SHERIDAN – People tend to think of the historic WYO Theater in Sheridan as just that – historic. The 1923 theater has plenty of nostalgia, but also keeps up wiht the times.
The theater’s latest high-tech accessory is a move toward the future of theater in which most of the audience can easily cancel out their popcorn crunching, joke-telling and chatty neighbors.
The device, called Auri, is a new option for hearing assistive devices, but it’s not limited to people with hearing difficulties. The broadcast audio uses Bluetooth technology to beam high-quality audio right into compatible receiving devices,be they hearing aids,earbuds or noise-cancelling headphones.
Those who use Auri also get an additional technology assist that filters out background noise, further enhancing the theater experience for users.
The new system complements WYO Theater’s hearing loop system installed a couple of years ago, which transmits to compatible hearing aids.
WYO Theater is the first in Wyoming to install this new system, but director Erin Butler expects that more theaters will follow suit, because the price point for the Auri system is quite affordable.
“When we installed our hearing loop system a couple of years back, we had to rip up all the carpeting and create this channel in the concrete floor,” Butler said. “And then they laid this coil, it’s an actual copper coil they lay in the ground. So that took an amount of time and an amount of money to install.”
The figure, Butler said, was in the neighborhood of $22,000 all told, in addition to requiring them to tear up the floor and then repair it again.
The Auri system, on the other hand?
Its price point was around $5,000, and didn’t require anything special.
“It’s essentially low-energy bluetooth,” she said. “So instead of needing to go through this very difficult process of installing the system, there was just a transmitter. And we put the transmitter where it would be best suited in the theater and then we plugged it in.”
Sheridan’s WYO Theater Set to Launch Aspiring $6.5 Million Renovation
Table of Contents
SHERIDAN,WYOMING – The historic WYO Theater in Sheridan is poised to undergo a notable $6.5 million renovation, aiming to modernize the venue while preserving its rich history and Art Deco charm. The project, announced this week, will focus on crucial infrastructure upgrades and enhanced accessibility, ensuring the theater remains a vibrant cultural hub for decades to come.
Built in 1928, the WYO Theater has served as a cornerstone of Sheridan’s community, hosting a diverse range of performances, from Broadway shows and concerts to classic films and local events.Though, the aging building requires ample improvements to meet modern standards and audience expectations.
“this isn’t just about fixing what’s broken; it’s about investing in the future of the WYO and ensuring it can continue to serve our community for generations,” said Erin Butler, WYO Theater Executive Director, in a press release.
The renovation plans include a complete overhaul of the theater’s HVAC system, addressing long-standing issues with heating and cooling. Significant upgrades to the electrical system are also planned, increasing capacity and improving safety.Perhaps most importantly, the project will prioritize accessibility, adding an elevator to provide access to all levels of the theater for patrons with disabilities.
“Accessibility is a huge priority for us,” Butler explained. “We want everyone to be able to enjoy the WYO, regardless of their physical limitations.”
The renovation will also include improvements to the lobby and restrooms, creating a more welcoming and comfortable experience for patrons. While the project will temporarily close the theater – anticipated from January 2025 to November 2025 – organizers are confident the long-term benefits will far outweigh the inconvenience.
Fundraising for the project has been ongoing, with significant contributions from local foundations, businesses, and individual donors. The WYO Theater is continuing to seek support to reach its $6.5 million goal.
During the closure, the WYO Theater plans to offer a limited number of performances in choice venues, ensuring the community continues to have access to live entertainment. Updates on the renovation progress and alternative performance schedules will be available on the WYO Theater’s website and social media channels.
A century of Stories Woven into the WYO Theater’s Fabric
GILLETTE, WYOMING – The WYO Theater in Gillette isn’t just a performance venue; it’s a living, breathing archive of over a century of entertainment history. From its humble beginnings as a silent movie house in 1923 to its current status as a vibrant hub for live performances, the WYO has continually evolved, reflecting the changing tastes and needs of the community it serves.
Walking through the theater is like stepping back in time. The ornate Art Deco architecture, meticulously preserved and enhanced through recent renovations, whispers tales of vaudeville shows, classic films, and community gatherings. But the true treasures lie behind the scenes – in the costume shop.
Here, racks overflow with garments spanning nearly a hundred years.dresses from the roaring twenties shimmer alongside Victorian-era gowns and more contemporary pieces. Each costume isn’t merely fabric and thread; it’s a tangible link to past productions, a silent witness to countless performances.
