Coldwater
Michigan
Tibbits Opera Foundation and Arts Council
About Us:
Tibbits Opera House, built in 1882, is the second oldest operating theatre in Michigan. Designed by Detroit architect, Mortimer Smith, the stand-alone opera house with its exquisite French Second Empire façade was far more impressive than other theatres of the era. The fact it survives and continues to operate as a theatre servicing southern Michigan and northern Indiana makes it even more rare today and worthy of preserving.
In the 1930s, the opera house was converted into a “modern” movie theater with new décor on the interior, new seating and a white tile Art Deco façade. By the 1950s the theatre was closed. It fell into disrepair and was in jeopardy of being torn down. In 1962 the Tibbits Opera Foundation and Arts Council, Inc. was formed and purchased the building. Efforts through the next decade were focused on getting the theatre fixed up and operating with no consideration of historic preservation. The result is a 1960s interpretation of Victorian décor with red flocked wall paper, wood paneling, stucco ceiling and conventional theatre seating. A horseshoe-shaped balcony, decorative box seats and proscenium arch maintain the original character and suggest the elegance which remains hidden.
In 1998, efforts to restore the theatre to its original architectural grandeur began with a feasibility study. Design Development plans were completed in 2002. Construction of a handicap accessible entrance, restroom and the addition of an elevator were completed in 2005. Completed in 2013, the façade is fully restored to its original 1882 splendor. The project received the State of Michigan Governor’s Award for Historic Preservation, The MHPN Gem Award, the Association of Building and Constructors Excellence in Historic Restoration Award, the North American Copper in Architecture Restoration Award and the Branch Area Chamber of Commerce Community Project Award.
Tibbits Opera House serves as the arts and cultural center of Branch County and the surrounding area. The intimate 499-seat theatre offers nearly-perfect acoustics and great entertainment year-round. Tibbits produces a professional summer theatre program which USA Today called one of “10 great places to see the lights way off Broadway.” Through the rest of the year Tibbits presents professional touring artists, children’s programs, art exhibits as well as community arts and cultural events.
Tibbits Opera House has completed the first three phases of restoration. With the completion of the third phase, the newly restored 1882 façade stands as a testament to the organization, the board, volunteers, the skill and craftsmanship of those involved in the project, and the determination of a community to fully restore and preserve the theatre for generations to come. Through the restoration process Tibbits has demonstrated the value of preserving these buildings of the past.
Recent News
Tibbits’ 45th Annual Auction Takes a Time-Traveling Adventure with a 'Back to the Future' Theme
COLDWATER, MI – Tibbits Opera House is set to take guests on a thrilling journey back to the iconic 1980s with its 45th Annual Auction, themed "Back to the Future," on Saturday, November 2, 2024. This much-anticipated fundraising event is set…
Read More »Cultural Jubilee Returns for Another Year
Coldwater - Building on the success of this year’s Cultural Jubilee: A Gathering of Neighbors, plans are underway for next year’s event, and organizers are inviting vendors, sponsors, and volunteers to get involved. Scheduled for May 17…
Read More »Lyrical Baritone Gerald J. Case-Blanchard and Pianist Wendy Chu Featured at Smith Memorial Concert
COLDWATER – Tibbits Opera House is set to present the 23rd Smith Memorial Benefit Concert on September 21. This year’s event will feature celebrated lyric baritone Dr. Gerald J. Case-Blanchard and accomplished pianist Dr. Wendy Chu, both…
Read More »Tibbits Opera House to Stage Pulitzer Prize-Winning Play 'Proof'
