The Future

The Strong City Opera House stands weathered, but proud and will once again be available for community use in the future. Potential use could be for movies, dances, proms, banquets, adult and youth classes, concerts, weddings, even funerals. The potential is endless and limited only by the imagination.

The goal of the SCPA is to restore the theater to the original layout including the lobby, stage, balcony, sloped second floor with seating, mezzanine and basement levels, sound and lighting system. Modern improvements will include handicapped accessible restrooms on both floors and a caterer’s kitchen. When completed the Opera House with be able to host small gatherings or events up to several hundred people and be utilized by young and old. The SCPA strives to create a historically significant space for meetings, educational events, concerts, plays, classes, art shows and activities to benefit the community while preserving the historical significance and functional space.

Populations are declining in rural Kansas communities, so it is even more important to have facilities such as the Strong City Opera House for use by local youth and families. The renovation has been supported by many local leaders, including Chase County Sheriff Jacob Welsh, who provided the following to the SCPA in seeking grant funding:

The saving and renovation of the 1900 Opera House/Theater is a cornerstone for the town of Strong City, KS. Individuals have worked together on this project for over 20 years. I support the renovation of this theater because this will provide a place for community events which may include events for our youth. Providing positive youth events and interactions keeps kids engaged and gives them activities to do. This is important in the Law Enforcement environment as sometimes when kids run out of legal things to do, they turn to some illegal activities. The Theater would be a facility that would provide a positive environment for all in our community. I believe the renovation of the Theater will be important for non-governmental crime prevention, youth apprenticeship, and technical training.

Who can say they’ve travelled to Strong City, Kansas and watched a show in a theater dating back to 1900? What a great opportunity for so many and what a great tourist destination!