Amenities
The John E. Baggett Auditorium, in Art Deco style, is the core of the Performing Arts Center at Gorton Community Center. Ideal for lectures, presentations and meetings in addition to performances, it seats 343 and has a generous stage and superb acoustics. It also boasts professional lighting and sound systems and a large retractable 12'W x 9'L projection screen. Tall windows that light the space for a daytime meeting can be blackened with built-in darkening shades for theater or audio/visual presentations. This lovely space is enhanced by four restored WPA murals created in 1936 by Ralf Henricksen for the Federal Arts Project.
SOLARIUM
Enter the building from the south porte cochere and into the lovely Solarium with diamond windows, beamed cathedral ceiling and brick floor. This room can be used for receptions, meetings or refreshments in conjunction with your event in the Auditorium.
SEATING CAPACITY
343 theater seats, plus seating for 5 wheelchairs.
ACCESSIBILITY
Auditorium and entire building are handicap accessible. Elevator access to all levels of the building. 5 wheelchair spaces available in the Auditorium. Large porte cochere for covered drop-off and pick-up.
ACOUSTICS
Excellent throughout, and complement the sight lines.
STAGE
Extraordinary views from every seat in the house.
SOUND SYSTEM
Auditorium and backstage sound systems to enhance meetings, concerts, and theatrical productions. Controlled from projection sound booth.
THEATRICAL SOUND AND LIGHT
Technical Consultants review the requirements for each event and are available to operate Auditorium light and sound equipment.
WIFI AVAILABLE
Entire building is WiFi enabled.
PIANO
Baldwin concert grand piano available for extra charge. Mason & Bamlin upright piano available at no charge.
REFRESHMENTS
No food or drink are allowed in the Auditorium. However renters are welcome to provide/sell refreshments in the adjacent Solarium or other rooms in the building.
EXTRAS
Microphones, podium, LCD projector available for additional charge. Also available for additional charge is an Allen & Heath Mixwizard Concert/Performance PA System. Tables and chairs provided at no charge.
OTHER
The entire building is air-conditioned.
PARKING
184 parking spots on site. Additional parking available in adjacent lots. Large porte cochere for covered drop-off and pick-up.
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION
Metra’s Union Pacific/North Line Lake Forest Train Station is a block and a half from Gorton Community Center’s Auditorium