Dothan, Ala. (WDNews) – The historic Dothan Opera House officially reopened its doors Tuesday morning with a ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating the completion of a three-year renovation project.
City officials, community leaders, and residents gathered at 115 N. Saint Andrews Street to witness the momentous occasion. Mayor Mark Saliba had the honor of cutting the ceremonial ribbon, marking the start of a new chapter for the iconic venue.
Originally built in 1915, the Dothan Opera House has long been a centerpiece for performing arts in the Wiregrass. Over the past three years, the building underwent extensive renovations aimed at preserving its historic character while improving comfort, accessibility, and modern functionality.
Upgrades included new backstage facilities, enhanced seating, updated lighting and sound systems, and improved HVAC. Accessibility was also a focus, with key changes made to accommodate guests and performers of all abilities.
Clay Depsey, Dothan’s Director of Performing Arts, shared that the restored venue will feature a variety of events including concerts, comedy shows, and even classic movie nights. “There’s something for everyone,” Depsey told the audience during the event.
Following the ribbon cutting, guests were invited to tour the upgraded venue and learn more about its upcoming season of events.
The re-grand opening marks a major milestone in Dothan’s ongoing efforts to revitalize downtown while honoring its rich cultural history. With the spotlight once again shining bright, the Opera House is ready to welcome a new generation of performers and audiences.
