first time and will not be last…read more.. great price/seat... phenomenal show!!! beverages very moderately priced, friendly staff...

Elkhart, Indiana's Lerner Theatre is celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2024. The theatre was…read moreopened by Harry E. Lerner on November 27th, 1924 and originally had 2,000 seats with vaudeville, big band, and theatrical revues dominating the schedule. As movies came into reality, the Lerner also hosted them. The Lerner has changed ownership several times throughout the years and actually went vacant in 1987 when then owner William Miller passed away. Eventually, the city of Elkhart bought it in an effort to ensure its preservation. A non-profit negotiated to actually run the theatre as a performing arts center and initial renovations began to include interior painting on the main floor, restoration of the Grand Lounge, ADA compliant restrooms, new carpeting, new seats and lighting. It became apparent, however, that the beloved Lerner needed much more if it was to become the downtown Elkhart landmark everyone wanted it to be. Over the next several years, studies took place and plans were developed. In 2008, the city committed $18 million to a complete renovation that was completed in 2011. The Lerner today is a magnificent theatre. The Lerner hosts everything from local groups to national acts like Rodney Carrington, Brad Williams, and a host of musicians and comics. In terms of accessibility, the Lerner Theatre has wheelchair accessible seating available for patrons and companions within regular theatre seats in multiple sections on the Main Floor of the theatre. We have additional options for seating in Main, Left and Right, Row AA, that would not be limited by the dimensions of the patron's mobility device. These seats are available for purchase, or upon request, from the box-office (in-person or by phone). As is often true of historic theatres, there is no wheelchair accessible seating in the balcony section. Restrooms are available and do meet ADA guidelines. The Lerner also offers a variety of assistive hearing devices. While generally animals are not allowed, exceptions include guide, sign or signal dogs to aide those with disabilities. The Lerner does offer concessions and you can take them into the theatre, however, they do ask that you open any items prior to entering the theatre. As the Lerner is downtown in Elkhart, there are dining options available and it's very possible to enjoy a night in downtown Elkhart. Fun fact: The Lerner has a 1924 Kimball pipe organ that is one of only three Kimball pipe organs currently installed in its original location. It was restored in 2011. Free parking is available adjacent to The Lerner in the Civic Plaza Public Parking area and Marion Street Parking Garage. Tours are available - reservations are required and tours are $10.

The Wagon Wheel Center for the Arts was founded in 1956 by Major Herbert Petrie, his wife, and…read moretheir friends John and Kitty Butterfield. It was originally known as Wagon Wheel Playhouse. Fun fact: Major Petrie played trumpet in the Army band under the direction of John Philip Sousa. The original theatre started as a simple tent with a gravel floor, canvas chairs, and two old chicken coops that served as the scene shop and dressing rooms. In the early 60s, a simple structure was actually built. In 1970, Major Petrie retired and sold the playhouse to a group of Warsaw businessmen. In 1984, a new group bought it and in 1995 Bruce Shaffner became sole owner. In 2010, there was a corporate reorganization and it became a non-profit organization known as Wagon Wheel Theatre, Inc. The Wagon Wheel has a circular stage with 360-degree seating. Seating goes 10 rows high - so it's a fairly immersive experience. Free and general parking is located behind the theatre. Accessible parking is located in the parking lot next to Center Street and along the side of the theater facing the Wyndham. Accessibility options do exist here. I wouldn't call them perfect, though there's been an obvious effort. There's one accessible stall in both men's and women's restrooms. Accessible seating is limited to Section 1, Row G (this doesn't thrill me) - companion seating is also available. Accessible tickets are sold only through the box-office or by calling. Usher service begins an hour before the show - there's a preference here to remove unneeded walkers, wheelchairs, and larger mobility devices not needed during the performance (ushers will assist - again, not thrilled about this as one never knows when a device may be needed and getting it back can be disruptive). The AWS Foundation has supported Wagon Wheel in acquiring sensory bags and other items for those with light, hearing, and other sensory sensitivities. SuperEar Listening devices are available for those with hearing issues. This is free of charge. Service animals are welcome, though they must be in a clearly marked vest. In addition to regular shows, Wagon Wheel offers a variety of programs in support of its mission. They exist for all age groups. They are quite active in the community. Shows here are entertaining, the acoustics are strong, and staff/volunteers are nearly always friendly. Shows include live theater, symphony, concerts, and other types of shows. This is a Northeast Indiana gem. While there are some modest accessibility concerns I have, there's a strong effort to be inclusive and the theatre is absolutely a beloved gem for this community. The recent holiday show was spirited and impressive. Despite my concerns about seating, I will admit my seats were fine and the show was awesome.

It is nice and fun. Their shows are always good. To the few I have been they have been really good…read more Would recommend for a low budget show.

This place is a complete rip off. They charge a lot of money. The sound is horrible and it's all a…read morebunch of local yokels who go there to see these shows. It was so much better in the past when they had real touring acts coming in. Now they try to sell you $45 tickets to watch local blues bands. They don't even help local talent at all! They're all about themselves. Actually, the whole board doesn't even live in the three Oaks area. They all live in Illinois, Indiana, and other outskirts. Definitely stay away from this place horrible sound system way expensive.

Wonderful intimate venue. Great acoustics. Fantastic place to see and hear a concert. Highly…read morerecommend!!

I have been here a few times for shows now this year and it's a wonderful performing arts center…read more The staff are always super friendly, and picking up tickets at will call is a breeze. The bathrooms are always very clean and well maintained, and the acoustics inside are phenomenal. Such a great spot to see shows at, I love seeing Broadway musicals here.

The theater was a nice facility, the ambiance was cool and the particular show I went to( comedy )…read morewas absolutely amazing. I gave four stars instead of five because the sound quality wasn't so great.

First time experiencing a play at this theater. Beautiful intimate space to experience theater in…read morenorthern Indiana. Watched Once on this Island, and it was very well done, from costumes, to set design, music and cast. Looking forward to coming back.

The most welcoming and supportive community I've ever seen. There kids program and service is just…read morephenomenal!

Hidden gem in Michiana Shores. High quality theatre. Grab a taco and a drink on the patio and enjoy…read moreyour summer evening with live music and theatre.

Seasoned professionals coming in from around the country to bring a taste of city theatre to…read moreNorthwest Indiana! Beautiful sets and nice drinks for intermission.

The theatre is alive and well in north central Indiana. The Elkhart Civic Theatre, located at the…read morehistoric Bristol Opera House in Bristol, IN, continues to put on tremendous show after tremendous show. Gleaning talent from the area, the theatre continues to put on top level shows year after year. It is almost a given, also, that their talents land them in state, regional or national competitions on a regular basis. Whether it's a comedy, drama, musical or childrens' production, they do just a fantastic job. Great directors, a wonderful historic venue, which also includes the renovated Lerner Theatre in Elkhart, makes it a great treat for the whole family. The new season has started, so get out there and take in one of the shows this season, which also includes Monty Python's 'Spamalot'..

Hands down the best community theatre in Elkhart County and definitely one of the best in the…read morecountry. There are so many talented people in this place and the ticket prices are a steal for live theatre. Dinner at Miles and then a show at the Opera House make a GREAT date night!