Beck Center History
Ellen T: “I really enjoyed reading this thoroughly researched and well written history of a beloved local arts organization. It’s full of surprising stories and also has great photos to accompany the text. Well done!”
Enjoy the comprehensive history of Beck Center, CELEBRATING OUR PAST - CREATING OUR FUTURE: 90 YEARS OF CREATING ARTS EXPERIENCES. Book is available now on Amazon.com, and all proceeds go to Beck Center’s endowment. Thank you for your support!
Beck Center History
What began as a project of Lakewood's Junior Chamber of Commerce in 1931 as "The Guild of the Masques" quickly evolved, as the group incorporated in May of 1933 as the Lakewood Little Theatre (LLT) under the leadership of Richard Kay. They performed in schools and other Lakewood locations until finding a home in 1938 at the Lucier Movie Theater at 17823 Detroit Ave. Over $10,000 was raised from individuals during the height of The Great Depression, to remodel the movie theater for live performances (capacity 466) and open as Lakewood Little Theatres first permanent home. The theater property was purchased outright in 1947. Starting in 1936-1937, theater classes began in voice, diction, pantomime, play production, and scenic design.
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.
In the late 1990's, the board made the strategic decision to elevate the theater division to professional status, by paying its actors and thereby having access to the rights to more current theatrical material. As of 2018, Beck Center is now recognized by Actors' Equity Association as a Small Professional Theater. In 2001, Riverside Music Academy merged with Beck Center to bring music education and Creative Arts Therapies programming into the organization. After considering a move to a further western suburb in 2006, studies determined Beck Center’s location in Lakewood was ideal. The board recommitted to the original site, which in 2006 included three buildings, front courtyard and adjacent parking on 3 ½ acres.