The Wright Opera House

The Wright: Still Shining Bright (and Dripping Elegance) Since 1888

In a town where mountain peaks outnumber stoplights and it’s totally normal to see a guy in ski boots at the grocery store in July, The Wright Opera House stands tall — slightly drippy, maybe, but still bright as ever. Like an old candle in a miner’s lamp, it’s got a few waxy streaks and timeworn tales, but its glow? Oh, it’s timeless.

Since 1888 — yes, before sliced bread, the internet, or even reliable indoor plumbing — the Wright has been Ouray’s cultural North Star. It’s weathered world wars, the invention of the airplane and now, somehow, TikTok. Through every era of chaos and invention, the Wright has stood for what it always has: culture, arts, community, fun, beauty, and a touch of elegance — the perfect counterbalance to our beautifully scrappy mountain town.

A Legacy that Still Winks at You from the Balcony (once it is restored, that is…)

The Wright isn’t just a pretty façade with good acoustics. 

For 137 years, it’s been a gathering place for live theater, soul-stirring music, toe-tapping dance, thoughtful films, and the kind of conversation that makes you forget your phone battery is at 2%.

In the last year alone, audiences have grown by 15%. 

We’d say it’s because of our magnetic charm, but let’s face it — it’s also because people crave connection, creativity, and maybe just a break from reality.

As Ouray grows and changes (hello, Boba Tea, Acai, and Wi-Fi in the backcountry), so does the need for arts that are inclusive, accessible, and meaningful. 

The Wright is ready to meet the moment with new energy, fresh ideas, and yes — your help.

What Your Colorado Gives Day Gift Will Do:

• Hire more staff – Because community magic doesn’t happen by itself, and Kate can’t keep doing three jobs forever.
• Install assistive listening tech – So everyone, from great-grandpa to Gen Alpha, can catch every note, joke, and dramatic gasp.
• Launch youth arts programs (ages 8–12) – Let’s plant the seeds of creativity and help them to grow into TikTok influencers, engineers, or even playwrights, by golly.
• Revamp our brand and website – It’s time we looked as sharp online as we do in real life (with better fonts, fewer broken links, and maybe a dancing bear. Okay, maybe not).
• Expand mission-driven rentals + cut costs – So we can spend less on utility bills and more on standing ovations.

We may live in some fast changing times, but The Wright remains what it has always been: the heart of Ouray’s artistic soul. 

Still beautiful. 

Still fun. 

Still elegant. 

Still here. 

Here's to another 100 years of community love, laughter, art, and most of all ... 

fun. 

Happy Harvest season from all of us here at the Wright, and thank you for helping out!

Make a recurring pledge before Dec 9th to 2x your $