The Auditorium
History
The auditorium originally had two balconies and seated 900. The mural above the proscenium arch was added during a 1913 remodel that included a new paint scheme. During a major remodel, 1925-1929, the second balcony was removed, and the projection booth was relocated to the back of the first balcony. New decorative stencils were also added. There were no major changes after this.
Historic Charm, 21st Century Comfort & Technology
The rehabilitation of the auditorium includes rebuilding the second balcony with total seating of 550. The south windows that had been bricked up earlier have been reopened and the projection booth has been demolished.
EverGreene Painting Studios did the early stages of the restoration of the mural, which has been completely restored by Belle Restoration. A reveal window on the proscenium arch uncovered the original 1888 stencil pattern, and a paint-chip analysis provided the original Victorian color palette, which guided the color choices throughout the commercial portion of the Opera House. The original stencil pattern has been reproduced in the Grand Ballroom by Paul Hotchkiss of Belle Restoration, while the later stencil pattern has been reproduced in the auditorium by Belle Restoration. Both the mural and later stencils were the work of Lindsborg artist G. N. Malm.
The stage will be completely re-outfitted, and sound and lighting will be up to contemporary performance standards.
