Member Spotlight – McPherson Opera House
The historic McPherson Opera House was built in 1888 and opened its doors to performers in 1889. It was one of the first venues like this with electricity and there was no equal between Kansas City and Denver. In 1972 the Opera House was added to the National Historic Register. It continues to be a premier performance venue with 21st century amenities, but a 19th century charm.
The staff at the Opera House includes new Executive Director Karissa Hoffman (a Central Christian College grad), Jordan Bandy the Producing Director, and Jolie Green the Office Manager and Events Coordinator.
The Opera House is known for the variety of shows and performances they bring to the community of McPherson. So many great shows are already on the Opera House calendar, including holiday shows Cool Yule on December 3rd and “All is Calm” on December 12th and a super start to the new year with five-time Grammy winners Dailey & Vincent on January 14th.
Event rental options are unlimited at the McPherson Opera House. The Grand Ballroom is an awesome place to host any special occasion from a wedding reception to a gala. There are also additional spaces to be rented at the Opera House which are perfect for special meetings or workshops.
The McPherson Opera House is a nonprofit organization, so support of sponsors and a strong membership base is very important. Different membership levels are available and each level has perks and benefits, which includes a 10% discount on ticket purchases!
Hoffman has been with the Opera House since April of this year, but has already embraced her job with lots of excitement and enthusiasm. When asked about her experience so far as the Executive Director she said, “My new favorite thing actually is afterwards, after the show is done. When you’re standing there and you’re saying, ‘Thank you guys for coming. Thank you for coming!’ Seeing their eyes light up. Seeing how much they enjoyed the show. Being thanked for that and the experience that they had … We had little ones come in and they hadn’t experienced anything in a place like this and just seeing that. You know they’re going to come back. And that’s a great, GREAT feeling, that we can provide that for them.”
The McPherson Opera House is located at 219 S. Main. Be sure to visit the Opera House website regarding upcoming performances and shows. Photos from Chamber Connections hosted by the historic McPherson Opera House can be seen here.