Recognizing the need to formalize educational programs for children, the Lakewood Little Theater School was incorporated in 1948. Adjacent properties were purchased over time to accommodate the growing arts education programs. In 1972, Kenneth Beck provided a major gift to help construct a multipurpose facility for performing and visual arts. In 1972, a fundraising campaign netted $600,000, which was matched by businessman Kenneth C. Beck. Ground was broken for the Lakewood Little Theater/Kenneth C. Beck Center for the Cultural Arts in Dec. 1975. Opening the following year and built around the original facility, the 42,000 sq. ft. center included a 500-seat auditorium, a museum, the Galleria (exhibition space), a general office, and dressing rooms. In addition to the theatrical productions, the center's programs in the 1980's included adult dramatic arts, dance, arts and crafts, and the Children's/Teen Theater, the Museum/Galleria shows, and a special events/performing arts series, including touring dance companies and special concerts. Purchase of an adjoining National Guard armory in 1979 and renovation of the original theater into a studio theater in 1984 further enhanced the center.