Arts & entertainment for the next 144 years

Since 1880 a structure has stood at 410 Poyntz Avenue designed to improve the quality of life for Manhattan, Kansas, residents.

Our $35 million capital campaign will revive this historical icon in the heart of downtown and make Manhattan a place that is recognized, celebrated, and sought after for its thriving arts, cultural, and entertainment offerings.

Will you help us get there?
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See inside

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A Grand Entrance

Upon entering the renovated Wareham Hall, patrons will be greeted with a thoughtfully transformed lobby that combines historic charm with modern touches.

As they gather with friends and family, they can enjoy engaging conversations in a comfortable and welcoming atmosphere.

World-Class Technology

Wareham Hall will boast cutting-edge acoustical, theatrical, lighting, and projection equipment unparalleled in any Manhattan venue. Advanced technology will allow us to transform the “acoustic canvas” for diverse performances. Additionally, the equipment will offer students hands-on experience with industry-leading technology. The combination of performance versatility and educational opportunities wil position Wareham Hall as a valuable asset to our community.

Remarkable Space for Patrons

Venturing to the second-floor lounge overlooking Manhattan’s Poyntz Avenue, patrons will be able to enjoy a beverage while taking in the view of downtown. From the lounge, they will have direct access to the second and third levels of the main theater and the second-floor lobby.

Accessibility for All

The renovation brings a promising opportunity to overcome the significant accessibility challenges the current space presents and create a fully inclusive experience for all patrons and performers, fostering an environment that welcomes and celebrates everyone.

Diverse Seating for Enhanced Experiences

With the creation of an orchestra level, mezzanine, balcony, and exclusive box gallery, every visitor will find a comfortable and enjoyable seating option. This multi-level design allows us to accommodate large audiences for major events, while also offering intimate spaces for smaller gatherings.

Modernized Site Infrastructure

A proper renovation involves a complete rebuild of the venue’s key infrastructure, including upgrading all spaces to meet accessibility requirements and accommodate increased capacity. This comprehensive overhaul will ensure that Wareham Hall provides a safe, accessible, and comfortable experience for all visitors.

Multiple Spaces for Programming

Wareham Hall will feature versatile supporting spaces, designed to accommodate a diverse range of events and uses. With the flexibility to host smaller events when the main hall is not in use, these additional spaces add value for organizations or individuals renting the venue for weddings, business meetings, fundraisers, and more.

Exceptional Artist Experience

When completed, Wareham Hall will welcome road-weary performing artists and crew members with exceptional hospitality and a VIP experience through comfortable lounge spaces, private showers, laundry facilities, and other amenities designed with them in mind.

Our Goals

Create a destination that generates energy and vibrancy

Expand educational opportunities for students

Attract and retain residents, workforce, and students

Offer engaging activities for Manhattan’s adults and young professionals

Increase access and exposure to the arts

Preserve the Wareham Opera House

Our Programming

Live Music

Live Music

Enjoy unforgettable performances by local bands, regional artists, and renowned musicians across a variety of genres.

Theatre

Theatre

Experience captivating plays and musicals from local talent and touring companies on our beautifully restored stage.

Dance

Dance

Watch stunning dance showcases by Kansas State University, local schools, and professional companies.

Education

Education

Participate in expert-led workshops, classes, and programs covering performing arts, venue technology and operations, and more.

Comedy

Comedy

Laugh out loud at stand-up comedy nights, improv shows, and performances by local and national comedians.

Lecture

Lecture

Engage with thought-provoking lectures and talks by authors, academics, and leaders on a wide range of topics.

Community

Community

Join us for talent shows, cultural festivals, and local group performances that celebrate our vibrant community.

Cinema

Cinema

View classic films, independent movies, and film festivals with state-of-the-art projection and sound in a historic setting.

COLLABORATION AT ITS FINEST

Before Wareham Hall was even formed, we have been collaborating with the main organizations responsible for creating the arts and entertainment ecosystem in Manhattan. There are significant gaps that Wareham Hall is seeking to fill, like the need for a mid-sized venue to host performances that McCain Auditorium is not the right fit for, or the need for state-of-the-art performance spaces for K-State School of Music, Theatre, and Dance students and faculty.

Together, we will be providing more opportunities for performers to hone their craft and for community members to experience the arts, strengthening the bonds within this vital ecosystem.

