Sherbino Theater

The Sherbino Theater is a historic performance and community venue in downtown Ridgway, Colorado, United States. Established in 1915 by Louis Sherbino and his son, the building has served many purposes over more than a century, including a performance venue, roller-skating rink, teepee/yurt factory, film house, illegal gambling hall, post office, live music hall, and gathering place. It was designated a Colorado State Landmark in 1991 for its significant role in the social and cultural heritage of Ridgway. After sitting dark for the winter of 2009 and briefly reopening as the White Horse Saloon before going dark again in 2011, the theater was revived by the Ridgway Chautauqua Society, a nonprofit organization incorporated in 2012 to keep the historic Sherbino theater a community gathering place. Today the Sherbino is owned and operated by the Ridgway Chautauqua Society and is synonymous with the organization. The venue, often called "the Sherb," hosts a wide range of programming including live music, film screenings, storytelling, comedy, community events, and educational talks. Its adjacent 610 Arts Collective serves as an additional arts anchor in historic downtown Ridgway. The Sherbino produces over 120 programs a year, including large-scale events such as Fete de la Musique, Ridgway1k/San Juan Barrel Fest, and Ridgway Independent Film Fest. The organization is supported by a small, mostly part-time staff of seven, led by Executive Director Ashley King, who has held the role since 2013. The venue also relies on sponsors and community support to sustain its operations. The Sherbino Theater operates as a nonprofit community arts organization rather than a commercial movie theater chain. Its mission is to provide high-quality, diverse programming and to serve as a cultural hub for the Ridgway area and the Western Slope of Colorado.

The Sherbino Theater was established in 1915 by Louis Sherbino and his son. On August 27, 1915, the Ouray Herald reported on Ridgway's newest building: "The new theater being erected by Louis Sherbino and son is nearing completion and will be ready for the opening show and dance the first week in September. The theater will be one of the most up-to-date on the Western Slope, with comfortable chairs, best of lighting fixtures, perfect ventilation and an ideal floor for dancing." The theater opened in September 1915. Over its 100-plus year history, the building has served many purposes: a performance venue, a roller-skating rink, a teepee/yurt factory, a film house, an illegal gambling hall, a post office, a live music hall, and a meeting and gathering place. Jack Dempsey even fought here. In 1991, the Sherbino was designated a Colorado State Landmark for its significant role in the social and cultural heritage of the Town of Ridgway. By 2009, the Sherbino Theater sat dark for the entire winter. After a brief re-opening as the White Horse Saloon, the Sherbino again went dark in 2011. Community members began asking if they could find a way to keep the theater alive. In 2012, the Ridgway Chautauqua Society was incorporated as a nonprofit organization for the purpose of keeping the historic Sherbino theater a community gathering place and fully utilizing the space by offering high-quality, diverse programming. The organization acquired and restored the theater, and today the Sherbino is owned and operated by the Ridgway Chautauqua Society. Under the Ridgway Chautauqua Society, the Sherbino has become a vibrant community arts venue, hosting over 120 programs a year. The adjacent 610 Arts Collective was established as an additional arts anchor. The venue produces large-scale events such as Fete de la Musique, Ridgway1k/San Juan Barrel Fest, and Ridgway Independent Film Fest. Ashley King has served as Executive Director since 2013, leading a small, mostly part-time staff of seven. The Sherbino continues to serve as the heart of Ridgway, Colorado, providing a venue for community events, live music, film, storytelling, and more.

• 2013

  Ashley King becomes Executive Director.

• 2012

  Ridgway Chautauqua Society is incorporated as a nonprofit to keep the theater a community gathering place.

• 2011

  After a brief re-opening as the White Horse Saloon, the Sherbino goes dark again.

• 2009

  The theater sits dark for the entire winter.

• 1991

  Designated a Colorado State Landmark.

• 1915

  The Sherbino Theater is established by Louis Sherbino and son; opens in September.

Nonprofit community arts and events venue in historic downtown Ridgway, Colorado.

Product categories. Live music events · Film screenings · Community events · Storytelling and talks · Comedy shows · Private rentals

1. 1Home - The Sherbinosherbino.org
2. 2About the Sherbino - The Sherbinosherbino.org
3. 3About Our Current Team - The Sherbinosherbino.org
4. 4Sherbino Theater - Wikidatawikidata.org