The curtain rises on a new era for the old school auditorium located at 651 W. Morgan Avenue in Chesterton, thanks to a heartfelt and transformative gift to the Duneland Family YMCA from the Chamberlain family—longtime patrons, performers, and champions of the arts in Northwest Indiana. Their generous donation will play a pivotal role in the structural renovation of the Duneland Family YMCA Healthy Living Campus’s cherished historic stage, while also propelling forward a renaissance in the fine arts culture across the community and greater region.

For the Chamberlains, this is more than philanthropy—it’s deeply personal. With a rich legacy spanning decades of performance, the family has shared countless moments under stage lights. From piano recitals and choral performances to powerfully entertaining theater performances, every member of the Chamberlain family, including Mark Chamberlain and his three daughters Elizabeth, Leslie, and Taylor, has graced the very stage that will be named in their honor, both solo and side by side. Whether it has been Mark taking a lead role with one of his daughters amongst the supporting cast in a show, or the girls participating in school functions or local talent shows, they’ve developed a love for the arts that they hope future generations can discover for themselves at the Y.

“It’s an honor to have been asked to participate in this project,” said Mark Chamberlain. “I’m not doing the Y a favor, they’re really doing me a favor. Our participation will hopefully inspire others to contribute. I’m excited to see the community be able to enjoy it; to see it blossom and flourish.”

Dave Kasarda, CEO at the Duneland Family YMCA, already believes that the family’s contribution will be inspirational both now and in the future. “The Chamberlain family’s generous gift toward the Performing Arts Center at the Duneland Family YMCA Healthy Living Campus is more than a contribution — it’s a legacy of inspiration,” said Kasarda. “Their support ensures that creativity, expression, and

community will take center stage for generations to come. Through their kindness, the arts will find a true home in Duneland.”

Their support also comes with a deep-rooted belief in early childhood development and the vital role that arts play in nurturing whole brain growth, and they view the new Chamberlain Family Performing Arts Center as a vibrant hub where creativity and learning intersect.

“The importance of the arts, performing arts specifically, in so invaluable to the development of a child,” expressed Mark’s wife, Staci Chamberlain. “The arts are key to all aspects of development not only intellectually, but socially and emotionally as well.”

The YMCA will offer a variety of arts programming for all ages and abilities, from early learners through seniors, and envisions the theater will serve as a multipurpose venue capable of hosting live theatrical performances, concerts, symphonies, lectures, film screenings, and many more community events. Chairing the theater committee is Mark’s daughter Elizabeth Adcock, a longtime Duneland YMCA advocate and former board member, who is ready to help the Duneland community enhance and expand their already vibrant artistic identity. “The committee’s vision is for this to be THE destination performing arts center in Porter County and beyond,” said Adcock. With updated acoustics, lighting, seating, and more, the space will become a premier venue for both visiting and local artists, bringing easily accessible world-class cultural experiences to the community’s doorstep.

Beyond entertainment, the revitalized theater represents a broader vision of total wellness being cultivated at the Duneland Family YMCA Healthy Living Campus. The new space will support not only cultural enrichment but also educational (mind) and social (spirit) programming that strengthens the community as well. “The overarching theme at the campus is to bring the community together and in order to do that we must collaborate with other community partners. We have many other non-profit arts groups at the table with us now and are hopeful that many more will want to collaborate in the future,” explained Adcock.

To learn more about the theater renovation and other upcoming project developments at the Duneland Family YMCA Healthy Living Campus, or to support the Duneland Family YMCA Capital Campaign, please visit: www.dunelandymca.org/capitalcampaign