Shane Lalani Center for the Arts; Fostering Creativity and Building Community Through Art
Photo by Larry Stanley
Art brings people together, lifts our spirits, and moves us. In Livingston, art plays a central role in the community- with many visual artists, actors, and musicians calling this quaint mountain town home.
It's one reason The Shane Lalani Center for the Arts is such a thriving organization. Executive Director Erika Adams explains, "Art has the capacity to transcend differences, the power to inspire, form connections, and bring people together. The arts build community. We are proud to contribute to what makes Livingston such as special place. The Shane Center is grateful that this community prioritizes the arts and for their incredible support."
History of the Shane Center
Housed in the old East Side School (designed by architect Charles Emlen Bell, the same architect who designed the Montana Capitol Building in Helena), the building had sat empty for 16 years. Crazy Mountain Productions approached the City of Livingston with the idea of turning it into a multi-use community arts center in 2009. The City agreed, a capital campaign was launched, and soon a generous gift came from Sal and Carol Glenn Lalani in memory of their son Shane, who died unexpectedly from diabetes complications. Others followed suit with donations large and small, and renovations began.
In October 2010, the Shane Center opened its doors to the theatre with a gala production of Cats. Full renovations to the building were completed fall of 2013, and the building was opened to the public.
In a 2015 interview, Sal Lalani commented, "I felt it was a wonderful example of public/private partnership to benefit the community… We are very pleased to see how it has turned out; it's a destination for hearts and minds."
Photo by Larry Stanley
Bringing the Arts to Life
Today, the Shane Center is dedicated to “Strengthening Community through Participation in the Arts” and serves the community by offering a wide variety of programming. Producing four mainstage theater productions annually, education programming - including two week long Young Actors’ Workshops in the Spring and Summer giving students the opportunity theatre skills while building and performing in a full-scale production. Their mixed media art classes for children 5-12 take place twice weekly and are a great after-school activity. The Devised Theatre Initiative (DTI) is a progressive process where a group of young people, grades 6-12, work together to engage contemporary social issues and create a show including writing, art, dance, music, and theatre.
The Summer Outdoor Concert Series presents free local and regional musicians on the Shane Center’s Outdoor Stage each Thursday evening in June and July. And, on the second Thursday of each month, they offer a free movie through the Livingston Film Series.
Art as Business in the Shane Center
In addition to education and entertainment, the Shane Center is home to several businesses; Faye's Café (where the entire restaurant concept is art,) The Art Room East, an art class studio with mixed media art classes for children 5-12 take place twice weekly and are a great after-school activity, Wild Skies Dance Studio, Conleys' Books and Music, and the BlackLab Community Darkroom.
Venue rentals are available to the public, including The Dulcie Theatre, a 165-seat auditorium, a ballroom with attached catering space, the Mike and Eve Art Rehearsal Hall, Jill's Veranda, and the Movement Room.
Photo by John Troy
Upcoming Shows
Roald Dahl's Matilda, The Musical, opens at The Dulcie Theatre in the Shane Lalani Center for the Arts in Livingston. The inspiring story of a girl who dreams of a better life is brought to you by a volunteer cast of 43 local performers ages 10-70. Performances take place October 21 -November 13, 2022. Friday and Saturday shows start at 8:00 p.m., and Sunday at 3:00 p.m.
The 2023 Community Theatre season includes The Music Man, Band Geeks by Park High School Students, the Summer Outdoor Concert Series, The Spongebob Musical, and Holiday Vaudville! Tickets are available online.
Photo by Larry Stanley
Supporting the Shane Center
A non-profit organization, the Shane Center relies on support from the community both financially and through volunteers. If you are interested in making a donation or volunteering, contact Erika Adams at erika@theshanecenter.org. Opportunities range from running concessions to set design, costuming, hanging posters, acting, or assisting with special events. However, just by attending a show, renting the space for a meeting or event, and supporting the arts in our local community makes a difference. We hope to see you soon at the Shane Center!