The City of Ashland is turning over operations of the Paramount Theatre to an out-of-state company beginning in 2026. The Paramount Arts Center’s Board of Directors announced that VenuWorks, an Iowa-based management firm, will take over on January 1st. The nonprofit has run the historic venue for more than 50 years and says it’s saddened by the change but will continue working with the city and the new operator to provide programs. The city bought the theater last year. The Paramount draws more than 250,000 visitors annually and generates over $12 million in regional economic impact.