Ames Center

12600 Nicollet Ave, Burnsville, MN

Ames CenterThe Ames Center, formerly Burnsville Performing Arts Center, opened in January 2009.  The center has two theatres, a 1,014 seat proscenium stage and an intimate 150 seat Black Box Theatre. The Lobby is two stories tall, all glass, with a sweeping view of Nicollet Commons Park, The Minnesota River Valley, and the Minneapolis Skyline.

In addition to the Theatres, the center has a 2,000-square-foot art gallery, meeting rooms and a large rehearsal room.  There is additional space for banquets, special events and receptions.

Presentations at the Ames Center include cultural events, dramas, comedies, dance and musical acts from local arts organizations and national touring artists.

Learn more about Ames Center and follow on Facebook @AmesCenter or Twitter @Ames_Center.

Gideon S. Ives Auditorium at Minnesota Masonic Heritage Center

11411 Masonic Home Dr, Bloomington, MN

Ives AuditoriumOver the years, Freemasonry has greatly influenced Minnesota history and the lives of its residents – a legacy preserved by Minnesota Masonic Charities and the new Minnesota Masonic Heritage Center.

Serving as a working tribute to the concepts and contributions of Freemasonry, the Minnesota Masonic Heritage Center provides the public with an intimate and elegant destination for events, performances and scholarship pursuits and features a 443-seat auditorium with jewel-box theatre, a Masonic museum and library, an ornate Masonic Lodge Room, meeting spaces, board room and a full catering kitchen.

Learn more about the Minnesota Masonic Heritage Center and the Ives Auditorium and follow the Minnesota Masonic Heritage Center on Facebook @masonicheritagecenter or Twitter @MNMasonHeritage.

Old Log Theatre

5185 Meadville St, Excelsior, MN

Old Log TheatreAs the Northwest’s first professional theatre, the Old Log was originally a summer stock company which opened in 1940 in a log stable. Thirteen shows were presented in thirteen weeks at that time. Don Stolz joined the company in 1941 as and actor and resident director and purchased the theatre company in 1946. During the next two decades the Old Log Theatre established a loyal following and received widespread critical acclaim for its area premieres of such classic plays as ARSENIC AND OLD LACE, THE GLASS MENAGERIE, A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE, TIME OF YOUR LIFE and LOOK HOMEWARD ANGEL. In 1960 a new theater was built adjacent to the original theatre and the operation became year-round. In addition to main stage productions of contemporary plays and musicals, the theatre also produces children show productions during the summer and holiday season. Over the decades, the Old Log has had a substantial impact on the Twin Cities theatre scene, establishing a reputation for quality productions and featuring many fine actors and actresses who have come from around the country and gone on the famous careers in New York and Hollywood including such notable names as Nick Nolte, Loni Anderson, Lois Nettleton and Steve Zahn.

Learn more about the Old Log Theatre and follow on Facebook @oldlogtheatre or Twitter @oldlogtheatre.

Paramount Center for the Arts (Paramount Theatre)

913 West St. Germain St, St. Cloud, MN

Paramount-St. CloudThe Paramount Center for the Arts is a community arts facility located in Historic Downtown St. Cloud, Minnesota. The facility is owned by the City of St. Cloud and operated by the Paramount Arts Resource Trust (a 501c3 non-profit organization).

  • The renovated historic Theatre serves as a stage for rent by numerous community groups to perform as well as a location to attend professional performances by touring musicians and theatrical groups.
  • The Visual Arts Center (VAC), located in the lower level of the building, offers visual arts classes for beginning and experienced artists in the community. The VAC also offers professional development opportunities for artists, educators and businesses in the Central Minnesota region. The VAC also offers exhibition opportunities and provides exposure for local artists through juried competitions.
  • The Paramount Gallery and Gifts, located next door to the theatre, provides the opportunity for local artists to sell their work.
  • The facility has many spaces for rent including party rooms, studios, the theatre/stage and exhibition/gallery space.

Learn more about the Paramount Center for the Arts and follow on Facebook @paramountarts or Twitter @paramountarts.