Ways to Help
Support the Wheeler
The Wheeler Opera House is a department of the City of Aspen, not an independent nonprofit, so this page won’t ask you to donate. The most useful thing most people can do is come to a show. For people with time to give, the next most useful thing is to volunteer.
Come to a show
A full house is what keeps a building from 1889 feeling lived-in instead of preserved behind glass. Buying a ticket is support, plainly and completely.
New to the building? Plan your visit for parking, doors, and what to expect.
You can also buy tickets by phone. Call the box office at 970-920-5770, Monday through Saturday, 12 pm – 5 pm.
Volunteer at the Wheeler
Ushers work a show from the house side. They welcome patrons, help people find their seats, and keep things running smoothly once the doors open. It’s a way to see a wide range of what plays at the Wheeler, from comedy to film to music to dance, meet other people in the Roaring Fork Valley, and see a live show from behind the scenes.
To apply, email the box office. To ask a question first, call 970-920-5770, Monday through Saturday, 12 pm – 5 pm.
What volunteers do
- Before doors Arrive for the pre-show volunteer meeting.
- Doors Welcome patrons and help them find their seats.
- During the show Stay alert to the house, and help house policies get followed.
Throughout the shift
- Represent the Wheeler and the City of Aspen well
- Help make the Wheeler a place where everyone feels welcome
- Help with an emergency evacuation, if one happens
Wheeler Advisory Board
The Wheeler Advisory Board advises the City of Aspen on how the Wheeler is run: scheduling priority and rates for renting the Wheeler, and operating policy and rates for the building’s commercial space, the restaurant and the gallery.
The board meets on the second Wednesday of the month, usually at 3 PM in the Wheeler’s Vault Bar lobby. Time and location can change; the City of Aspen’s website carries the confirmed schedule, along with agendas and minutes from past meetings.
Members are appointed by Aspen City Council to overlapping three-year terms and serve at the council’s pleasure, apart from one ex officio seat held for Music Associates of Aspen. Appointees are chosen mainly for experience in the performing arts, or in finance, management, or marketing. Board positions open as vacancies occur.
Current members
- Chip Fuller, chairperson
- Amy Mountjoy, vice chairperson
- Dr. Tom Kurt, secretary
- Ziska Childs, board member
- Bob Ephlin, board member
- Nina Gabienelli, board member
- Kate Northfield Lanich, ex officio, Music Associates of Aspen
- Sarah Pelch, board member
- Bryan Weingarten, alternate
Wheeler Insiders
Wheeler Insiders is the Wheeler’s email list for show announcements, on-sale dates, and other news.