Est. 1872 · Beardstown, Illinois

Heritage Preservation Beardstown Grand Opera House

Preserving our past, Presenting our future

Community theater on the second floor of a landmark that has hosted the stage since 1872. On the National Register of Historic Places since May 11, 2000.

How to get tickets Auditions

Line drawing of the Beardstown Grand Opera House: a two-story brick building with arched upper windows and storefronts on a street corner — The Grand Opera House, State Street, Beardstown · Est. 1872

About us

The Heritage Preservation Foundation is a non-profit organization created to preserve and operate the Beardstown Grand Opera House. Since March 2004 the Foundation has cared for this 1872 landmark, which has been on the National Register of Historic Places since 2000.

Preserving the building

Ongoing restoration work has included safety system upgrades, climate control and structural stabilization.

Presenting the stage

The Opera House remains a hub for community theater, performances and local gatherings.

Partner with us

To talk about grants, sponsorships or other ways to support the Opera House, call (217) 323-3332 or email info@beardstowngrandoperahouse.com.

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Auditions

Summer show

No current auditions for the summer show at this time.

Spring Play 2027

No current auditions.

More information is coming soon.

Tickets

Tickets to all shows are available in person only. For questions, call (217) 323-3332 or email info@beardstowngrandoperahouse.com.

Our history

The Opera House was built in 1872 in Beardstown, Cass County. As it neared completion, a tornado in 1882 demolished much of the nearly finished structure. The owners and volunteer townsfolk rebuilt it together, and the first troupe on the restored stage featured General Tom Thumb, made famous by P.T. Barnum.

The second floor held the stage and auditorium. The ground floor had three storefronts facing Main Street, some of which still serve retail and community purposes today.

1872Originally constructed

2000Added to the National Register

1 of 2National Register sites in Cass County

Who has owned the building

1872–1893Henry Krohe and George Schneider, in partnership.
1893–1899Five partners: T.K. Condit, J.P. Harris, Merton Harris, William Deppe and August Deppe.
1899–1904Condit, Harris and J.F. Duvall.
1904–1954The Deppe family, for fifty years.
1954–1968The Huss family.
Later decadesThe Irene Schroll family.
March 2004Sold to the Heritage Preservation Foundation, a non-profit created to preserve and operate the Opera House.

The Foundation and other preservation groups have worked on restoration over the years, including safety system upgrades, climate control and structural stabilization. Today the building remains a hub for theater, performances and local gatherings.