Miners Alley Playhouse opens the first performing arts center in Golden, Colorado, in the former Meyer Hardware store, ushering in a new era of cultural enrichment for the community.
For nearly five decades, Meyer Hardware stood as an iconic landmark in downtown Golden, drawing a diverse crowd of locals and visitors alike. However, the space never housed a piano bar. Now, the Miners Alley Playhouse (MAP) is set to transform the historic hardware store into the first performing arts center in Golden’s 161-year history. This new venture marks a significant milestone for MAP, elevating its role in the community and providing a platform for artistic expression. With the opening of a state-of-the-art theater and plans for future expansion, Golden residents can look forward to a vibrant cultural hub that promises to enrich the town’s artistic landscape.
A New Beginning for Miners Alley Playhouse
The first phase of the Miners Alley Playhouse Performing Arts Center will commence with the inauguration of a cutting-edge theater, located just one block away from the troupe’s previous home. Known for its populist approach to theater, MAP has chosen to kick off its new chapter with the production of “The Great American Trailer Park Christmas Musical.” This comedic play will captivate audiences and set the stage for the exciting future of performing arts in Golden.
From Humble Roots to Cultural Impact
Miners Alley Playhouse first opened its doors in 2003, thanks to a remarkable display of community spirit. Rick Bernstein, the founder of the Morrison Theatre Company, had a vision to establish a small community theater in Golden. However, this ambitious project required a substantial loan of $200,000 from the Golden Civic Foundation. Despite initial skepticism, the loan was granted, and MAP began its journey towards becoming a pillar of the Colorado theater scene.
Over the past two decades, MAP has produced over 100 shows, several of which have left an indelible mark on Colorado theater history. The theater’s annual attendance has steadily grown from 8,000 to 20,000, with 92% of the audience coming from outside of Golden. This influx of visitors has had a significant economic impact, estimated at $7.5 million since 2018, according to the Colorado Business Committee for the Arts. Moreover, MAP has provided employment opportunities for over 1,000 actors and designers and has engaged thousands of students through its educational programs.
A Community Effort and a Historic Purchase
In November 2021, MAP made a momentous decision to purchase the Meyer Hardware store, marking the beginning of a $17 million community undertaking. With financial support from the state’s arts office, Colorado Creative Industries, as well as the Golden Downtown Development Authority and the Golden Urban Renewal Authority, MAP secured the funds needed to acquire the property. The bid was backed by the Golden Civic Foundation, the city of Golden, local businesses, and the community at large, who rallied behind the vision of a performing arts center in the heart of Golden.
A Vision for the Future
The first phase of the Miners Alley Playhouse Performing Arts Center will feature a state-of-the-art theater with a seating capacity of 157. The intimate setting, with no seat more than 20 feet from the stage, promises an immersive experience for theatergoers. However, this is just the beginning of MAP’s ambitious plans. The second phase of the project aims to double the size of the mainstage theater, expanding seating to accommodate 300 patrons. Additionally, a smaller studio theater, known as a flexible “black box,” will offer increased programming options throughout the year.
The Miners Alley Playhouse Performing Arts Center will also include an education center with multiple classrooms, providing expanded learning opportunities for students and a gathering space for young people in the community. The center will feature community meeting spaces, a large lobby showcasing the intersecting stories of Meyer Hardware, Miners Alley Playhouse, and the Morrison Theatre Company, and a lounge area for patrons to socialize. Backstage, performers and technicians will benefit from improved facilities, including spacious dressing rooms and ample storage for sets and costumes.
Conclusion: The transformation of the Meyer Hardware store into the Miners Alley Playhouse Performing Arts Center heralds a new era for Golden, Colorado. This community-driven project represents a significant investment in the arts, providing a platform for artistic expression and fostering a sense of connection and community. With plans for expansion and a vision to create a vibrant town square, Miners Alley Playhouse is poised to become a cultural hub that will enrich the lives of Golden residents for generations to come. As the curtain rises on the new theater, the stage is set for a future filled with creativity, collaboration, and the transformative power of the performing arts.
Leave a Reply