The community has enjoyed a “Year of Fun” at the Briggs Opera House in White River Junction, thanks to the Briggs family and the creative Upper Valley community. When Northern Stage moved to the new Barrette Center for the Arts just around the corner last spring, David Briggs and family invited the community to weigh in, asking the question, “What would you like to see in this space?” The answer was clear when eight organizations stepped forward. The community wants a venue for the performing arts, dancers, movies, and musicians.

Kicking the year off, Butch Thompson of National Public Radio’s A Prairie Home Companion returned to the Briggs Opera House after 30 years and performed a concert to benefit the Upper Valley Music Center. White River Ballet Academy staged an annual performance. Northern Stage used the second-floor space for students in their theater arts camp. ArtisTree Theater Company from South Pomfret stepped in to rehearse for the production of Laughter on the 23rd Floor. North Country Community Theater also rehearsed and performed at the Briggs for A Walk in the Woods. There are a number of performing arts organizations in the region that need a rehearsal or performance space, and David is working to keep the Briggs available.

We’re sharing a video of Brooks Hubbard’s performance at the Briggs last December.