Performing Arts & Theatre

The Blue Gate Theater and Blue Gate Performing Arts Center in Shipshewana will be music to your ears. This place offers everything from local, Amish-themed theater to big-name acts. Scheduled performances have included American Idol winner Scotty McCreary to Jeff Foxworthy to iconic 80s rocker Night Ranger.

Heritage Hall at Das Dutchman Essenhaus in Middlebury has been putting on family-friendly shows since 2012. This intimate venue seats 160 guests, so you can feel a real connection with the performances. There is also a restaurant on-site if you want to arrive early and get a little something in your stomach before curtain.

One of the most award-winning community theaters in the country is the Elkhart Civic Theatre at the historic Bristol Opera House. For more than 70 years, this staple of northern Indiana culture has entertained and educated thousands of people every year. Past shows on the calendar have ranged from the family-friendly classic Cinderella to the edgier Avenue Q.

The Lerner Theatre anchors a thriving performing arts district in Downtown Elkhart. It opened as The Lerner in 1924 and has a century’s worth of stories to tell. Renamed and repurposed several times over the years, The Lerner is once again using its auspicious original moniker. It was updated with reception and ballroom space. But if you want to get an authentic feel for the theater’s history, check out its original Kimball Organ.This amazing pipe organ was there on opening day in 1924, was refurbished in 2011, and remains an integral part of many events at The Lerner.

Premier Arts is the award-winning resident theatre company at The Lerner and ups the ante for the entire theater community. Past presentations have included Disney faves like Shrek and Moana, the timeless The Sound of Music, and the show you can’t help but sing along to, Mamma Mia.

If you’re looking for something big, it doesn’t get much bigger than The Michiana Events Center in Shipshewana. One night acrobats could be flying overhead while the next night finds a rodeo bringing in loud cheers. In 2018 they opened up the 6,000 seat Coliseum to host some of the biggest, jaw-dropping shows to come through the region. And if you’re coming in on a business trip, there’s a good chance you’ll be here at some point, because they also have a 100,000 square foot Trade Show and Expo center.

The Round Barn Theater at The Barns at Nappanee mixes fresh and classic content and is a highlight of the community. The atmosphere of the entire property lets you know you are in a special place while still offering all the modern comforts you expect. The production company thrives by producing local original shows as well as classics like Into The Woods.