It also encourages community involvement through auditions, classes, and workshops for all ages. ==External Links== * [http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=485 California State Parks: Woodland Opera House] * [https://www.woodlandoperahouse.org/ Woodland Opera House Official Website] ==References== <references /> {{Reflist}} {{coord|38|40|43|N|121|46|28|W|region:US-CA_type:landmark|display=title}}