Tibbits Opera House is set to present David Auburn’s acclaimed play, Proof, from September 6 to 8, and 12 to 14. This Pulitzer Prize-winning drama, which originally premiered on Broadway in 2000, offers a profound exploration of the…
Read More »Garth Brooks Tribute Band Takes the Stage at Tibbits
COLDWATER – Tibbits Opera House will host Fresh Horses, a Garth Brooks tribute band on August 23. Produced by Moxie Events, this highly anticipated show will celebrate one of country music’s most legendary figures. Leading the tribute…
Read More »'142 Years of Tibbits Opera House' Art Gallery Exhibit Call for Artists
COLDWATER – Tibbits Opera House invites artists of all skill levels to submit their interpretations for the upcoming themed gallery show, “142 Years of Tibbits Opera House.” This special exhibition will celebrate the rich history…
Read More »Tibbits Brings the Hilarious Family Comedy'Over the River and Through the Woods' to Life
COLDWATER – Tibbits Opera House brings the heartwarming comedy Over the River and Through the Woods to its 2024 Summer Theatre stage. This production follows the story of a lovable Italian-American from Hoboken whose life takes a humorous turn…
Read More »'Glory Daze/Days' Art Gallery Exhibit Call for Artists
COLDWATER – Tibbits Opera House invites artists of all ages and skill levels to submit their interpretation of the upcoming themed gallery show, "Glory Daze/Days". This exhibition will explore themes of nostalgia and psychedelia. Artists are…
Read More »Step into the Hundred Acre Wood with “Pooh Corner” at Tibbits
COLDWATER – Tibbits Opera House presents Pooh Corner, the enchanting tale set to hit the Popcorn Theatre stage on July 19, 20, 26, and 27 at 10 am. In this whimsical adaptation, audiences will be transported into the heartwarming world of…
Read More »Brian Sage Named New Tibbits Artistic Director
COLDWATER, MI - Tibbits Opera House proudly announces the appointment of Brian Sage as its new Artistic Director, at the close of the current season. Sage succeeds Chad Tallon, who serves as Interim Artistic Director for the 2024 Tibbits Summer…
Read More »Master Puppeteer Kevin Kammeraad Brings Pals and Puppets to Popcorn Theatre
Coldwater - Tibbits Popcorn Theatre will present A Morning with Kevin Kammeraad and Friends, starring Kevin Kammeraad, an acclaimed master puppeteer, artist, children’s author, and music maker. Scheduled for July 12 and 13 at 10 am, the puppet…
Read More »Homegrown Talent Light Up Tibbits Summer Theatre
COLDWATER, MI - As the curtains rise on another exhilarating season at Tibbits Summer Theatre, the stage welcomes back hometown talents, marking a significant moment in the theatre's illustrious history. John Scheidler, a Coldwater native with a…
Read More »Tibbits Opera House Unveils 2024 Popcorn Theatre Season
Coldwater, MI - Tibbits Opera House announces the return of its highly anticipated Popcorn Theatre series, offering an array of shows suitable for all ages throughout the season. From June 7 through August 3, audiences will have the opportunity to…
Read More »Tibbits Opera House Raises the Curtain on Its 2024 Summer Theatre Season
Coldwater, MI - Tibbits Opera House rolls out the red carpet for the highly anticipated 2024 Summer Theatre season. From June 13 to August 3, audiences will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in a series of exciting and diverse productions.…
Read More »Artistic Transition at Tibbits
Coldwater, MI - Tibbits Opera House announced a transition in its artistic leadership. After several years of dedicated service, Artistic Director Peter Riopelle will be stepping back from his current position due to personal circumstances.…
Read More »Unleash Your Inner Performer at Tibbits Kids Theatre Workshop
COLDWATER – Tibbits Opera House proudly announces the return of its highly anticipated Kids Theatre Workshop. Designed for budding actors and theatre enthusiasts, this engaging workshop offers a unique opportunity for students to explore the…
Read More »Calling All Young Artists for Kids' Art Rock Contest!
