Friends of Opera House award scholarship

Heidi Peterson Laurance makes a cameo appearance as the “Star To Be” in the Friends of the Opera House production of “Annie.’’ Submitted photo

After entertaining audiences as Belle in “Beauty & the Beast,” portraying a nun in the “Sound of Music” and undertaking the rigorous role of stage manager for the production of “Annie,” Laurance’s hard work will pay off this fall when she is honored as the first recipient of a scholarship bearing her name.

A unanimous vote of the foundation’s board of directors selected Peterson Laurance as the honoree for her exemplary dedication to her craft and devotion to the success of the Elgin Opera House. Peterson Laurance committed countless hours to the Elgin Opera House Theater while working toward her theatre arts major at Eastern Oregon University.

She even attributes her marriage to the Elgin Opera House, where she and her husband met.

The Heidi Peterson Laurance Scholarship exemplifies EOU students, who put forth an extraordinary effort to make a dramatic difference in the community, according to the Friends, who plan to award this distinction in the future to students who embody this philosophy.

For more information about how to participate in a Friends of the Opera House production, visit the Opera House on the web at www.elginoperahouse.org.

ABOUT THE

ELGIN OPERA HOUSE

In 1911, to sever the close proximity of a house of ill repute, Elgin’s city leaders built a new city hall that would serve the dual function of city government and performing arts center.

Architect John L. Slater of La Grande designed this two-story, colonial revival brick structure with stone foundation. Contractor John Oberg of Wallowa completed the structure, with decorative metal cornice and pilasters flanking the entrance, at a cost of $15,000.

Elgin High School’s graduating Class of 1912 holds the distinction of the first performance on stage. During the dedication ceremony on July 4, Walter M. Pierce of Hot Lake (later governor of Oregon), delivered an elaborate oration to a record crowd.

With its sharp acoustics and slanted seating arrangement, the opera house was lauded as one of the finest of the time at its dedication. It was complete with plush draperies, box seats, an orchestra pit, elaborate backdrops and a rococo decor.

The newly renovated opera house features its original motif. The architectural beauty and historic background of the building made it a natural addition to the National Register of Historic Buildings.

The building is home to the newly established not-for-profit performing arts group Friends of the Opera House. Many community events are scheduled at the opera house.

The opera house theater also shows movies and features noted performers from time to time.