Thorpe Opera House

The Thorpe Opera House provided a social meeting and performing-arts center for the David City area in the latter part of the 19th century. In the past 128 years it has housed various businesses, including a furniture store, photography studio and a movie theater. The Opera House fell into disrepair in the 1950's and some of the fixtures were removed.

Plans are underway to restore the Thorpe to its former days of glory. The Thorpe building and adjacent Horacek building will be renovated and restored, both inside and out. The Opera House stage and auditorium will be renovated but the historic charm will be preserved. Improved and more versatile audience seating, modernized light and sound booth, dressing rooms and costume storage area are among the improvements being implemented.

The Thorpe is an impressive building, majestically positioned on the south side of the courthouse square in downtown David City. It is an inspiring reminder of the economic, educational and entertainment potential our pioneering forefathers envisioned and brought to the untamed Midwestern prairie. The Thorpe Board of Directors, The Thorpe Advisory Committee and the Thorpe Capital Campaign Committee are working diligently to see that this historic landmark and the opportunities to entertain and educate in our rural community are available to future generations.

We can’t do it alone. This project needs YOUR support. Being part of the audience, sponsoring performances, serving on a committee and providing donations are contributions that will impact the success of this project. Please contact us with questions or opinions. We value your input and ideas.