COLDWATER – Tibbits Opera House announces the return of its annual Kids’ Art Rocks! contest and exhibit, inviting young artists from preschool to grade 12 to showcase their creativity and talent. All artwork submissions will be displayed…
Read More »Last Call: Tibbits Board Match Challenge Nears Its Goal to Support Tibbits Operations and Ensure a Vibrant Summer Theatre Season
Last Call: Tibbits Board Match Challenge Nears Its Goal to Support Tibbits Operations and Ensure a Vibrant Summer Theatre Season. Coldwater - Tibbits Opera House is issuing a final call to action as the end of its 2024 Board Match Challenge…
Read More »Coldwater Township Sunrise Rotary Becomes Event Sponsor for "Cultural Jubilee"
Coldwater Township Sunrise Rotary Becomes Event Sponsor for “Cultural Jubilee” COLDWATER – Organizers of the Cultural Jubilee: A Gathering of Neighbors to be held Saturday, May 18 announced Coldwater Township Sunrise Rotary Club…
Read More »Tibbits to Screen Jesus Christ Superstar with Guest Appearance by Film’s Star Ted Neeley
COLDWATER, MI – Star of the film Jesus Christ Superstar Ted Neeley will make a guest appearance for a special screening of Norman Jewison's groundbreaking rock opera film at Tibbits Opera House. Celebrating the film’s 50th anniversary…
Read More »Arts Alive Releases 2024 Art Gallery Show Themes
Arts Alive Releases 2024 Art Gallery Show Themes COLDWATER – From photography and paintings to sculptures and multimedia, from glitter to grunge, artists of all mediums are invited to enter their creative pieces in Arts Alive’s…
Read More »'Cultural Jubilee' Event Seeking Sponsors and Vendors
COLDWATER – Plans continue for the 'Cultural Jubilee: A Gathering of Neighbors' to be held Saturday, May 18 and organizers are seeking groups and individuals to join as exhibitors, vendors, sponsors and volunteers. The event is meant to…
Read More »Tibbits 2024 Summer Theatre Season
COLDWATER – From the harmonies of the 50s and 60s to a tale of love, murder and revenge, from an electrifying rock musical to a hilarious, heartwarming family comedy, the 61st consecutive season of Tibbits Summer Theatre offers audiences a…
Read More »Tibbits Young Audiences to Hold Auditions for 'Jack and the Giant'
Coldwater, MI - Tibbits Young Audiences will hold auditions for its spring musical “Jack and the Giant” on December 4 and 5 at 5pm at Tibbits Opera House, Coldwater. The giant is making life pretty miserable for Jack, his mother and…
Read More »Tibbits Opera Foundation And Arts Council News - Introduction To Safe, Kind And Caring Communities Branch County Coming October 11, 2023
What does it mean to be a Safe, Kind and Caring Community? Tibbits Opera House and the Branch County Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence (BCCADSV) are partnering for an Introduction to Safe, Kind and Caring Communities Branch County on…
Read More »Tibbits Young Audiences Announces Auditions for "Rumpelstiltskin Private Eye"
Tibbits Young Audiences Announces Auditions for “Rumpelstiltskin Private Eye” COLDWATER – Tibbits Young Audiences will hold auditions for its fall play “Rumpelstiltskin Private Eye” on August 22 and 23 at 5pm at…
Read More »Tibbits Opera Foundation And Arts Council : Call For Artists 'Cardboard Creations' Art Gallery Exhibit
From textured paintings to upcycled projects to cardboard sculptures, Arts Alive invites artists of all ages and skill levels to submit their interpretations of “Cardboard Creations” in their upcoming themed gallery show which will be…
Read More »Dr. Frederick Sponsors 'Grease'
COLDWATER – As the musical “Grease” wraps up its final performances, Tibbits Summer Theatre extends its appreciation to Frederick Family Dental for its sponsorship of the show as well as its overall support of the theatre. Dr.…
Read More »Disney’s 'The Little Mermaid' Presented by Tibbits Summer Theatre
Coldwater, MI - From magical mermaids, to colorful dancing sea creatures, to a spurned sea witch with a magical shell, experience Tibbits Summer Theatre’s enchanting Under–the-Sea musical with Disney’s “The Little…
Read More »Local Families Support Popcorn Theatre
