Manitou is marking a milestone with it now being 10 years since the opening of its newly renovated and expanded opera house.
The Manitou Opera House as it is today and back when it was built (top picture). An expansion and renovation project 10 years ago made the facility more accessibility and provided additional space for a wider array of community events
The ribbon cutting of its accessibility-focused addition in 2016 was an achievement decades in the making that transformed one of the community’s most treasured heritage buildings into a space that could truly be enjoyed by all.
The addition seamlessly blended the character of the original 1930s structure with modern accessibility features. The once challenging ‘basement maze’ to the restrooms and nine-step front entrance were replaced with a ground level entry and upgraded facilities to serve a wide range of users.
“We’ve definitely seen the impact in terms of what everything has been done for the building and how it really allows everyone to come and enjoy it and be a part of the opera house,” said Cassandra Serle, co-chair of the Manitou Opera House Foundation.
A defining feature of the project was its heritage-first approach. Great care and commitment was taken to ensure the new space complemented the old, blending architectural details, materials and atmosphere in a way that felt cohesive and intentional. Now, 10 years later, visitors still often ask which part is the new part, Serle noted.
Over the past decade, the addition has significantly enhanced the Manitou Opera House’s functionality. The space now supports large-scale productions, community events, and performances with ease.
“We’ve definitely been able to have larger crowds come to the events and enjoy everything,” Serle said.
A modern kitchen has expanded hospitality options, while a dedicated basement construction area helps preserve the main auditorium’s historic integrity and acoustics when building theatrical sets. The basement green room has become a versatile space serving as a gathering place for local youth during the week and a professional-grade retreat for performers during events.
This flexibility and multi-space capacity has allowed the Manitou Opera House to host multiple groups and activities simultaneously. As a result, the opera house has events happening there upwards of 200 days a year.
“It’s really neat to see all the different things that it can be used for,” Serle said.
As the Manitou Opera House Foundation looks ahead, it remains a strong example of how rural communities can come together to preserve heritage while building for the future. Proceeds from all foundation events go directly toward maintaining and enhancing the facility.
“Besides the community, the foundation is the heart and soul of the building and why it’s able to operate like it does,” said Serle. “The foundation is all made up of volunteers from the community.”
The organization began in 1996, making this year its 30th anniversary.
“People have put in lots of hours to not only help put on events but also to make sure the lights turn on,” noted Serle. “We’re always looking at things that need to get done in order to keep the building going now.
“Just last year, we refinished the main floor in the auditorium and on the stage to keep that in good condition, so the foundation really pays attention to what’s needed and what we can to to keep the building in tip top shape.”
To learn more about the Manitou Opera House or to find out how you can support, donate, or get involved, visit manitouoperahouse.com.
