Prescott Elks Theater

General information

The Prescott Elks Theatre and Performing Arts Center is a classically designed turn of the century opera house seating over 500. Completed in 1905 and listed on the National Register of Historical Places. It was one of many "Elks' Opera Houses" across the country, now over a hundred years later only one still exists.

The Theatre in the beginning was the host to minstrel shows, balls, plays and Theatre performances. Moving pictures arrived with the silent era about 1915. In 1929 sound was added to the Theatre and the "talkies" had arrived, movies continued to be shown till the 1980's. After many changes of private ownership's the opera house was turned over to the Arizona Community Foundation in the early 1980's, then began the effort to return the opera house to its original glory. The opera house was purchase 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 complete by the Foundation and the City in 2010.

In 2012 the City sold the buildings to a non profit, the Elks Theatre and Performing Arts Center (ETPAC). The Theatre restoration completed, the ETPAC then began plans to renovate and restore the three story Elks Lodge #330.

The new restoration project continued through 2016 when in December all construction was completed. Added to the lodge building were two state of the art professional dance studios; one with a floating Hickory dance floor and the other with a "Sprung Marley" surface. Each studio is self contained with its own adjustable lighting, heat and air conditioning and state of the art sound systems. Also on the second floor are five Wenger music and voice isolation practice booths. Plans are in the works to include a digital recording board.

The third floor of the ETPAC sports two separate banquet halls with a total floor capacity of 200 people and a whole floor sound system. A brand new chef's kitchen was also installed on the third floor, with warming ovens, grills, griddles and more.

During the remodel every effort was made to save and restore the original construction where possible. That is why you will find the original barrel ceilings with tin stamp found in other parts of the building still in place. The renovation also uncovered a hidden staircase that was saved along with the original stain glass "clock" that was place in the building by the Brotherhood of Elks. It points to 11 o'clock when in Elks' traditional a toast is made to absent members. "Bill" the original locally sourced copper Elk still lives on the roof of the Performing Arts Center.

The ETPAC is a 501c3 charitable organization. As part of the purchase agreement a endowment was set up for the perpetual operation and maintenance of the Theatre and Performing Arts Center.

The mission of the ETPAC is to enhance the community of Prescott by providing space for practice, rehearsal and training of the performing arts.

All spaces are available for the community. Rentals are available.