Cultural Icon

Built in 1927 the Chief Theater has been a cultural icon in the downtown Steamboat Springs landscape for almost 100 years. First built for “talkies” the venue welcomed Vaudeville acts from around the country, has served as a movie theater and most recently was home for comedy, music, opera, theater and more..

Programming

Local Organizations:
Steamboat Symphony Orchestra
Opera Steamboat
Steamboat Dance Theater
Elevation Dance
Community Dance
Comedy
Musicians

National and International

Theater
Opera
Dance
Music
Visual Art installations
Film Festivals
Gaming Events

Vision

Chief Theater Historic Building Restoration
Create a vibrant and affordable performance space for local performing arts nonprofits first and foremost then programming national and international acts around those.

Community Benefits

• Renovate a historic building on Main Street that has been shuttered for 4 years
• Intimate performance space in the heart of downtown Steamboat Springs
• Encourages people to dine and shop before performances and activate bars and music venues after performances
• Brings in sales tax revenue for the city

Facility Design and Capacity

• Collaborate with local historical preservation organizations
• Secure historic building designation at state and local levels
• Consider both historical authenticity and modern functionality in design
• 350 seat theater with flat floor and collapsible seating to function as both a performance and event space
  
• Engage local contractors when possible

Funding Opportunities: Historic preservation grants, arts and culture grants, donations, sponsorships, memberships, ticketing.