Welcome to the Wheeler!

Despite our small size, we believe that you will find the Wheeler Opera House one of the most technically-friendly and best-stocked performance venues to be found anywhere in the United States.

DIRECTIONS:  The Wheeler is at the epicenter of downtown Aspen, at the corner of East Hyman Avenue and Mill Street, just off the downtown walking mall and four blocks from the gondola lift at the base of Ajax (Aspen) Mountain.  Everything is within easy walking distance in Aspen, or at most a short bus or shuttle ride away.

During the winter months, all traffic enters town via Colorado Route 82, which originates in Glenwood Springs 40 miles northwest of Aspen.  Vehicles looking to enter town during peak times will more than likely experience a significant slowdown approximately three miles out of down, at the Aspen Airport (Sardy Field).  Be patient, you'll get here.  But if timing is a crucial part of your planning, allow an extra 20 - 30 minutes if you're coming or leaving at rush hour periods during Christmas/New Year's week, Presidents' Weekend, or anytime during the summer.

If you are bringing a bus or tractor-trailer, you will want to turn on Monarch Street from Main Street (CO-82), so that you can enter our alleyway, which is halfway between Hopkins Avenue and Hyman Avenue.  We have a small loading area (but bigger than anyone else's in town!), so be aware that you may have to maneuver carefully or even unload and park at a different location.  Our tech and building staff will be glad to assist you!

ABOUT THE THEATRE:  The theatre space is located at the third and fourth floor levels of the building.  It is built in the typical 1880s European/Victorian proscenium style, with 371 seats at orchestra level and 132 seats in a horseshoe-shaped balcony.  The natural acoustics of the space are considered excellent, which is why entertainers such as John Denver, Lyle Lovett, and Lily Tomlin have performed here time-in and time-out.  It is a small house, however, and we encourage all performers and companies to keep it simple when coming to Aspen.

LOADING DOCK AND DOOR:  Door size: 8’-0” wide by 16’-0” high.  Location is at northwest corner of building. 

Dock is an 8’-0” wide by 12’-0” long by 16’-0” high elevator with an 8,000 pound capacity that stops at all floors.  Doors to elevator are 16’-0” high at stage and outside dock level and 14’-0” inside dock storage room.  All other doors are 6’-6” high.  Please be advised: Semi-tractor trailer rigs over 48’ cannot access the loading dock.

BACKSTAGE/DRESSING ROOMS:  Located 1 and 2 floors below stage level.  There is one dressing room one level below stage, which has a private shower and restroom, and can accommodate up to three people.  The Green Room is also on this level. 

There are six dressing rooms two levels below stage, one being a chorus room accommodating up to fourteen people.  The others can accommodate an average of 3-5 people each.  Each dressing room contains adequate mirrors, incandescent lighting, tables, chairs, and costume racks.  All dressing rooms have restrooms and showers within close proximity.  Each dressing room has at least one sink.

STAGEHAND LABOR:  The Wheeler is a non-union house.  However, a minimum Wheeler crew made up of well-qualified non-union labor is required for all events.

DRAPERIES AND MASKING:  Act curtain and grand teaser are a deep brick color.  The Act curtain travels and tabs; the traveler control is located downstage right.  A roll drop scene of the Brooklyn Bridge in 1883 is stored downstage, the control is also located downstage right.