Press & News Releases

Press Release 3/12/07 -  TIPAF GEARS UP FOR OPERA HOUSE RE-OPENING AND YEAR-ROUND USE

The Thousand Islands Performing Arts Fund is gearing up for an exciting re-opening of the Clayton Opera House this July.  The construction project, through which aesthetic and major infrastructure improvements are being made, is scheduled for completion in June and currently running on schedule.  An exciting summer season has been planned and, for the first time since TIPAF began managing the venue in 2002, events will continue throughout the fall, winter and spring months, as well. 

The renovation will include exterior improvements, heating and air conditioning systems, an elevator, major electrical and plumbing upgrades, new bathrooms, state and federal access and egress compliance and some third floor improvements. Also included is an addition to the back of the building needed to house mechanicals, a “green room” for performers and dressing rooms. New stage curtains, lighting and rigging, a new sound system and a general interior face lift are also planned.  The Campaign to Renovate the Clayton Opera House has almost reached its goal of $3.2 million with just under $200,000 remaining to be raised.  If the entire goal is met, renovations to the third floor of the building will be completed. 

The summer season will feature five Cornerstone performances during July and August, a full slate of Sunday Series performances beginning on July 15, and concerts by the Clayton Community Band.  Events in the Cornerstone Series will include GRAMMY award winning jazz vocalist Diane Schuur, world acclaimed conductor and violist Pinchas Zukerman and the Zukerman Chamber Players, New York City’s longest running theatre improvisation comedy troupe Chicago City Limits, and a return to the Las Vegas glory days with Direct From Vegas – The Rat Pack, as well as one other concert currently in negotiations. 

TIPAF is proud to welcome the Clayton Community Band as the Opera House’s resident ensemble.  The Band will hold monthly concerts in the Opera House and use the space for rehearsals. 

The Sunday Series features artists from the TI Region.  All performances are at 4:00 pm on Sundays and tickets are $5.  Be sure to stop by and catch performances by such rising stars as The Johnston School of Irish Dance, Islanders Barber Shop, Sam Hopkins and Erin Brick with Jim Burr and Jim Rooney, The Buskers, Trillium Music Center, Diamond Sunday, and Voices of the River.                       

In addition to the events booked by TIPAF, the Opera House performance hall and third floor will be available to rent for private and corporate parties, performances and community functions.  There are already events scheduled in the hall for summer 2007 and beyond.  If you are interested in booking the space, please contact the TIPAF offices.

Programming for the new fall, winter and spring seasons is currently in process and may feature films, live music, dance classes, and theatrical performances.  The Sunday Series and hall rentals will continue throughout these “off season” months as well.  TIPAF hopes to present a wide variety of events to appeal to the many community members who have made the renovations of the Opera House possible through their support. 

TIPAF employees 2 full time staff members and will be hiring a part-time box office and clerical staff person later this spring.   Executive Director Amy Flack joined TIPAF in September, and 2007 will mark Barry Pratt’s fourth year as the Opera House’s theatre manager.  The organization is governed by a dedicated Board of Directors comprised of President Mary Mascott, Vice-Presidents Donna Cantwell, Gary DeYoung and Bob Purcell, Secretary Susan Johnson, Treasurer Pete Colello and members Diane Ames, Carolyn Anderson, Nancy Breslin, Erin Brick, Rett Foster, Debby Hirschey, Dale Kenyon, John McMath, Sandy McNally, Charlie Moehs, Judy Pearson, Bari Bryant, Jim Schnauber and Bobbie Trimble.  

For more information on the progress of the project, a full schedule of events, information on making a contribution or details on how to rent the Opera House, please visit the website at www.claytonoperahouse.com or call the TIPAF office at 315-686-1037.               

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