On June 27, groundbreaking began for the new Hanifl Performing Arts Center, the future home of Lakeshore Players Theatre. Plans for a potential new building started in 2013, followed by a capital campaign in 2014.
“Over three years, we’ve raised $8.1 million,” says Ben Ratkowski, artistic director for Lakeshore Players Theatre. In September 2016, the Hanifl Foundation gave a $2.75 million gift that helped the capital campaign.
The new, one-level theatre will have two performance areas: a main auditorium with 249 seats and a black box with 70 seats. The facility will include a shop area for building sets, a family lobby and top-notch acoustics. “The new theatre allows artistic flexibility, and it’s a great community gathering space,” Ratkowski says. Expecting to move into its new home in 2018, the theatre will stay in its current location until then.
Now in its 65th year, Lakeshore Players Theatre offers seven shows per season. Holiday shows this year include The Great Gatsby and The Underpants. Tickets may be purchased online or through the box office.
