Wheeler Opera House director outlines 2026 programming plan, urges balance of marquee acts and local access

Mike Harrington, executive director of the Wheeler Opera House, told the Aspen City Council that the Wheeler's mission combines preserving the venue with "activating that venue through performances that speak to our residents, our guests, and, of course, the artists and performers that we invite." He said the 2026 outline will mix presenting activity (paid, curated performances) with community rentals and partner events to keep the theater active rather than "sitting like a museum."

Harrington shared early-year data to illustrate demand: the theater reopened Jan. 16 after rigging work; through April the Wheeler had hosted roughly 35 Wheeler-presented events and about 36 community-use days, welcomed "more than 11,000 audience members" with around 10 sold-out events and — he said — had already reached "197% of the revenue projection for 2025." Harrington described a four-tier artist/pricing model and said most bookings fall in tiers 1 and 2, while the council'level guidance he seeks concerns how many top-tier marquee engagements to program. "I would say that the 10% that I've recommended is viable," he told council, referring to the share of highest-cost shows; councilors recommended flexibility up to about 15% for particularly strong opportunities.

Councilors also pressed on affordability and community access. Mayor Richards and others asked about a local-price New Year's Eve event; Harrington confirmed he is "holding a date with an artist right now" and intends a "multigenerational, affordable" program. Harrington said the Wheeler is negotiating lodging arrangements with several hotels and plans a website redesign in 2026 that could show event availability. Harrington framed the Wheeler's subsidy goal against an industry benchmark: "most performing arts centers will endeavor to have a 60% earned revenue versus 40% contributed revenue ratio," he said, adding that precise dollar figures will be developed during the budget process.

Councilors signaled broad support for the programming direction and asked staff to incorporate the guidance into the 2026 budget cycle. Several suggested fundraising or benefactor-ticket options to offset ticket prices for locals while allowing marquee bookings; Harrington said the Wheeler has experimented with those approaches and can develop the idea further as part of budget and fundraising work.