NELSONVILLE, Ohio – Stuart's Opera House is the cornerstone of the Nelsonville Historic Square Arts District.

Its history dates back to 1879, during the rail and coal boom days.

And in an age of cuts to arts and music programs, Stuart's impact to the community is invaluable.

  • For people in the small Appalachian community of Nelsonville, Stuart's Opera House is a crown jewel.
  • The 140-year-old structure has survived two fires and is one of just a few active opera houses in the state.
  • Stuart’s hosts 75 events per year and welcomes 25,000 visitors from across the country. 

“We went to the schools, and asked them what they wanted, and this is what they wanted. They wanted art teachers, and they wanted music teachers. They wanted opportunities for students to come to the opera house,” says Education Director, Emily Prince. 

After financial issues the opera house closed in 1924 and it sat empty until 1976.

Stuart's then rose from the ashes after a devastating fire in 1980.

The community raised the funds to rebuild it and 17 years later the building reopened.

Over the past 20 years, and millions of dollars, Stuart's has become the premiere performing arts center in Southeast Ohio, hosting 75 events, more than 25,000 visitors and 7,000 students each year.

Executive Director and music promoter Tim Peacock says Stuart's intimate space provides a memorable experience for performers and guests.

“They're overwhelmingly surprised by the space, the feel of the space and the response from the audience. The few that remain. I feel that we should do everything and anything in our power to save, because once they're gone, they're gone. And there's no replicating it,” says Peacock. 

Stuart's is also in charge of the annual Nelsonville Music Festival, which takes place each year at Hocking College.

Proceeds from the four day festival in June, now in its 15th year, keep the non-profit thriving.

The management says they're grateful Athens County and Southern Ohio patrons continue to reinvest in Main Street America.

“If you have a place like this in your community, go see a show, take your kids to a show, donate. Because places like Stuart's Opera House will not exist without the support of the community,” says Peacock. 

The opera house was recently awarded grant money through PNC Bank's Arts Alive program to create the “Other Voices” series, to bring people together and celebrate diversity through the arts.