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Prescott Elks Theater and Performing Arts Center

Prescott, US

Prescott Elks Theater and Performing Arts Center

The Prescott Elks Theater and Performing Arts Center is a classically designed turn of the 20th century opera house seating over 500. Completed in 1905 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places as Elks Building and Theater, it was one of many "Elks' Opera Houses" across the country. Now

over a hundred years later only one still exists. The theater in the beginning was the host to minstrel shows, balls, plays and theater performances. Movies arrived with the silent era about 1915. In 1929 sound was added and the "talkies" had arrived. Movies continued to be shown till the 1980s. After many changes of private ownerships the opera house was turned over to Arizona Community Foundation in the early 1980s. Then began the effort to return the opera house to its original glory. The opera house was purchased by the City of Prescott in 2001. The Foundation in partnership with the City began the restoration with the lobby, green room, dressing rooms and other parts of the building. Restoration was finally completed by the Foundation and the City in 2010. A $1.75 million renovation of the theatre in the building was completed in 2010. In 2012 the City sold the buildings to a non profit...

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