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a gift to the people

Built in 1914 by Phoebe Hearst and her Homestake Gold Mining Company, this historic performing arts venue and recreation center boasted an exquisite theater with 1,000 seats, and a library, a bowling alley, a billiards hall, a social hall, and a heated indoor swimming pool. From its construction in 1914 until a catastrophic fire in 1984, the Opera House was the center of community life and lifelong education in Lead, South Dakota.

Our Misson: Historic Homestake Opera House Society will utilize and sustain the Homestake Opera House facilities for the enrichment of our citizens and community by providing art, culture and educational opportunities for generations to come.

A picture of the stage inside the Homestake Opera House. A fully lit chandelier hangs from the ceiling.

Featured Events

Upcoming events

Mar

06
Buffalo Bill Versus The Mummies

Mar 6, 2025

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7:00 pm

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Mar 9, 2025

Mar

27
The 4th Annual Getting Our Acts Together

Mar 27, 2025

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7:00 p.m.

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Mar 27, 2025

Mar

31
The Glenn Miller Orchestra

Mar 31, 2025

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7:00 pm

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Mar 31, 2025

Learn more about the Capital Campaign

Help with restoration efforts of the Historic Homestake Opera House!

unforgettable experience

Our dedicated team of talented actors, directors, producers, and support staff work tirelessly to bring you a diverse range of productions that cater to all tastes and interests.

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Additional Facilities

The Homestake Opera House was once the center for not only theatre, but recreation too. When it was built in 1914, there was a theatre, swimming pool, billiards hall, social lounges, bowling alley and library. It was a true community center.

Today, the theatre is the only portion still in it's original use. The bowling alley has become an indoor shooting range and the swimming pool was covered with concrete and offices built on top of it. The social and billiards halls now house the Lead-Deadwood Arts Center and library is home to our interpretative exhibit.

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Lead-Deadwood Arts Center

Housed in what was the social and billiards hall, the Arts Center displays and sells many different art forms from local and non-local artists alike.Check out the art center, open Tuesday-Friday 10am-3pm and Saturdays in the summer 10am-3pm.

Contact:
605-584-1461
hdlac@rushmore.com
leaddeadwoodartscenter.com

Image of the indoor shooting range at the Homestake Opera House.

Indoor Shooting Range

The original bowling alley that was a part of the Homestake Opera House building was converted to an indoor shooting range in 1992. The Lead Rifle and Pistol Club (LRPC) are the current tenants of the shooting range. The LRPC manages the indoor shooting range in the basement. The entrance to the LRPC shooting range is located in the back of the building on Julius Street, but is only accessible to current members of the LRPC.

Contact: Duane Ennis
605-722-2172
ennis@rushmore.com