Barre Opera House

== Barre Opera House == === About === The Barre Opera House, a beacon of culture and history, is nestled in the heart of Barre, Vermont. Since its inception, the Opera House has been dedicated to enriching the community through a diverse array of performing arts and educational programs. The organization's mission is to serve as a center for the arts, education, and community engagement, offering a platform for artistic expression and cultural experiences. === History === The current Barre Opera House stands on the historical grounds of the original building, which was lost to a fire in 1898. The present structure, which opened its doors on August 23, 1899, was once considered Vermont's finest, seating 1,000 patrons. Over the years, it has hosted a variety of significant events and personalities, including Helen Keller, Eugene Debs, George M. Cohan, Emma Goldman, John Philip Sousa, and Presidents William Howard Taft and Theodore Roosevelt. Transitioning through various roles, the Opera House functioned as a movie theater in the 1930s and '40s, with intermittent live performances, until it closed in 1944. It lay dormant for nearly four decades until a resurgence of community interest led to its revival and reopening in October 1982. Despite initial challenges, the Opera House has undergone extensive restorations and renovations, including the addition of an elevator, balcony seating, a full-service box office, a hearing assistance system, and modern heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. The Opera House's revitalization continues, with ongoing improvements such as a theatrical lighting system overhaul, sound-proofing, and the illumination of its stained glass window. These efforts have been supported by nearly two million dollars in donations from individuals, organizations, and businesses, reflecting the community's commitment to preserving this historic gem. === Present Day === Today, the Barre Opera House is a hub of artistic activity, welcoming over 23,000 visitors annually. It accommodates a wide range of events, including performing arts rehearsals, public forums, corporate and private functions, and community meetings. The Opera House is committed to accessibility, catering to individuals with physical and hearing disabilities. The educational outreach of the Opera House is notable, with programs like summer theater camps and student matinees that introduce young audiences to the performing arts. It also serves as a vital performance space for local arts groups, including The Vermont Philharmonic and The Green Mountain Youth Symphony, among others. The Barre Opera House stands as a testament to the power of community and the arts, continuing to thrive as a cherished venue for performance and cultural exchange in Vermont. == Contact Information == Barre Opera House City Hall, 6 N. Main St. Barre, VT 05641 Phone: 802 476-8188 Website: [URL] == External Links == * [Official Website] * [Ticket Sales] * [Support and Donations] == References == <references/>