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.
Upcoming Events at Tibbits Opera Foundation and Arts Council
Cultural Jubilee: A Gathering of Neighbors
Recent News
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…
Read More »Tibbits 43rd Annual Auction raises nearly $70,000
COLDWATER, MI – With a Bond, James Bond theme, Tibbits 43rd Annual Auction raised nearly $70,000 Saturday, November 5 with its combined online bidding and live auction event at the Tibbits Opera House in Coldwater. With decorations…
Read More »Bond, James Bond: Tibbits' Annual Fundraiser Goes Live for Preview
Bond, James Bond: Tibbits’ Annual Fundraiser Goes Live for Preview Tibbits “Bond, James Bond” auction has opened for item preview online with bidding to begin Tues. Nov 1 in the theatre’s 43rd annual fundraiser. The main…
Read More »City And County Proclaim October Cultivating Community Month
Council members of the City of Coldwater, as well as Commissioners for Branch County, signed proclamations recognizing the month of October as Cultivating Community Month. The proclamations acknowledge that the City and the County each strive…
Read More »Variety of Christmas Programs Coming to Tibbits in December 2022
Variety of Christmas Programs Coming to Tibbits in December COLDWATER – Three Men and a Tenor, “Celtic Christmas” with The Founding, and classic films highlight the Christmas season at Tibbits Opera House. After deciding to…
Read More »Tibbits Opera Foundation and Arts Council : Cultural Influences of Dance Lecture
COLDWATER – Tibbits and Young Michigan Dances are teaming up with professional actor/dancer Beau Hutchings to present “Cultural Influences of Dance” on Wednesday October 12 at Tibbits Opera House for a dynamic lecture presentation…
Read More »Tibbits Opera Foundation and Arts Council - Tibbits Names Summer Volunteers of the Month
COLDWATER – After a flurry of activity during Tibbits Summer Theatre, the historic theatre has named Gail Russell, Joann Lloyd, and Jeri and Jack Vettle as its summer volunteers of the month. Last recognized after pivoting through the many…
Read More »Tibbits Opera Foundation and Arts Council - Auditions Announced for "It's a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play"
Auditions Announced for “It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play” COLDWATER –Tibbits Professional Theatre will team with Branch County Community Theatre for a December production of “It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live…
Read More »Tibbits Young Audiences Announces Auditions For "Haphazardly Ever After"
COLDWATER – Tibbits Young Audiences will hold auditions for its fall play “Haphazardly Ever After” on August 24 and 25 at 5pm at Tibbits Opera House. In this fractured fairy tale farce by Jeff Fluharty, a kind king and queen have…
Read More »Tibbits Seeking Donations for Annual Auction in November
Tibbits Seeking Donations for Annual Auction in November Tibbits’ 43rd Annual Auction, “Bond, James Bond” takes inspiration from Ian Fleming’s iconic character, stepping off the big screen into the Opera House and online…
Read More »“America the Beautiful” Art Gallery Exhibit Pieces Wanted at Tibbits
COLDWATER – From landscapes of harvest season, oceans and mountains to portraits of cultural celebrations and communities, to architecture or Old Glory and everything in between, Arts Alive invites artists of all ages and skill levels to…
Read More »Neil Simon’s Barefoot In The Park Closes Tibbits Summer Theatre Season
The iconic romantic comedy “Barefoot in the Park” opens July 28 bringing a timely message to the stage in the final show of Tibbits Summer Theatre’s 2022 season. Hailed as one of Neil Simon’s best works, this classic comedy…
Read More »Kids’ Art Rocks Reception To Celebrate Young Artists
COLDWATER – The Arts Alive Kids' Art Rocks! gallery show at Tibbits Opera House celebrates the work of student artists throughout July culminating with a reception in their honor at 6pm on Tuesday, July 5. The juried exhibit features…
Read More »Tibbits to present Kids Summer Theatre Workshops in July
COLDWATER – 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 July 10 through 16. Veteran…
Read More »'I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change' Opens Tibbits’ Summer Theatre Season
Coldwater – Tibbits Summer Theatre opens June 16 with “I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change,” the hilarious musical comedy about everything you’ve ever secretly thought about dating, romance, marriage, lovers,…
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