BELLOWS FALLS, Vt. – The historic Bellows Falls Opera House, which had been closed because of the Covid-19 pandemic for the past 15 months, recently reopened its doors, June 11, on the Square in Bellows Falls and is officially making a comeback!
Over the last several months, the newly formed Rockingham Entertainment Development Ltd. – or RED – a volunteer nonprofit group led by artist and Bellows Falls resident Charlie Hunter, had been entertaining the option of transforming BFOH into a nonprofit organization.
However, with the help and guidance of Bellows Falls Town Manager Scott Pickup, it was decided to go in a different direction, although they did receive a 501(c)(3) designation this spring. Along with Hunter, the other RED directors include Sean Long and Marty Gallagher.
“I have been very impressed with Scott Pickup,” Hunter said in a recent interview. “Once the Shuttered Venue Operating Grants were announced, whereby entities that had run venues were now able to apply for grants in order to reopen, Scott suggested a structure whereby the Opera House would still remain under the municipal umbrella, with RED acting more like a consultant.”
RED will be working closely with the BFOH staff, including operations coordinator Jenn Heidbrink, facility coordinator Tim Heidbrink, live event coordinator Sean Roberts, and film booker Shawn Douglass, among others.
The main goal for RED is to help develop systems that make the overall operation run more smoothly, as well as in the immediacy, getting the new BFOH website built and “live” within the next couple months, allowing for a variety of options for the public.
“Folks will be able to buy movie tickets, choose their seats for live performances, purchase the popular ‘triple-up’ concession deal, underwrite Classic Film Wednesdays, and rent the Opera House – when it would otherwise be dark and empty – for private events,” Hunter said. “Of course, you will still be able to buy movie tickets and snacks with cash at the door.”
The BFOH will continue to offer first run, general-interest movies as the primary focus. The Classic Film Wednesday series will also resume June 30 at 7 p.m., leading off with a showing of the classic comedy “The Jerk,” starring Steve Martin and Bernadette Peters.
“We are aiming for a mix of movies and live events, ranging from concerts to multi-week theatrical performances,” Hunter added.
The Theatre Committee is also starting to look at long-term improvements for the facility, such as replacing outdated equipment and upgrading the “lower theater,” allowing for a second venue for special-interest films and a more intimate concert and cabaret space.
“It is the belief of the BFOH staff and of RED, that the Opera House has the potential to be a real economic driver for the downtown area,” Hunter concluded. “We are looking forward to working with businesses and residents alike, towards making that happen!”