LEAD - Jim O'Grady was shocked Tuesday to find out he was being laid off after spending more than three years as director of the Homestake Opera House in Lead.

Opera House board members announced their decision this week in a news release, saying the economic downturn has affected revenue.

The board met Monday to make the decision to lay off O'Grady, its only paid employee.

"It was a total knock over. I had no idea it was coming," O'Grady said. "I was willing to go without a paycheck to make sure the bills were paid, but the board saw differently."

Board president Jan Humphrey said Thursday the ticket sales for the summer's concerts have slumped, making it more difficult to pay the bills at the end of the month. The layoff was done in fairness to O'Grady, Humphrey said, who was working with uncertainty from day to day if there would be enough revenue to cover his wages.

The Opera House was built in 1912 by the Homstake Mining Company. The complex featured a large theater as well as recreation and educational facilities on multiple levels.

The building was gutted by fire in 1984, and community supporters have worked since to restore the building. About $3 million in restoration grants have refurbished the lobby and infrastructure, but the theater still bears the scars of the fire. Shows are held in there to help generate operating cash.

Humphrey also said fall and winter programming is still on track, and volunteer subcommittees are being tasked to organize the events in O'Grady's absence.

O'Grady said the 2009 picture was much different from 2008.

"We've had so many years where we never had a certainty what would happen from day to day. Last year (2008) wasn't like that where we had a lot of good things happen. Unfortunately, this year hasn't been one of those years," O'Grady said.

He remains an ardent supporter of the Opera House despite the separation of employment.

"The Opera House is something I put my whole life into," he said.

Humphrey, who owns the Blue Dog Framer's Gallery next door, has taken on the duties and operation of the Opera House Theater and Mercantile Building. Other board members are also helping out.

"Many events are still planned for the fall and winter season, and the ladies' lounge restoration project is scheduled for completion this fall," Humphrey said.

The project is paid for by grants received from Deadwood Historic Preservation and the State of South Dakota. Winter shows are now possible with the installation of floor heating that will keep the theater warm.

Any questions or volunteers can call Humphrey at 584-2067.