2023 Popcorn Theatre Main sponsors COLDWATER – As Tibbits Popcorn Theatre continues its 34th season entertaining children and their families the theatre recognizes it would not be possible without the sponsorship support it receives and…
Read More »'Aladdin’s Luck' Kicks off Tibbits Popcorn Theatre
Coldwater - A princess, an evil magician and a genie with a magic lamp: “Aladdin’s Luck,” the first Tibbits Popcorn Theatre production of Tibbits’ 2023 professional summer theatre season, opens with a colorful cast of…
Read More »Kids’ Art Rocks Reception To Celebrate Young Artists
Arts Alive Kids' Art Rocks! gallery show at Tibbits Opera House celebrates the work of student artists during May and June, culminating with a reception in their honor at 6pm on Tuesday, June 27. The juried exhibit features 137 pieces of student…
Read More »Tibbits to Present Kids Summer Theatre Workshops in June
Coldwater, MI - From learning acting techniques to design and show production, students interested in theatre have a chance to explore with professionals of Tibbits Summer Theatre during a week-long workshop June 11 through 17. Veteran Tibbits…
Read More »Tibbits Announces 34th Popcorn Theatre Season
COLDWATER – Now in its 34th season, Tibbits Popcorn Theatre will delight audiences of all ages with five shows created specifically for kids and their families to enjoy Friday and Saturday mornings this summer. The highly popular,…
Read More »'Cultivating Community' Considered A Good First Step
Last fall organizers of the Cultivating Community presented nearly two dozen events to celebrate our community’s diversity while embracing our connectivity to each other. Now those organizations seek to continue the conversation with new…
Read More »Tibbits Opera Foundation and Arts Council: Wild Things” Art Gallery Exhibit Call For Artists
COLDWATER – From fantastic beasts to ferocious jungle animals to kids being kids to drawings reminiscent of Maurice Sendak’s “Where the Wild Things Are,” Arts Alive invites artists of all ages and skill levels to submit their…
Read More »2023 Oscar Nominated Short Films
ACADEMY AWARD NOMINATED SHORTS TO BE SHOWN AT TIBBITS From the latest in computer-animated shorts to the grittiest of live action dramas, Tibbits Classic Film Series will showcase the 2022 Academy Award nominees for best animated and best live…
Read More »Tibbits Opera House - Student Artists Wanted For Spring Kids Art Rocks! Contest
COLDWATER – From underwater scenes to still-lifes, portraits, and abstract art, student artists interested in entering their artwork in Arts Alive’s annual Kids’ Art Rocks! art contest and exhibit should submit their artwork to the…
Read More »Tibbits Features Fred Astaire and 'Magical Musicals'for its Classic Film Series
Tibbits Features Fred Astaire and “Magical Musicals” for its Classic Film Series COLDWATER –Tibbits Classic Film Series celebrates the incomparable Fred Astaire as it presents “Magical Musicals” on the big screen,…
Read More »Classic Romantic Comedies And Comedic Who-Done-Its Hit The Tibbits Big Screen In January
While Tibbits is in the middle of an extensive remodel of the dressing rooms, the theatre will not stay dark in January. The new year kicks off with two Classic Film Series double features and screenings of Classic Romantic Comedies on January 14…
Read More »Tibbits Opera Foundation and Arts Council : 'Black And White' Art Gallery Exhibit Call For Artists
COLDWATER – From bold abstract or landscape paintings, to beautiful de-saturated photographs, and a full variety of sculptures and subjects, Arts Alive invites artists of all ages and skill levels to submit their interpretations of…
Read More »Tibbits 2023 Summer Theatre Season Announced; Gift Certificates Available
COLDWATER – From nuns to mermaids, greasers to opera singers, the 60th consecutive season of Tibbits Summer Theatre will be sure to please audiences with a mainstage season featuring three energetic musicals and a play, along with the popular…
Read More »Christmas and Family-Friendly Films Come to Tibbits in December
Christmas and Family-Friendly Films Come to Tibbits in December From angels to sugar plums, snowflakes to sword fighting, Tibbits’ offerings on the big screen this December will feature the beloved Christmas classic “It’s a…
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