Our Mission
Stuart’s Opera House is the cornerstone of the historic Public Square in Nelsonville. It is dedicated to its role as a regional leader in the arts community, a center for public expression, and an economic development partner for Southeastern Ohio.
Our Vision
We envision Stuart’s Opera House as the cultural anchor and a center of expression on Nelsonville’s bustling and dynamic Public Square. It is a historic venue sought out by people of all ages, from all walks of life, and from near and far. Its well-earned reputation as an intimate, casual setting for continuous offerings of both familiar and innovative artistic performances and community events brings people back time and again.
Stuart’s Opera House is the cornerstone of the Nelsonville Historic Art District. A lovingly restored theatre that reflects its glory days in 1879 through 1924 when it was home to classic vaudeville and melodrama shows. Stuart’s closed and sat empty from 1924 through 1976. In 1977 a group formed a non-profit and started bringing the theatre back to life when a devastating fire nearly destroyed the building in 1980. Seventeen years later, in 1997, the opera house re-opened its doors and is once again home to local, regional, national, and internationally acclaimed performances. Stuart’s Opera House now hosts over 75 events each year and is Southeastern Ohio’s favorite place to experience live performance. Please join us!
If you are looking for a unique venue to hold your performance, meeting, reception, wedding, or another special event, look no further than Stuart’s Opera House. Stuart’s Opera House is available to host all kinds of special events.
Stuart’s Opera House programming is made possible in part by state tax dollars allocated by the Ohio Legislature to the Ohio Arts Council (OAC). The OAC is a state agency that funds and supports quality arts experiences to strengthen Ohio communities culturally, educationally, and economically
Our Location
Photography Policy
When permitted by the artist, Stuart’s Opera House allows non-flash still photography during the first two songs of any performance. During that period, please be considerate of those seated around you as well as the artist. When photos are not permitted, you will be informed prior to the start of the show.