Timeline

2022
Wareham Hall was formed
Fall 2023
Design began
2027
Wareham Hall will open to the public
Sep 2022
Wareham Hall purchased the historic Wareham Opera House building
2025
Construction will begin
2022
Wareham Hall was formed
A
Aug 2022
Wareham Hall purchased the historic Wareham Opera House building
A
Fall 2023
Design began
A
2025
Construction will begin
A
2027
Wareham Hall will open to the public
A

Support for Wareham Hall

Our school has the potential to grow greatly,
and we want to grow. But our canvas—the acoustic space— is what we lack. The Wareham Hall project represents an opportunity to host diverse, popular events in the heart of a thriving district, impacting the lives and livelihoods of thousands. By addressing the pressing need for performance venues, this project is more than a building renovation; it's a chance to elevate the quality of life for our community and redefine Manhattan as a cultural destination.
Dr. Bryan PinkallDirector Kansas State University School of Music, Theater, & Dance
Dr. Bryan Pinkall
There's never been a better time to revamp the Wareham Opera House.
If a re-imagined Wareham Hall began programming quality shows on a regular basis, nearby shops, restaurants, and hotels would benefit. There are plenty of quintessential college towns in the United States where a downtown with a vibrant theater lives in harmony with the campus performing arts space. With communication and teamwork of all arts leaders in Manhattan, such an arrangement could work here and provide tremendous community impact.
Todd HolmbergDirector, McCain Auditorium
Todd Holmberg
This could be the spot in Manhattan.
There is so much untapped potential for Manhattan to enhance its arts and music scene and offer a greater diversity of options to accommodate our growing community. Performers need an inspiring canvas, and musicians deserve a stage. The scene calls for a home. Wareham Hall could undoubtedly become that home; and I can't wait for the day to perform on that historic stage.
Wayne Everett GoinsDistinguished Professor of Music, Director of Jazz Studies, Kansas State University
Wayne Everett Goins
This would be a regional draw
and create additional spin-off benefits - a cultural shift for Manhattan.

...More spaces for the arts and performance are essential; they grant us access to the creative soul of our community.
Survey Respondent
Survey Respondent
This is a wonderful opportunity to utilize this magnificent space
while also providing opportunities for events that can enhance the community and attract visitors to support our local economy.
Survey Respondent
Survey Respondent
Why must I travel 60 - 150 miles to enjoy this?
Live music, particularly by artists familiar to me, makes me happier than nearly anything else. Why must I travel 60 - 150 miles to enjoy this? Plus, depending on location, add hundreds of dollars for lodging, gas, and meals. The Wareham can be just as stunning, versatile, and functional as Midland, Uptown, and Orpheum theaters, all of which we have visited recently. We purchase McCain tickets too, but those events are not year round. Renovation of the Wareham will not only serve Manhattan residents, but will become a draw for those outside our fair city.
Survey Respondent
Survey Respondent
Manhattan is lacking a certain kind of culture and energy, and more specifically, the downtown area.
K-State has McCain, but I feel like the Wareham has the potential to appeal to a younger demographic and help foster a stronger reason to stay in Manhattan if done right.
Survey Respondent
Survey Respondent
I can't imagine a truly revitalized downtown without the restoration and creation of Wareham Hall.
The Wareham is one of the most iconic symbols of manhattan. It's the focal point of downtown and our community as a whole, and it's a shame how underutilized the entire building is. What was once a special place people couldn't wait to go inside is now merely a backdrop for people to pass by on their way to dinner. This project is well overdue because the Wareham should be more than a symbol, it should be the source of joy, inspiration, and wonder for people of all ages with varying interests. That's why Manhattan needs a state-of-the-art live performance and entertainment venue like this.
Survey Respondent
Survey Respondent
Manhattan needs more live entertainment.
People leave this town because there's ‘nothing to do’. We need to create opportunities to get out of the house on weekends when there's not home football games.
Survey Respondent
Survey Respondent

INVEST IN MANHATTAN’S FUTURE

Be a part of Wareham Hall’s history and help us set the stage for community connection, inspiration, and growth through the arts. Every dollar donated gets us one step closer to opening our doors and becoming a thriving arts and cultural center in Manhattan for generations to come.

Donate Now