FAQ
WHY SHOULD THE OPERA HOUSE BE RESTORED?
Our Opera house is an important part of Corning’s historical past in our community and this would be lost. When completed this could become the heartbeat of Corning, with its state of the art audio & video equipment, stylish hall, kitchen, and meeting room. The community will be invited to attend events, host events, bring friends, and draw visitors to Adams County and be an economic boost for our downtown. It will also enhance the quality of life for residents, by providing access to entertainment that’s not readily available here.
WHAT WILL THE OPERA HOUSE BE USED FOR AFTER RESTORATION? The main opera house on the second floor can been used for many purposes including, but not limited to: concerts, musicals, plays, lecturers, dinner theaters, prom, dances, weddings, receptions, dress up parties, Christmas parties, catered meals, etc. The main floor has a large meeting room. All of these can be rented. The goal is to fill the building 52 weeks of the year.
WHY NOT JUST USE THE HIGH SCHOOL AUDITORIUM?
With the School’s remodeling it will be a fine auditorium, but it’s only an auditorium. We will be equipped with state of the art theater technology, kitchen, concession area, removable seats for dance floor, projection screen are among a few items.
WILL THE OPERA HOUSE BE ECONOMICALLY SELF-SUSTAINING ONCE IT IS IN OPERATION?
It will take many volunteers, contributions and theater rentals to help. The goal is to build an endowment fund adequate to provide ongoing income to support theater operations.
WHAT WILL IT COST TO RESTORE THE OPERA HOUSE?
The total project is $3.9 million with $500,000 already completed and a $1.5 million grant from IJobs/Main Street, Grants, and $600,000 remains to be raised.
THAT’S A LOT OF MONEY. CAN CORNING AFFORD IT?
Community Support is very important & we are hoping for $300,000 locally, with the balance coming from state, federal, and private grants, historic preservation tax credits, and large private and corporate donations.
ARE THERE ENOUGH PEOPLE INTERESTED IN RESTORING THE OPERA HOUSE TO MAKE ALL THIS HAPPEN?
Yes, The project has enjoyed support from the city council, board of supervisors & the Adams Community Foundation. Fund raising events are held monthly, meetings are held weekly, and we have not had any negative feelings expressed.
HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE BEFORE THE OPERA HOUSE IS OPERATING?
The IJobs/Main Street grant states we will be open by February 2012 or we return the $1.5 million. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity, that will most likely not happen again. The grand opening will be February 2012! The progress and impact will happen before that with the construction beginning and having an economic impact on our community now.
WHAT IS SO SPECIAL ABOUT THIS BUILDING?
We are one of a handful that still have the original horseshoe balcany and raked stage with trap door! The structure is sound, the acoustics are fabulous, large space to hold 400 people, and the view of Davis Avenue is magnificent! We will have removable seats on the main opera hall so we can be flexible in the events hosted. There’s large lobby with concessions, toilet facilities on both floors, elevator, office space, meeting room and kitchen. It is a gem – a true treasure!