At the heart of the Homestake Opera House lies a steadfast commitment to preservation, community, and cultural enrichment. Built in 1914 as a gift from the Homestake Mining Company to the town of Lead, the Opera House has always stood for more than just art—it has symbolized a collective spirit, a reverence for heritage, and a vision for a vibrant, connected future.
Today, as we continue to breathe new life into this historic treasure, I invite you to consider how you, too, can make a lasting impact—one that will echo not only within these historic walls, but throughout the community of Lead and the greater Northern Black Hills.
The most enduring legacies are built through stewardship—caring for something so it may thrive for generations. Whether it's a pledge/donation to restoration efforts, sponsorship of a season/event, membership, purchasing a ticket to a show, or volunteering your time, every contribution to the Homestake Opera House helps ensure this cultural landmark remains a beacon of creativity and connection for years to come.
Impact begins with storytelling. Share your memories of performances, celebrations, or quiet moments at the Opera House. Encourage friends, family, and neighbors to attend an event, take a tour, or discover the building’s rich history. By keeping its stories alive, you help deepen its meaning in the hearts of others—and inspire new generations to cherish it.
True legacy lives in the hands of those who follow us. Consider mentoring a student in the arts, supporting children/youth performances such as Madagascar Jr., or encouraging local schools to participate in cultural field trips. When young people connect with the arts, they not only discover their own voices—they grow up knowing they belong to something greater than themselves.
The Opera House does not stand alone; it is part of a broader tapestry woven from the people of Lead and the Northern Black Hills. Promote the arts in your workplace, advocate for historic preservation in civic meetings, and support other local cultural institutions. Your enthusiasm and advocacy ripple outward, strengthening the entire region’s cultural identity.
For those looking to make a truly lasting mark, planned giving offers a profound way to invest in the Opera House’s future. Through estate gifts or endowments, your support can ensure the Opera House continues to inspire, educate, and uplift for generations to come.
Making a lasting impact is about more than preserving a building—it's about nurturing a vision. It’s about ensuring that future audiences will gather at the Opera House, moved by the same spirit of artistry and community that has resonated here for over a century. It’s about leaving something behind that speaks to who we are—and who we hope to become.
Together, we can ensure that the Homestake Opera House continues to shine, not just as a historic treasure, but as a living, breathing center of culture, creativity, and community pride.
Find Your Light,
Todd Jones
Executive Director
Don't miss these events!
June 7: Masquerade Ball Gala (tickets on sale now!) - An evening of elegance, engaging conversation, and a little dancing. Our annual operations fundraiser takes a decidedly mysterious and romantic turn - hors d'oeuvres, J. Lohr wines, dinner, over 30 silent auction items, liquor pull, and dance. This night has it all! [Special thanks to our sponsors: J. Lohr Winery, Coeur Wharf, Kiewit Alberici Joint Ventures, Black Hills Pioneer, Dakota Gold, Pioneer Bank & Trust, Black Hills Title, and Top Shelf Realty]
June 24-26: Madagascar Jr: A Musical Adventure - The Dreamworks animated film comes to life in our summer children's theatre program sponsored by Ketel Thornstenson, Coeur Wharf, Ainsworth-Benning Construction, KOTA Territory News, and SURF.
June 28: Eliza Blue in Concert - In Partnership with Lead Historic Preservation, we will welcome Eliza Blue to the Homestake Opera House Stage along with opener Kenna Cook as part of the Hidden Treasure Heritage Festival. Join us for an evening of songs and storytelling that you'll not soon forget!
July 12: Neutrino Day - SURF invades the Homestake Opera House in July for the annual Neutrino Day celebration featuring high-flying physics and outstanding speakers throughout the day!
July 19: Northern Hills Community Band - Dr. Christopher Hahn and the Northern Hills Community Band return to the Opera House for an evening of band music. From Star Spangled Spectacular to Seventy-Six Trombones, we'll be treated to an eclectic mix of band music that will both enrich and inspire you!
Use the Link below to discover more about these events
and purchase your tickets today!
I still smile thinking of my theatre professor sharing this note with me at the end of rehearsal, "Turn up the lights, I can't hear them!" It was my first turn at Lighting Design, and I had left the actors in the dark ... literally! Regardless of mood, composition, or form, the audience needs to see the action. Unfortunately, as a theatre still in the throes of restoration, lighting has (occasionally) left us in the dark. Though we have made significant strides over the past several months, setting up a new light board, rewiring our existing lights, and setting up several new dimmer packs, we still have some "dark spots" that need attention. Can you help?
We are in need of the following: 1) 4 Chauvet Pro-D6 6 Channel 20 Amp DMX-512 Dimmer/Switch ($310/each0; 2) Dedicated laptop/tablet for Tech booth ($800); and 3) Volunteer(s) to convert the plugs on donated theatrical lights.
If you can help with one or more of these needs, please contact Todd Jones at execdir@homestakeoperahouse.org.
Thank you for helping us reach our goals and provide our audiences with quality live entertainment. Together, we are stronger!
While we are discussing needs...... We are also on the lookout for a new or used wheelchair for the Opera House, as we would like to have one available should a patron find themselves in need.... And, we would like to acquire one more AED that we could place in the Atrium in case of emergencies. If you can help, please call the Opera House at 605-584-2067. Thank you!
SAVE THE DATE!
Evil Dead The Musical is coming to the Homestake Opera House in the fall with performance dates set for October 24, 25, 31 and Nov. 1, and we are looking for a director! Would you like to set the vision for this outrageous Broadway hit? If you are interested in directing, please contact Todd at execdir@homestakeoperahouse.org!
With June just around the corner, I wanted to encourage you to consider membership or to take this opportunity to renew your membership today. Your membership allows us to continue to lean into our mission of providing art, cultural, and educational opportunities like our summer children's theatre program. With membership tiers for every budget, this is a great time to set the stage for even more incredible events, programs, and performances at the Homestake Opera House!
To learn more about membership, click on the find out more button below!
Are you saving those Lynn's Dakotamart receipts? For every $10,000 in receipts, Lynn's will provide $100 toward the Homestake Opera House's endowment. To participate, just drop your receipts off at the Opera House on your next visit. We'll take care of the rest! (And, yes, we can use those gas receipts too.)
