Giving News

Hoover Auditorium Takes Center Stage

The Lakeside Chautauqua community demonstrated its commitment this past summer with gifts to enhance the Hoover Auditorium experience by funding the installation of four large ceiling fans. These new fans will ensure a more comfortable atmosphere for all who enjoy Hoover performances.

In preparation for the 2012 Chautauqua season, Lakeside will make several other significant improvements to Hoover Auditorium, our historic gem, to truly make it a world-class performing arts venue. We are asking for your continued support to refresh and renew this structure inside and out.

Technology, logistics and aesthetics all play critical roles in producing and delivering many memorable events in Hoover. Together, they help create a unique Chautauqua experience.

One of the key components of each Hoover event is sound reinforcement and amplification. The current sound board was purchased 'used' more than 15 years ago. The equipment has been repaired numerous times, and is behind current technology standards. For some performances, Lakeside must rent an additional sound board and other expensive equipment to meet the technical requirements of today's performers.

In addition to the outdated sound equipment, the aesthetic appearance of the lobby entrance does not highlight the beautiful grandeur of the 83-year-old building. As guests enter the front doors, the discolored display walls in the lobby block the spectacular view of the auditorium and stage. Read more...

Sound Board and Gallery Wall Upgrades Take Place with Your Support

We invite Lakesiders to celebrate the history of Hoover Auditorium and help Lakeside Chautauqua unveil a new sound system and gallery walls for the lobby. Just like the Hoover Fan “Beat the Heat” Campaign, we hope you are inspired to financially support the Lakeside Fund with a first-time or an additional gift in February and March to help make these upgrades possible and allow Lakeside Chautauqua to meet its 2011/12 Lakeside Fund Goal of $450,000.

A new digital sound board, microphones and additional equipment will be purchased and installed to enhance the sound quality for the audience and performers before the upcoming season. The upgrades will move us forward to digital technology and will provide long-term cost savings, eliminating the need to rent sound boards for some performers.

The gallery wall installation will allow guests to have a breathtaking view of the entire stage as they enter the front doors to Hoover Auditorium. Behind the information desk, a four-foot wall will be built, featuring clear glass at the top of the wall, giving patrons an unobstructed view of Hoover's magnificent proscenium arch and stage. Read more...

Technical Director Celebrates 16th Chautauqua Season

Ted Hough (pictured far left) will celebrate his 16th season as Hoover Auditorium Technical Director. His technical expertise and familiarity with the historic auditorium makes him a huge asset to our programming staff.

Hough explains, “I feel very fortunate to be part of the history of Hoover Auditorium where so many important people have performed.”

Before each performance, the artist’s manager sends a detailed technical rider to Hough, listing all the sound, lighting and equipment requirements.

Specific microphones are placed on stage for singers and musicians. Monitors are positioned so performers can hear the full mix of sound. All of the components are wired through a central piece of equipment, known as the sound board. The sound board is central for combining, routing and changing the level and dynamics of sound during a Hoover performance. Read more...

First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt Lectured to Record Number in 1940

Imagine the atmosphere in Hoover Auditorium on July 10, 1940 as more than 3,800 guests waited for First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt to take the stage. Roosevelt traveled to Lakeside during her husband's second presidential term in office. Many Lakesiders reserved seats for a cost of 25 cents for the highly anticipated lecture titled, "The Relationships of the Individual to the Community."

She reflected on her experience at Lakeside in her renowned column "My Day." As she journeyed back to the Cleveland airport, she wrote that Lakeside "offers a religious program as well as many other types of educational and pleasurable entertainment." She added, "The location on Lake Erie is very beautiful and the opportunity for sports and out-of-door recreation must make it a haven for many families."

Even in the 21st century, Hoover Auditorium remains a pivotal gathering place for families and guests to experience the traditions and values of this Chautauqua community.

Hoover Stage Showcases 21st Century Performers

Lakeside's distinguished guest list began with ministers, followed by well-known speakers and preachers, then proceeded into a more heated period of reformers and politicians. In recent years, cultural arts and entertainment have taken center stage in Hoover Auditorium.

Acts like the Golden Dragon Acrobats, The Temptations and Colin Mochrie and Brad Sherwood from "Whose Line Is It Anyway?" have attracted record crowds in the auditorium.

To celebrate the beginning of another summer season at Lakeside, the Golden Dragon Acrobats will once again perform in Hoover Auditorium on Saturday, May 26. The Summer Opening Ceremony will kick-off at 7:30 p.m. Over Memorial Day weekend, the Golden Dragon Acrobats will combine award-winning acrobatics, traditional dance, spectacular costumes and theatrical techniques during their performance.

Lakeside's 139th Chautauqua season kicks off on Saturday, June 23 with a performance by an annual favorite, Mike Albert & the Big "E" Band. The programming season is filled with memorable performances, including The Osmond Brothers, Judy Collins, Vicki Lawrence and "Mama," America and John Tesh Big Band Live!

Visit www.lakesideohio.com/events to review the most up-to-date 2012 Chautauqua programming schedule.