As Miners Alley Playhouse in Golden has grown both its audience and its ambitions as a professional theatre, it’s been challenged with the space it currently inhabits downtown along the Miners Alley of its name. The performance space is an odd size, with two side areas that don’t have the greatest sight-lines, and several columns in the way can obstruct the view from certain seats.

The theatre is addressing that with the announcement today to purchase longtime hardware building in Golden to convert to an arts center.

“Our vision embraces the history of this building, creating within it a vibrant public space where arts, heritage and community thrive,” said Len Matheo, Executive/Artistic Director of the playhouse. “We didn’t want to see someone tear down the building and develop condos or a big box store on that lot. Instead, our team saw a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to grow one beloved Golden organization at the site of another iconic business.”

Conceived with the express purpose of increasing arts access and engagement in Golden, the building itself will become home to the lively productions and classes of Miners Alley Playhouse, with flexible spaces dedicated to arts events and programing of all kinds.  A true community space, the Miners Alley Performing Arts Center will be a warm, welcoming place with something for everyone.

Matheo was quick to point out that some things will not be changing: “The building will allow for more opportunities, but it’s important to us to retain the intimate community feel our patrons have experienced at Miners Alley since it opened its doors in Golden in 2003.”

“We are grateful to the Schaefer family for selecting us to carry on their legacy of excellence and community support,” said Lisa DeCaro, president of the Miners Alley Playhouse board of directors.  “Though we were all sad to see Meyer Hardware close, we’re excited at the prospect of becoming a catalyst for a whole new era of community and connection,” she said.

This purchase reflects the hard work of a dedicated local coalition which includes On Tap Credit Union, the Golden Downtown Development Authority, The Golden Civic Foundation, Stone Strategy Design, and the neighboring businesses surrounding the building. This was truly a community effort, and we can’t thank our partners enough,” said DeCaro. “The support and encouragement has been overwhelming!”

At its annual fundraiser on November 12, the playhouse will kick off a fundraising campaign for buildout of the space.  The goal is to create an interim theatre space in the building as soon as possible, while designing and renovating the larger space into a full performing arts center, with a capital campaign to follow.