Friends of the Opera House talk about plans to expand to Pendleton

ELGIN/PENDLETON – Late last week we brought you a story about a memorandum of understanding between the Elgin Opera House and the City of Pendleton in reference to the Christian Science Building on Main Street in Pendleton.  You can find that story here.

Since then, the Elgin Opera House has also released some information on this project.  That release is as follows:

Pendleton, OR – The Friends of the Opera House have taken a significant step toward expanding their theatrical presence by signing a letter of understanding with the City of Pendleton to purchase the Bisnett Building—formerly the Christian Science Center—located in downtown Pendleton. This new space will serve as a rehearsal and performance venue, allowing the organization to extend its successful Elgin-based operations to Pendleton.

Executive Artistic Director Terry Hale emphasizes that this expansion will not come at the expense of the Historic Elgin Opera House but will instead enhance regional arts programming. “Our goal is to build upon the work we’ve been doing at the Opera House and create new opportunities for our friends in Pendleton and the surrounding communities,” said Hale.

A key component of the expansion will be the development of a summer stock-style program, designed to capitalize on Pendleton’s peak tourism season. “In addition to community theatre and youth education programs, we hope to establish a dynamic summer season that will bring visitors to Pendleton for high-quality theatrical productions,” Hale explained. “Theatre enthusiasts will travel great distances for exceptional performances, and many plan their vacations around such events. We believe this endeavor will add even more energy to Pendleton’s already vibrant downtown.”

To oversee the Pendleton-based operations, the Friends of the Opera House are launching a new performing arts organization: Pendleton Theater Company. This new initiative will be co-led by Hale and longtime Pendleton resident Karen Taylor, who is assembling a dedicated team of actors and technicians to help build the program. “We are thrilled to be increasing the opportunities for the Pendleton community to participate in theater,” said Taylor. “I am especially excited to get our local youth involved in all aspects of our productions.” The Pendleton Theater Company will offer its inaugural season this summer with three productions at the Vert Auditorium, including a youth summer camp.

Terry Hale and his wife, Stephanie, have strong ties to Pendleton, where Stephanie works and the couple maintains a residence. Their connection to the community, combined with a passion for theatre, reinforces their commitment to making this expansion a success.

For more information on this exciting new venture, please contact Terry Hale at terry@ElginOperaHouse.com or 541-786-0477.

---

---

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

---

• 
• 
• 

---