Raue Center Celebrates 20 Years of Bringing the Arts to All!

By Raue Center for the Arts

January 19, 2021 at 9:57 am CST

In 2021, Raue Center for the Arts will celebrate its 20th anniversary season with gratitude for a rich past and hope for a bright future. Raue Center originally began as El Tovar in 1929 as a vaudeville and movie theater. After almost 40 years, El Tovar became The Lake, then the Showplace Theater, where local thespians performed musicals and plays between film showings. Over time, the crowds waned; but in 1994, Lucile Raue died and left a generous endowment to the city.

“The executor of Lucile Raue’s estate wanted to create a special legacy that highlighted the family’s dedication to Crystal Lake,” explained Raue historian Judy Minsley. “The funds would be used in the downtown area, where the family lived and worked for 101 years, and gifts would bear the Raue family name.”

After two years of reconstruction, Raue Center opened in August 2001. In the last twenty years, Raue Center has established an in-house professional theater company (Williams Street Repertory), two fine arts education programs (Sage Studio and Mission Imagination), and a loyal following. It has welcomed Tony, Academy, and Grammy Award winners, as well as independent voices, to its stage.

Raue Center has overcome many obstacles over the years, and met the challenges of 2020 with flexibility and foresight, redirecting programming to serve the community. “This wonderful treasure has survived by offering truly innovative programming,” said Minsley. “It’s a true testament to the value of the arts in the Crystal Lake community, and to the talent of Raue staff, all of which indicate a promising future for the beautiful, historic Raue Center.” Raue Center will celebrate its 20th anniversary season with indoor and outdoor offerings, so check the website for updated information!

“We’re proud of what we’ve achieved over the past 20 years,” said Executive Director Richard Kuranda. “We hope you’ll join us as we strive to protect this wonderful historic theater for the next 20 years and generations to come!”

Raue Center for the Arts

26 N. Williams St.

Crystal Lake, IL 60014

Phone: 815-356-9212

www.rauecenter.org

[Sponsored] Raue Center teaches world of theater through Sage Studio Sage Studio offers the ultimate learning experience for anyone interested in the world of theatre. All classes are led by working professional actors, directors, and designers (including those from Raue Center’s award-winning Williams Street Repertory) who offer advice and insight into the fast-paced and ever-changing professional theatre landscape, giving students a chance to make important connections and learn from the best. All classes have a maximum class size of 16 students, to ensure personal attention and a hands-on experience. We offer a wide variety of classes in acting, musical theatre, and theatre production, so there’s truly something for every student to explore their passion and build their skills. Our students have gone on to pursue their careers at top colleges and universities, and appear in productions across Chicagoland—including right here with WSR! For more information on the Race Center for the Arts, please visit https://rauecenter.ticketforce.com/.

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