Pay off Paradise!

The Paradise theatre was purpose built in 1928 on Grand Avenue in downtown Paonia, Colorado. Coined the "Paonia Theatre", then in the 1950's the "Bear Theatre", and finally today the Paradise Theatre. It is one of the oldest continually operated theatres in the United States. The time has come to launch this western Colorado institution toward its new and improved self. The Friends of the Paradise board of directors' goal is to expand capacity, technical quality and abilities, and income capabilities at the Paradise through a major structural and technical renovation. This includes much need structural renovations to our 100 year old building, the additions of a green room and back stage area for more complex and larger productions, an artist bathroom and, if we are thinking big, an apartment for traveling artists and artists in residence!

But in order to begin the campaign to renovate the Paradise we need to pay off the mortgage. Currently that balance is $67,000 as of May 2025. Once this debt is paid off we can then start to apply for the capital needed for a major renovation through grant funding. Most importantly, we can also enact a deed restriction that stipulates the property can only be used as a theatre in perpetuity.

The Paradise Theater is the bedrock and cornerstone of Paonia, Colorado. The magic created here is what binds the community together and the lifeblood of the Paradise is the community in which it stands. Passionate and dedicated volunteers, loving staff, and starving artists are what have not only helped the Paradise survive but flourish against all odds over the past century. While the theatre industry continues to suffer and decline our little theatre has bucked that trend with gusto!

Please consider helping launch our quest to "Pay Off Paradise" and begin the journey to rebuild the Paradise into something glorious! Your donation is tax deductible and the warm oxytocin laced fuzzies you'll receive in exchange for participating will bind you to our story of success!

Sincerely,

Jay Canode

Board President

Friends of the Paradise Theatre