Opera House Local Foundation

Over two decades ago, Clayton County leaders gathered at the Elkader Opera House to discuss a big idea: launching a countywide foundation to build endowments and make grants to address the greatest needs in local communities. 

The Opera House is a physical representation of the type of community-building and connecting the Foundation practices. Since construction on the building was completed in 1903, the Opera House has served many purposes, maintaining a central role in the social and civic life of Elkader.

“The Clayton County Foundation for the Future was born in the Elkader Opera House,” says Emily Sadewasser, the Foundation’s executive director. “And not long after, the Opera House became one of the first local nonprofits to recognize the power of endowment and start its own fund with the Foundation.” 

Local leaders stepped up. Many Elkader residents like Marjorie Costigan gave what they could to build an endowment for their beloved Opera House. 

“The Opera House has always been a part of my small town. It’s a hub of activity,” says Costigan, who recently celebrated her 105^th birthday and continues her legacy of generosity in the community. “I remember playing there as a little girl when my dad was in the plays.” Marjorie was inspired to try acting herself, and she won a statewide award from the University of Iowa for her one-act play as a junior in high school.   

The Opera House endowment supports maintenance at the historic building, which has hosted performances by the Cohen Brothers, the Smothers Brothers, and other touring, “big city” acts. The building has served as a club and community room, dance hall, roller rink, library, fire station, economic development office, Main Street Elkader office, city hall and as the Abdel-Kader Sister City Museum. 

Today, it’s home to the vibrant and active Opera House Players (OHP). The group has been putting on three to five productions every year since 1966. “The activity is one for the whole family,” says Kay Moser, theater manager and OHP volunteer. Her children came along with her into the theater in the 1970s. That’s where her son, Jonathon, met his future wife. Their children – Kay’s grandchildren – have performed in numerous shows at the Opera House. 

The Opera House Players draw interest from far and wide. In this month’s production of “Crazy for You,” the cast includes volunteers from Dyersville, Waukon, McGregor, Elgin, Edgewood, Guttenberg and Strawberry Point in addition to Elkader performers.  A typical musical sells 300 tickets per performance, enticing crowds to enjoy Elkader businesses before and after the curtain call. Tickets to the October production are available online at elkaderoperahouse.com. 

“We are blessed with many wonderful partners and supporters,” says Moser. “Their continued support of the arts and word of mouth accolades help us to continue to offer live theater to the area.” 

Just as the Opera House served as the gathering space that birthed the Foundation 20 years ago, the Foundation today gathers leaders in support of nonprofits and community needs. The organization has grown to include more than 100 funds that annually support community needs. Last year, that family of funds – including the Foundation’s annual grant cycle – paid out nearly $350,000 in Clayton County. 

“Our mission is to empower communities and ignite generosity,” says Sadewasser. “We are honored to be able to support nonprofits like the Elkader Opera House, which are the backbone of community culture and connection. Endowments like theirs provide annual funding to help them thrive – forever.”

The Foundation offers many opportunities to improve quality of life by addressing an array of local issues. To learn more about how you can establish a fund or make a gift that impacts your community, contact Sadewasser at 563-880-6044. 

Photo caption: Elkader Opera House board member David Beck paints a set for the upcoming production of Crazy for You as Opera House manager Kay Moser looks on.