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 ticketsAuditions
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.
Auditions
Summer show
Sunday, May 17, 2026 at 1 pm
Beardstown High School Choir Room
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.
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.
Past seasons
- 2025Into the Woods
- 2024Shrek the Musical
- 2023 The Music Man
Beardstown has always been known for its musicians, and the show featured the BHS marching band and chorus. Performed at Beardstown High School Auditorium, 200 E 15th Street. $10 general admission at the door; doors open 30 minutes before showtime. - 2021Mamma Mia!
- 2019Beauty and the Beast
Board of Directors
- Shaver TillitPresident
- Landon WinkVice President
- Cathy Tillit MeggisonTreasurer
- Patrick SteadmanSecretary
- Joaquin SolanoBoard Member
- Paula FisherBoard Member
- Marsha GrantBoard Member
- Abbie CooperBoard Member
- Paula WoodsBoard Member
- Christina BrantBoard Member
- Patricia WhiteBoard Member
- Shirley BilyeuBoard Member
- Yasmin LopezBoard Member
