Encore! The Story of the Shepherdstown Opera House

March 3, 2025

In the heart of historic Shepherdstown, where brick-lined sidewalks whisper tales of the past, stands the Shepherdstown Opera House—a cultural gem that has seen over a century of entertainment, evolution, and community connection. From vaudeville acts and silent films to live music and independent theater, this iconic venue has remained a beacon for the arts. Today, under the stewardship of Harriet and Steve Pearson, the Opera House is undergoing a new renaissance, blending historic charm with modern creativity. For this spotlight, I sat down with Harriet to explore their journey, the rich history of the Opera House, and its growing role in the local arts scene.

For Harriet and Steve, the Shepherdstown Opera House is more than just a building—it’s a labor of love. With Harriet’s three-decade career in business and technology law and Steve’s entrepreneurial background in IT and real estate, the couple brings a unique blend of expertise and passion to their stewardship of the venue. Fun fact: Steve used to book bands and produce concerts in college!

Their journey began in 2017 when regular weekend visits to Shepherdstown led them to an evening concert at the Opera House. “We fell in love with this cozy venue located in a walkable downtown surrounded by great restaurants and shops,” shares Harriet. After noticing a “for sale” sign, they knew they had to act. The idea of owning the Opera House checked many boxes for the Pearsons as they planned their next phase of life—active retirement, community engagement, and a chance to work together. Captivated by the venue’s vibe and potential, they made an offer to purchase it.

The Shepherdstown Opera House first opened in August 1910, built by Mayor Upton Scott Martin. In its early years, the venue hosted vaudeville acts, silent films, and community dances. By 1914, the Mussers—owners of a local newspaper—took over and modernized the building, adding electric wiring and a projection booth to accommodate “talkies.” The theater remained a staple of the community until 1957, when it closed due to the rise of drive-ins and modern movie theaters. The Opera House sat dormant until 1992, when Rusty and Pam Berry re-opened it as a movie house. Twenty years later, the next owner focused more on live music.

When Harriet and Steve acquired the Opera House in March 2018, they planned to operate the venue while making incremental enhancements. But just as they began, disaster struck. A burst washing machine hose flooded the building with 5,000 gallons of water, causing extensive damage. Over the next 5 years, the Pearsons undertook a major restoration. “We completely rebuilt the building,” Harriet shares. Beneath layers of paint, the original wall colors emerged—so the theater is now colored as it was in 1910. They preserved the windows, original wooden moldings, and even reupholstered the century-old chairs, “so they are now very comfortable!” The first floor was made completely flat for accessibility, and the venue now boasts state-of-the-art lighting and sound systems. A new bar offers wine, beer, popcorn, and light snacks for a perfect show experience. In spring 2023, the Opera House reopened its doors, unveiling modern amenities alongside its restored features. By 2024, the venue was officially open to the public. Today, the Opera House offers an intimate, high-quality experience for both artists and audiences. With a cozy 100-seat layout, exceptional acoustics, and a welcoming atmosphere, it continues to thrive as a creative space.

More than just a venue, the Shepherdstown Opera House plays a vital role in the region’s arts ecosystem. The Pearsons actively seek collaboration with local groups and have expanded programming to include a diverse range of events, including film, comedy, and live music covering genres from bluegrass to rock. They recently helped launch the newly-formed Town Run Theater Company whose first production at the Opera House opens in May. The Shepherdstown Film Society has also found a home at the Opera House for community film screenings on the first Friday evenings of most months. Private rentals of the venue are available at reasonable cost. Harriet said that birthday parties and corporate events have both been successful. “Imagine inviting a few dozen of your friends over to watch a movie with you on the biggest screen around!”

In January 2025, the Shepherdstown Opera House was added to the West Virginia Historic Theatre Trail. This initiative, launched in 2010 by the Preservation Alliance of West Virginia, aims to promote tourism and access to the arts while helping local theaters preserve their history. “This little town has a wonderful arts community that is immeasurably enriched by the presence of Shepherd University and its professors and students,” shares Harriet. “We love getting to build relationships with musicians, actors, visual artists, filmmakers, historians, and so many others.”

Looking ahead, the Pearsons are focused on ensuring the Opera House remains a cultural cornerstone for generations to come. They’re working to establish a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization to support long-term sustainability and expand community outreach. Right now, community members can support the Opera House by attending events, signing up for its newsletter, and engaging with local organizations like the Shepherdstown Film Society. Upcoming highlights include a blues band performance on March 6, a production of the play Bleeding Kansas in May, and a Film Society screening of Dr. Strangelove on April 4. These events reflect the Opera House’s commitment to offering diverse programming. For more information on upcoming events and ways to get involved, visit OperaHouseLive.com and sign up for the email newsletter or follow Shepherdstown Opera House on Facebook and Instagram (@OperaHouseLive).

Whether you're a longtime resident or a first-time visitor, the Shepherdstown Opera House invites you to experience the magic of live performance in an intimate, historic setting. With an exciting calendar of events and a renewed vision for the future, there’s no better time to be part of this enduring cultural treasure.