The Lodge Foundation unveils state-of-the-art theater at historic Elgin landmark
$2.6 million transformation brings new life to former Elks Lodge, expanding access to local arts
The Lodge Foundation recently announced the grand unveiling of The Lodge Performing Arts Center, a newly renovated performing arts venue set to become a cornerstone for creativity and culture in the greater Elgin area and Northwest suburbs.
This state-of-the-art space, formerly the historic Elks Lodge at 18 Villa St. in Elgin, has undergone a transformative $2.6 million acquisition and renovation, marking a milestone for the regional arts scene.
The Lodge Performing Arts Center is home to Students on Stage (a subsidiary of Schaumburg On Stage and point2point productions (formerly point2productions), two acclaimed theater groups dedicated to fostering talent, enriching audiences, and providing accessible, high-quality performances. The renovations complete phase one of an ambitious project, with future plans to expand seating capacity to 300 in the main performance space, ensuring broader community access to the performing arts.
Elevating local arts: A new era begins
With a dynamic lineup of productions and events, The Lodge Performing Arts Center will offer an inclusive and diverse slate of entertainment, featuring:
• Youth division performances: “The Lion King Jr.” and “Hadestown“
• Adult division productions: “Spring Awakening” and “Next to Normal“
• Special events: Staged readings, workshops of new works, classical concerts, cabarets, and improv nights
Additionally, The Lodge Performing Arts Center will host private events and rentals, providing the northern Fox River Valley community with a vibrant space for artistic expression and meaningful connections.
Gala celebration and grand opening performance
To commemorate this historic achievement, The Lodge Foundation invites the community to an exclusive gala and opening night performance of “Jesus Christ Superstar,” produced by point2point productions.
It will be Friday, May 30, at The Lodge. Pre-show festivities begin at 6 p.m. with the performance at 7:30 p.m. It will feature gourmet small bites and complimentary beer and wine; a champagne toast to mark this milestone; and coffee and desserts after the performance.
Tickets are available for $125, with all proceeds supporting The Lodge Foundation’s mission to make performing arts experiences affordable and accessible to all. Go to schaumburgonstage.org/the-lodge-grand-opening-gala.
A community milestone
“This marks the culmination of years of passion, vision, and dedication to the arts,” said Mary Alice Benoit, executive producer of Students on Stage and point2point productions. “We are honored to revitalize this historic space and look forward to welcoming the community into its transformation.”
The Lodge Foundation calls on residents, media, benefactors, and arts advocates to amplify this momentous occasion and ensure The Lodge Performing Arts Center becomes a thriving cultural hub for generations to come.
For more information or to purchase tickets, call (847) 278-7185 or visit schaumburgonstage.org/the-lodge-grand-opening-gala.
About The Lodge Foundation
A registered 501(c)3 nonprofit, The Lodge Foundation is dedicated to fostering community-based performing arts in the Northwest suburbs. Through arts education, innovation, and collaboration, the foundation ensures that The Lodge remains an inclusive, dynamic, and accessible home for the arts.
Theater aspires … To wake the soul by tender strokes of art, To raise the genius, and to mend the heart; To make mankind, in conscious virtue bold, Live o’er each scene, and be what they behold: For this the Tragic Muse first trod the stage. — English poet Alexander Pope (1688-1744)