The Lyric in Casper, WY: Building a New Hub for Creativity and Community

In 2015, a group of visionary community leaders purchased the Iris Theater with the ambition of creating a new center for the arts in Casper’s rejuvenated downtown. Renamed the Lyric, this facility is already having an impact and is poised for an exciting future. 

Keep reading to discover how The Lyric meets pressing needs in the local arts community, where they are today, and their plans for the years ahead. 

The Need

Casper has a thriving arts scene, with numerous performing groups and scores of live shows each year ranging from theater to opera to nationally-known artists. This diversity of talent is matched by a diversity of venues from intimate settings in bars and coffee shops to the 7,000-seat Ford Wyoming Center.

Existing facilities, however, fall short of meeting existing needs. The Ford Wyoming Center is too large for many events, while other local spaces, like coffee shops or small venues, are too small. This leaves a gap for performances and gatherings that need a mid-sized venue, particularly for events like live theater that aren’t well-suited to such a large space.

But in addition to size, there is a pressing need for a space that prioritizes the interests of local performing groups. The best venues currently in operation are connected to high schools or Casper College, which rightly give first place to the programming needs of their students. 

One group that feels this need is the Wyoming Symphony Orchestra (WSO). Hosting their performances in a school auditorium means they cannot schedule their concerts as far ahead of time, affecting their ability to book soloists and provide the best possible experience for concertgoers. 

“Having a place like the Lyric will completely change the concert experience for the WSO,” explains Christopher Dragon, Music Director of the WSO. “Not only will it make it easier for us to plan a season, to bring world-class soloists and performers — due to getting our concert dates sooner — but it also expands the possibility of what we can do.”

The WSO isn’t the only group eager for a new space. Fifty-nine percent of arts groups in Casper say scheduling constraints are the top drawback of the venue they are currently using. The Lyric is the solution to a problem that has grown acute.

The Lyric Vision

So how does The Lyric Vision plan to address this need? The vision is first of all about facilities, with an aim to become a first-class performing arts center for the city. The full plan calls for a state-of-the-art auditorium seating up to 1,258 people, with sound and stage facilities to host all types of performances from plays to dance recitals.

In addition, The Lyric will include a ballroom, a grand lobby featuring a balcony with art gallery space, concessions facilities, offices, smaller theaters, practice rooms, and more. It won’t just be a premier venue for performances and art-related events. It will also be the ideal destination to host meetings, weddings, classes, charity events, and other private gatherings.

But the vision is about much more than space. The Lyric also aims to be a place that brings the community together around creativity, education, and exploration, anchoring the arts scene in the midst of a revitalized city center and complementing other centers of arts and entertainment like David Street Station across the street. 

In addition, the Lyric is projected to add millions to the local economy and provide an added draw to Casper as a prime destination for relocation in the region. 

Kim DeVore, Chair of The Lyric’s board, sees it as the obvious next step for the city. 

“The evolution of downtown over the last ten years is absolutely amazing. And the power of what is happening down here is that it is making all of us think, ‘What could it be?’ …The Lyric just compliments everything else that has been invested down here to just take us to the next level of what Casper can provide to this community and this whole state.”

For Lindsey Grant, Executive Director of The Lyric, the project has a far-reaching significance. “Casper deserves a space that showcases and supports the vibrant creativity of this community in a purpose-built facility. The Lyric isn’t just a venue—it’s a catalyst for cultural and economic growth. This state-of-the-art performing arts hall will be a place where education, live entertainment, and artistic expression come together to inspire and enrich central Wyoming. It’s about fostering connection, creativity, and community pride, while also attracting top-tier talent from around the world for everyone to enjoy.”

Progress and Promise 

The Lyric has come a long way in a short time. Substantial renovations have transformed the lobby and added kitchen and office spaces. It’s already a busy hub of events, including this past summer’s first annual Fringe Festival, which showcased an array of theater groups, musical acts, magicians, and more. 

The Lyric’s board has its sights set on much bigger things in the near future. With ambitious fundraising goals in place, the next steps will be the remodeling for a large performing arts hall and grand lobby. When completed, it will pave the way for a new era of flourishing for the arts in Casper and enrich the whole community by making performances more accessible and enjoyable. 

“A theatre has been a dream for this community for a long time,” Grant acknowledges. “But this isn’t just about building a theater; it’s about creating something that will have a lasting impact on Casper for generations. I’m especially proud of the collaboration and support we’ve received—from the generosity of donors to the hard work of our staff and board. Together, we’re creating something truly meaningful for our community.”

Visit The Lyric website to read more about their plans and how you can contribute.