“We have costumes that go back to the 1920s,” says the WYO Theater team. “More than 100 years of history hanging from hangers, ready for all kinds of performances.”
The WYO’s journey hasn’t been without its challenges. Like many historic theaters, it faced periods of decline and uncertainty. Though, a series of prosperous capital campaigns have breathed new life into the building, adding modern amenities while respecting its original character. These campaigns funded grand sweeping staircases, expanded space, and updated technical capabilities, ensuring the WYO can continue to host a diverse range of events.
Today, the WYO theater stands as a testament to the power of community and the enduring appeal of live entertainment.It’s a place where memories are made, stories are told, and the spirit of the past continues to inspire the future.the WYO isn’t just showing performances; it is a performance – a captivating display of history, artistry, and community pride.
Bring Your Own Headphones
Butler said people who need an assistive device can request them when they purchase their tickets. But they can also bring their own devices as well.
WYO Theater has an open house planned Sept. 25 before that night’s show to show the system off and let people test it out for themselves. Anyone who has a device they think might work with the system is welcome to bring it at that time to see.
“We’ll have some giveaways as well,” Butler said. “So,I’m really excited about that. This is just another step we are taking toward making sure folks have a great experience here, regardless of their abilities.”
The new Auri system is just one of many high-tech devices that WYO Theater has purchased of late, to keep its theater on the cutting edge.
“We installed a brand-new sound system with brand-new speakers and a very fancy sound board,” she said. “We are constantly changing over the technology for the theater, so we can keep up, although it’s hard with the ever-changing landscape of the performing arts.”
The new soundboard has given WYO Theater new ways to mix sound, and also move sound through the small and intimate performance space. it complements the relatively new lighting system, which can move lights around like it’s a high-end Coldplay or Taylor Swift concert, even though it’s a small and intimate setting.
Keeping up with the times is vital to attracting big names to the small, intimate theater, Butler said.
“We are able to attract a different kind of artist because the
The Future of Moviegoing: Will Personal Audio Devices Change the Cinematic Experience?
A new audio technology allowing moviegoers to listen to films through personal headphones is sparking debate about the future of the communal cinema experience. While some worry it could isolate audiences, others believe it could enhance immersion and accessibility. The discussion highlights a fundamental question: what is the essence of going to the movies?
The Debate Over Individual Audio
The technology, dubbed “Auri,” is generating discussion about its potential impact. As quoted in Cowboy State Daily, one moviegoer expressed concern that personal headphones “could sort of, like, take away from the communal experience, because then you’re just stuck in your own (headphones).” This sentiment taps into the long-held belief that a shared experience is central to the magic of cinema.
Stephen Howard tucker, owner of Big Horn Films and a trainer of future filmmakers in Sheridan, Wyoming, echoed this concern. He told Cowboy State Daily that “The theater as we no it might not be the same in 10 years.” He explained that the shared experience – being surrounded by others reacting to the same story unfolding live – is a foundational element of theatrical art. Historically, theater has actively engaged with its audience, sometimes directly addressing them or even incorporating them into the performance itself. This tradition reinforces the idea of a collective experience.
The Potential Benefits of Personalized Sound
However, Tucker also acknowledged a counterpoint: the distractions inherent in a public setting. “Popcorn-crunching,joke-telling neighbors are a pretty distracting influence during a performance,” he noted. For some, the ability to focus solely on the audio could improve immersion.
He further suggested that personalized audio could be particularly beneficial for individuals with hearing difficulties. This accessibility aspect is a significant consideration, potentially opening up the cinematic experience to a wider audience.Assistive listening devices are already common in many theaters, but Auri-like technology could offer a more discreet and personalized solution.Assistive listening devices are mandated by the Americans with Disabilities Act in many venues.
A changing Landscape for Theaters
The introduction of technologies like Auri reflects a broader trend of adaptation within the film industry. Movie theaters are facing increasing competition from streaming services and home entertainment systems. To remain relevant, they are exploring ways to offer experiences that cannot be easily replicated at home.
This includes premium formats like IMAX and Dolby Cinema, as well as enhanced food and beverage options. Personalized audio could be another tool in the theater’s arsenal, catering to a wider range of preferences and needs.
Ultimately, the success of such technologies will depend on how they are implemented and whether they can strike a balance between individual immersion and the communal spirit of the moviegoing experience. The future of the theater may not be about eliminating the shared experience, but about enhancing it through personalized options.
Renée Jean can be reached at renee@cowboystatedaily.com.