I've both been in and seen a few plays at the Elgin Art Showcase, put on by various local companies, so I can speak to the experience this place provides from multiple perspectives.
The space - which in its past served as a dining room to the professionals working below - is open and flexible, capable of being adapted to whatever a performance demands, be it seats on risers, seats on the floor, and any combination thereof, facing any direction.
The building itself is a historic gem, and a sight to see in its own right, with beautiful architectural and design elements that just aren't embraced these days. One detriment to the building's age, however, is the sole, slow elevator that everyone will be forced to use, unless you fancy taking the stairs from eight floors up. Toss in the intermittent interruptions of trains passing through town, and that's enough to knock a star off.
As an actor, it's not bad. You'll probably only have one way of entering the stage, unless your director gives you an aisle through the audience. But having that big limestone fireplace makes any set feel that much more real, a real treat. Plenty of space to stretch out in the green room is also an appreciated feature. You just may have to sneak to the bathrooms you'll share with the audience.
Ample parking is just down the hill, and if you're hitting up a Sunday matinee, by all means, stop by Arabica Cafe beforehand, basically just across the street. read more
