The Pocahontas County Opera House is a restored theater built in 1910 by J.G. Tilton. Used for many purposes over the years, the building was purchased for renovation by the Pocahontas County Historic Landmarks Commission in 1991, and has been putting on an annual performance series ever since its reopening in 1999.

Our Past

The Opera House is Pocahontas County’s premier performing arts center. An intimate venue, with seating for about 250, the Opera House is part of the West Virginia Historic Theatre Trail. Its annual performance series brings more than a dozen performances on its stage each year, ranging from bluegrass to jazz, folk to musical theatre and everything in between.

Ornate pressed-metal panels adorn the ceiling, and the large performance hall is accented by a balustrade of American Chestnut, which wraps around three sides of the balcony. Light pours in through the building’s 32 windows.

At the turn of the 20th century, the railroad’s arrival in Pocahontas County, West Virginia, opened vast stands of virgin timber to commercial markets. The advent of rail travel and commerce opened isolated communities to all the activity and opportunity that followed the rails.

The first Opera House in Marlinton, known as “The Grand,” began showcasing vaudeville acts, dramatic productions and moving picture shows in 1907. However, The Grand did not satisfy the entertainment needs of the town. The second and larger Opera House on Third Avenue, the one we know and love now, towers above other buildings in town reminding us of the impact of the railroad. Built in 1910 by J. G. Tilton, the three-story concrete structure boasted a large stage and wrap-around balcony.

The glory days of this grand facility were short lived. Mr. Tilton, also the publisher of the Marlinton Messenger, ran into financial trouble and the building was sold in 1914. It was used for car sales and lumber storage for many years.

In 1991, the Pocahontas County Historic Landmarks Commission purchased the Opera House and, with support from the community, worked to transform it from an abandoned and forgotten old building into a beautiful performance space and center for community activities. They reopened its doors and brought performances to its stage once again in 1999.

The century old building is now on the National Register of Historic Places and has become the performing arts center of Pocahontas County. On any given Friday or Saturday night, the building is packed with people who come from far and near to hear the sounds of artists like John McCutcheon, Chris Smither or the Black Mountain Bluegrass Boys.

The Opera House also hosts a variety of community events, from open jam sessions to family movie nights. The building is also available for private rentals.

Thanks to the continued hard work of dedicated volunteers, and a supportive participatory community, the Opera House is once again the cultural heart of the community.

Performances at the Opera House are informal, family-friendly and open to all. Children 17 and under are admitted free. The entrance and main seating are handicapped accessible. Persons with disabilities are encouraged to attend; special accommodations can be arranged upon request. Advance tickets are available online or at the 4th Avenue Gallery in Marlinton. Cash only for tickets purchased at the door. Seating is on a first come, first serve basis.