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Friends of Wright Opera House
Who We Are
Mission Statement - The mission of Friends of the Wright Opera House is to purchase and preserve the historic Wright Opera House so as to provide a shared, centralized venue for a coalition of Ouray County arts organizations, thus enabling them to promote artistic, cultural, and educational opportunities for all and thereby link the community with its heritage and foster increased economic growth in the County.
Once "The Friends" have acquired the Wright Opera House and have it on the tax rolls as owned and operated by a non-profit organization, we have exciting plans for its future. Our vision is to convert this grand old lady into a vibrant, active, where it is a happening place that is located in a comfortable, historic, old opera house. We definitely want to maintain the Wright's historic heritage and charm, and plan to apply for and receive National Historic Register status, but we also know that upgrades will be necessary. By keeping all the present tenants in their rented spaces and not having to pay property taxes, the Wright will have a positive cash flow from the onset.
Phase Two of our efforts will be to raise funds to make the great old box of a theater upstairs into a great sounding performance hall. This will require new audio and lighting systems in addition to modification of the walls and ceiling to allow better acoustics. We see a need to keep the theater as a multiple functioning room as the floor is level rather than sloped. Upgrading the present chairs with some or all collapsible or removal seating will allow the space to be used for weddings, parties. meetings and more.
The Wright cannot be expanded in width, but there is room in the back to build out to the alley which would increase its size considerably. One of the problems in having a repertory theater performing out of the Wright is lack of storage space. An addition beginning directly behind the stage would allow storage for props, dressing rooms, bathrooms, and more. The addition on the main floor could be for a fully operating kitchen, which would allow dinner and culinary events to be held in the Wright.
Obviously these visions of expansion are years and many dollars away. However, "The Friends" do see immediate improvements in the quality and quantity of wholesome, enjoyable entertainment available right here in Ouray County. We want to develop our own entertainment personality, and create a feeling among everyone of owning a portion of this remarkable community asset.
Website: http://savethewright.org
Email: savethewright@ouraynet.com
Physical: , , ,
Mailing: P.O. Box 1021, Ouray, CO, 81427