"In 1910, Annie G. Packette, whose family tree included George Washington, raised $50,000 and employed a Washington, D.C. architect to design and construct the New Opera House. It was a classic theater structure, complete with fly-space for hanging scenery above the proscenium stage, an orchestra pit and a rarely seen curved balcony.
The Old Opera House Theatre Company, which was officially incorporated on May 7, 1973.
Its first mission was to restore the building, while preserving history, in the hopes of eventually offering theatre and theatrical training for young people. Later that year in July, the Todds saw the spirit and dedication of the OOHTC, and generously donated the land and building to the newly incorporated theatre group. Fund-raising drives produced a match to a Benedum grant to restore the theatre – the 4,000 square foot ceiling was re-plastered, a new floor was laid and new seats were installed. The adjoining pool hall was transformed into the Old Opera House Theatre Workshop with rehearsal space and offices established upstairs. This is where the initial performances were held.
In October 1976, the “new” Old Opera House opened its main stage doors to the public with a production of My Fair Lady. Since then, the offerings of the theatre have continued to increase in diversity and frequency. Today the theatre presents six main stage productions, a summer youth production, a one-act play festival and a ballet every other year.
In 1978, the theatre building was placed on the National Register of Historic Places and over time, the season has expanded to offer six main stage productions, one summer children’s show and theatre camp." -https://www.oldoperahouse.org/ooh-history