Reserve the Briggs Opera House

The Briggs Opera House

The Briggs Opera House (BOH) welcomes community arts groups of every kind to present performances in the historic theater in downtown White River Junction, VT. As the resident theater company and primary leaseholder of BOH, Shaker Bridge Theater partners with JAM as the venue manager to offer community groups the opportunity to rent BOH during the ~25 weeks available annually between Shaker Bridge Theater’s regular productions.

The Briggs Opera House offers a highly versatile and storied performance space centrally-located in historic downtown White River Junction, Vermont for community arts groups of every stripe.  Recent productions in the Briggs include shows by The Junction Dance Festival, Upper Valley 24-Hour Play Festival, We The People Theater, White River Indie Film Festival, Rio Blanco Social Club, Revolution Fashion Show, and more.  The Briggs has also hosted local graduations, workshops, candidate forums, music jams, and burlesque.

A 240-seat, wheel-chair accessible theater, the Briggs is larger than most venues in the area but small enough to feel intimate. Founded in the 1890s as the Gates Opera House, when White River Junction was a booming railroad hub, it fell into disuse after World War II and became retail space in the 1950s. After the closing of the JJ Newberry department store, the opera house was reopened in 1985.

Step 1:  Fill out our project form (right)

We will respond via email within 3-5 days to clarify any questions.  JAM will then send you a user agreement. Your reservation is secured upon signing the user agreement with payment and security deposit.

Step 2: Technical Orientation to the Briggs

Prior to using BOH, the producer and technical operators must schedule an orientation with JAM Senior Producer Chico Eastridge to discuss configuration of the space, be approved for equipment operation, and plan media integrations (e.g. live streaming or recording). Note:  User agreements do not include technical staff.  JAM staff may be available for hire at an hourly rate, or JAM will try to help you find stage crew if possible.

Step 3: Lights Up

After meeting with Chico, your staff will receive full use of the facilities on your start date.

Step 4: Strike & Clean Up

At the conclusion of your show/event, the Briggs Opera House must be cleaned and restored to the same condition in which you found it.  Please include time in your schedule for strike and cleaning.  Your deposit will be returned after an inspection.