As the WYO Theater and Performing Arts Education Center has launched another exciting season, we wanted to take a moment to reflect on what this historic institution means to our community and to the Legacy Ridge Private Wealth family. Its story is one of preservation, connection, and legacy, values that continue to inspire us today.
A Quick History Lesson
The WYO Performing Arts & Education Center has been at the heart of Sheridan's cultural landscape for more than a century. Founded in 1923 as a vaudeville theater known as The Lotus, it hosted silent films accompanied by a 15-piece orchestra and introduced Sheridan audiences to "talkies" in 1929.
As the community evolved, so did the theater. In the early 1930s, the building received its iconic Art Deco façade and became known as the Fox-Lotus. A few years later, it adopted the name The Western Theater for Western People, reflecting the growing popularity of dude ranching and Western culture throughout the region.
By 1941, the theater was ready for another transformation. Following a major renovation, community members were invited to participate in a naming contest. Local resident Thomas P. Kelly submitted the winning entry, and the theater became known as the WYO, a name that has remained synonymous with arts, entertainment, and community ever since.
After serving Sheridan for decades, the theater closed its doors in 1982. Determined to preserve this important piece of local history, community leaders formed the "Save the WYO" nonprofit organization. Through extensive fundraising, volunteer efforts, and community support, the theater was restored and officially reopened in October 1989.
How Legacy Ridge Is Connected
For Legacy Ridge Private Wealth, the WYO Theater is more than a historic landmark. It is part of our family's story.
Our founder and Wealth Advisor, Frank Boley, and our Marketing Director, Georgia Boley, have deep family ties to the "Save the WYO" organization. Georgia's grandparents and parents played an important role in helping restore and rebuild the theater, contributing to the effort that preserved this beloved community institution for future generations.
Today, that commitment continues. Georgia serves on the WYO Theater Board of Directors, helping raise awareness and support through community events, presentations, and fundraising initiatives. The family's connection has also extended to the next generation, as Frank and Georgia's daughter has performed on the historic WYO stage as a member of Sheridan’s performing arts programs.
The connection to the WYO extends beyond the Boley family. Team member Cathy Pelissier also shares a meaningful connection to the organization. Her mother-in-law, Sophie Pelissier was a prominent performer and a vital part of the theater’s success. The Pelissier family has long been recognized for its contributions to the Sheridan community.
Looking Toward the Future
At Legacy Ridge Private Wealth, we believe that strong communities are built through connection, stewardship, and a commitment to preserving what matters most.
Those same principles guide the work we do every day. Just as the WYO Theater has been preserved through generations of community support, we help families build and protect their own legacies for the future.
The WYO is more than a theater. It is a gathering place, a source of inspiration, and a symbol of what can be accomplished when a community comes together around a shared purpose. We are proud to support its mission and celebrate another exciting season of performances and educational programming.
To learn more about the WYO Theater and Performing Arts Education Center, and to stay updated on community events throughout Sheridan, follow Legacy Ridge Private Wealth on Facebook and LinkedIn.