THRASHER OPERA HOUSE CAPITAL CAMPAIGN
OUR STORY
In 1997, a group of dedicated community members came together to restore the historic Thrasher Opera House. Their passion and hard work ensured that this cherished piece of Green Lake’s history would remain a vital part of downtown, honoring the legacy Charlie Thrasher established over a century ago.
Since reopening, the Thrasher Opera House has grown from a historic venue into a cultural cornerstone. It has become a vibrant hub for the arts, a place for connection and creativity, and a year-round economic driver for our rural area. As our reputation grows, so do the opportunities to bring even more to our community.
The Thrasher Opera House is truly the heart of Green Lake’s downtown district.
CREATING AN ENTRANCE
The adjacent 510 Mill Street building, which has housed Thrasher’s offices, art gallery, and bar, is in need of major updates to keep pace with the growth the nonprofit has experienced. This project presents an opportunity to transform the former real-estate office building into a state-of-the-art events center.
With this transformation Thrasher will:
• Meet the growing needs of the nonprofit’s mission
• Beautify the property, a key part of GL’s downtown landscape
• Enhance the guest experience
• Increase revenue
• Ensure Thrasher remains competitive as a small venue
• Achieve ADA compliance
THE PROJECT
This plan transforms the current parking lot into a welcoming space for locals and visitors to connect, while surrounded by beauty, nature, and several forms of art. This will clearly communicate the activity taking place within the building.
• Sculpture garden and mural
• Interactive Outdoor Instruments
• Covered seating and inviting patio space
• Stunning Facade
• Digital displays
LOBBY & GALLERY IMPROVEMENTS
Thrasher’s new lobby and gallery are designed for better guest navigation, supporting local artists—both musical and visual—and providing space for diverse programming, workshops, exhibits, rentals, and social events.
Improvements include:
• Display of upcoming events
• Greeting station upon entering
• Gallery store and gift shop
• Movable gallery walls
• Enhanced lighting ambiance
• Sound panels throughout for an acoustically pleasant experience
• Updated and ADA accessible restrooms
LOUNGE & SOCIAL SPACE
A social space that complements capacity and promotes efficiency:
• L-shaped bar for quicker service during intermissions (up to 3 lines), and casual use during pre/post-show activities, rentals, and special events
• Modern equipment for serving, storing, cleaning, and display
• Backlit logo with appropriate branding
• Warming kitchen
COST OF THE PROJECT
This vision will cost 3 million dollars to become a reality. This project will create additional revenue opportunities for Thrasher Opera House, supported by the organization’s long-term planning for stability and growth.
Currently Thrasher Opera House has over 2 million dollars in committed private investments to support the project. Thrasher’s 14 dedicated board members have all made financial commitments to ensure the success of this project. We hope you’ll consider joining us in making this our generation’s gift to the Thrasher legacy.
Other Ways to Make Your Gift:
By Mail: Send your donation to:
Thrasher Opera House, P.O. Box 4, Green Lake, WI 54941-0004
Contact us directly to discuss other potential giving options
920.294.4279 | rachael@thrasheroperahouse.com