Councilman Luzius sits in the back of the Elks Opera House.

The lobby and snack bar have also been completely re-done. People working behind the concession stand used to resort to ice chests for keeping things chilled. Not any more. A very nice and discreet refrigerator has been installed, along with a hot cocoa/cappuccino machine. An antique shelf for holding candy is on order, along with an old crank-operated cash register. The theatre hopes to stock the shelves with old-fashioned candy.

Other developments include the Elks getting a liquor license. The theatre is forming a co-op with the Manzanita Grill and they will get their product through them. The theatre hopes to have special events like serving champagne and strawberries on Valentine’s Day. The patrons won’t have to balance their champagne flutes on their laps, as 150 of the seats will have built–in trays.

Place says that they would like to show classic movies, art films and second run movies in the theatre. Place hits a button in the front of house and a surprisingly large movie screen rolls down and fills stage. The screen is in perfect working order. The only thing missing is approximately $30,000 to get the film system up and running. They have a working 35mm projector and platter system but need to have them serviced and buy spare parts to have on hand. They also need to train the staff to run the projector and get a new sound processor. Place says, “We’d like to put DTS Sound in. The sound is run from CD and it’s synced to the track on the projector so you get CD quality sound. The processor we have up there is about 3 or 4 generations old, and sounds scratchy. It makes a lot of noise. Sound processing equipment and surround sound for theatres needs to be put in” Any income generated from showing films at the Elks Opera House would go to the city of Prescott as they own the theatre.

Another recent addition to the theatre is something the public may not have ever noticed was missing; music stands and musician chairs. In the past musicians used uncomfortable folding chairs. The Elks Opera House Foundation provided funds for the chairs, music stands and carts for the chairs. Also a Genie Lift for changing the stage lights.

Place said that they are applying for grants throughout the year. He’s optimistic about people helping out financially. He said, “The more we do the more excited people get and they help out more.”

Despite all the changes going on Place assures the city council that the heart of the Elks Opera House will not change. “We are still going to sell concessions and popcorn and all that and keep the feel of the Prescott place it is.”

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