The Miners Alley Playhouse (MAP) in Golden, Colorado, is set to open the town’s first-ever performing arts center, marking a major milestone for the local theater company and the community.
After nearly 50 years as the beloved Meyer Hardware store, the iconic building in downtown Golden has been transformed into the Miners Alley Playhouse Performing Arts Center. The new center, a public-private partnership, will feature a state-of-the-art theater and a bar, with plans to eventually add a piano bar. This expansion marks a significant step forward for the Miners Alley Playhouse and the performing arts in Golden.
A New Home for Miners Alley Playhouse
The first phase of the Miners Alley Playhouse Performing Arts Center will feature a new theater, located just one block away from the company’s previous home. The opening production, “The Great American Trailer Park Christmas Musical,” reflects the theater’s populist vibe and will run through December 31. This move provides an opportunity for MAP to elevate the performing arts in Golden and engage a wider audience.
From Humble Beginnings to Community Impact
Miners Alley Playhouse was founded in 2003 as a small community theater, with a loan of $200,000 from the Golden Civic Foundation. Over the past 20 years, MAP has staged over 100 productions, attracting an annual attendance of 20,000 people, the majority of whom come from outside Golden. The theater company has employed over 1,000 actors and designers and has engaged thousands of students through school-related programs. The economic impact of MAP on the Golden community has been estimated at $7.5 million since 2018.
A Community Effort
The transformation of the Meyer Hardware building into a performing arts center was made possible through a public-private partnership. MAP purchased the property for $4.95 million, with financial support from the state’s arts office, the Golden Downtown Development Authority, and the Golden Urban Renewal Authority. The bid was backed by the Golden Civic Foundation, the city of Golden, downtown businesses, and the community at large. The community’s support for MAP’s bid highlights the desire to preserve the town’s history and cultural heritage.
The New Town Square
Beyond the economic impact, the founders of MAP envision the new performing arts center as Golden’s new town square. They believe that exposure to the performing arts fosters empathy, connection, and a sense of community. The center aims to provide not only a space for people to enjoy plays but also a place for connection and engagement. In an increasingly divided world, the arts can serve as an antidote, bringing people together and fostering a sense of belonging.
Conclusion: The opening of the Miners Alley Playhouse Performing Arts Center marks a significant milestone for both the theater company and the Golden community. With its state-of-the-art theater and plans for future expansion, MAP is poised to elevate the performing arts in Golden and attract an even larger audience. The center’s impact extends beyond economic benefits, offering a space for connection, community, and the cultivation of empathy. As the curtain rises on this new chapter, the Miners Alley Playhouse is ready to take center stage in the heart of Golden.
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