105 YEARS & WE’RE
JUST GETTING STARTED.
Maxinkuckee Performing Arts Theater Foundation
The Culver Theater is operated and managed by Maxinkuckee Performing Arts Theater Foundation, Inc., a new 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to renewing our beloved town theater into a community catalyst for entertainment, creativity and culture.
MISSION
Our mission is to entertain, inspire, and educate the Culver community through the power of performing arts and film. We are dedicated to providing a space where creativity thrives, offering a platform for artists, filmmakers, and performers to entertain, educate, and enrich our community while also returning a beloved movie cinema back into a local gem.
COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP
The former Culver Theater is now fully owned by the Maxinkuckee Performing Arts Theater Foundation. MPAT is currently performing a planning study to determine 1) the needs and desires of the community, 2) the resulting recommended usage of the facility, and 3) the basic layout of the building. This study has been funded by grants and donations. Ongoing surveys are taking place, and results will be shared as progress is made.
PARTNERS
Our study team is headed by SRKM Architecture of Warsaw, IN, and supported by national theater consultants Webb Mgmt and Schuler Shook theater designers.
A FRIENDLY SPACE
Memories of the theater’s past are cherished - the location next to Hansen’s and the bowling alley; the candy and the popcorn with real melted butter; access from the park across the street; and even the air conditioning on a hot day! All of these and more are core to the physical and operational planning of the new theater. The new theater is envisioned as accessible, friendly, easy, and interesting.
A CREATIVE SPACE
Our intent is to rebuild the theater in a size and place appropriate fashion, providing the Town and surrounding communities with a versatile and welcoming venue for arts, education, performance, and social gathering. MPAT is working closely with the Town of Culver to ensure that the Town’s strategic objectives are supported.
If you wish to participate, please contact us!
A Brief History
The Culver Theater was originally opened in 1921 and has been a beloved member of the community under many names and incarnations, but always as a for-profit movie cinema. Town residents, Academy students and staff, and Lake folks have enjoyed the theater over many, many years, with local girls throwing popcorn at the male cadets, and summer residents finding respite from the bright and hot days of summer.
Round out your knowledge and interest in local history with the following links!