I recently traveled to see the touring production of Hadestown, one of my favorite musicals of the last several years; and, I was reminded of the experience I had as a 15-year-old boy seeing my first production, had the same experience as a 15-year-old seeing my first production, Carousel, at the Edyvean Repertoire Theatre in Indianapolis, Indiana. That is to say, I didn't just watch the show; I (somehow) felt I was participating in it. The show wasn't merely live; it was living and I was drawn into something greater than me that has the power to speak into who I am and who I want to be - something that doesn't just entertain but informs and inspires. It's a truth beautifully expressed in Hadestown, "Orpheus was a poor boy," Hermes sings, "but he had a gift to give: he could make you see how the world could be, in spite of the way that it is." Such is the power of theatre!Maybe, when you come into the Homestake Opera House, you see evidence of the building's long story - the character cracks in the lobby floor, the fire-damaged proscenium, the empty (eerie?) shell of a pool. Or, maybe, when you come to the Homestake Opera House, you find yourself reminiscing how it was before the fire - the library filled with books, the billiards hall humming, the crack of a bowling ball striking the pins. Or, perhaps you have only known this place as it is now, in various stages of restoration... But, I want to encourage you to see what I see: the premiere arts center in the Northern Black Hills with a newly renovated theatre featuring top-notch community theatre productions alongside musical acts, comedians, touring theatre productions, dance, and visual arts. I see theatre classes, dance classes, pottery classes, painting classes, writing/reading labs.... I see a place where people can come not only to be entertained but to be informed and inspired - a place where people can grow and become.In 2025, we will be reigniting our Capital Campaign and construction projects as we continue to build into the future of the Homestake Opera House together. Our goal is to complete the restoration work and establish an endowment fund for the building's needs moving forward. We want to be good stewards of the resources entrusted to us, whether those resources are of time, talent, or treasure. Toward that end, I want to thank you for all you have done and continue to do and I want to encourage you to step with us into this new and exciting part of the journey. Together, we can "make [people] see how the world could be, in spite of the way that it is." Together, we can not only build into the Homestake Opera House; together, we can build a legacy!The Homestake Opera House is more than just a place to be entertained; it is a place to be informed and inspired!
Find Your Light,
Todd Jones
Executive Director
Part of the 4th Annual Getting Our Acts Together Night of One Acts, this short play, directed by Todd Jones, grew out of a movement that became known as "Theatre of the Absurd." Featuring parts for 2-3 men and 2-3 women, auditions will be held on Feb. 2 & 3 from 6-8pm. Auditions will consist of cold readings. Performances dates are March 27-30.
Auditions for this musical comedy will be held on Feb. 20 from 5:30-8pm. Come out and join the fun in this fast-paced musical! Haven't heard of it? Youtube it. You won't be sorry. In fact, you'll soon be laughing and singing along!!! Rehearsals will begin the first week of March with performances the first 2 weekends of May. For more information or to make arrangements for an alternate audition time, please contact director Katrina Hutchison at katrina@explorefitnessanddance.com.
Sponsored by the Lead Ministerial, auditions for DaVinci's Last Supper will be held on March 9 & 10 at St. Jacob's Church (Julius Street entrance of the Opera House) from 6-8pm. Parts are available for both men and women. The show will be performed on April 18 at 7pm.
