The Acorn has moved into 411 Mosby Avenue in Littleton, the former location of the Lakeland Cultural Arts Center Theatre company. 

The Acorn will lease, manage, and operate the venue, which will now be known as The Acorn Center of Littleton.

"The Acorn is dedicated to using the arts to connect the community and become a regional destination for arts, entertainment, and unique educational opportunities,” spokesperson Les Atkins said. “By offering diverse classes, workshops, and events, and collaborating with local businesses, we aim to drive growth and create a thriving community that benefits everyone. The Acorn Center is a place where people can come together to learn, grow, and experience something truly special."

The Acorn Center will offer a broad scope of community offerings, including a diverse range of concerts, national productions, local community events, classes, and a dedicated art gallery showcasing the works of local and regional artists. 

The venue will also be available to rent for meetings, conferences, and events providing a versatile space for gatherings.

The name of the venue is a nod to Littleton Academy, the former Littleton High School, whose mascot is the Blue Jay and whose favorite food is the acorn.

Atkins said while the venue has become synonymous with the LCAC brand, the non-profit no longer occupies this space. The non-profit retains the rights to the name Lakeland Cultural Arts Center.

Lakeland response

Jay LaPointe, president of the Lakeland Board of Directors, said in response to questions this morning, “Lakeland is excited about the changes that will allow Lakeland Cultural Arts Center to focus on community theater as well as community engagement and outreach.”

He said, “Lakeland will work with The Acorn Center to continue the rich history of Lakeland's mission, just without the overhead of managing a building and a start-up multi-purpose venue.”

Lakeland's community theater tradition will continue at the same theater, which is now The Acorn Center, and has two fall shows in the works — The Savannah Sipping Society in September and The Music Man later in the fall, LaPointe said.  

Lakeland is also working on its spring shows and is planning on having its second annual New Year's Eve Gala, which he said was a great hit in its first year.

“We are actively working with The Acorn Center team on schedules, coordinations, partnering and ensuring our region's community theater continues to thrive in its historic home,” La Pointe said. “While not every detail is ironed out, we have agreed to work together to provide outstanding entertainment and engagement to the overall region, with community theater continuing to be a mainstay.”

Upcoming and future Acorn Center events

Meanwhile, The Acorn Center will also produce a series of free concerts on Thursday evenings beginning July 11 through August 29.

The Thursday free concert lineup includes: 

July 11 — The Chairman of the Board (Beach) 

July 18  — Jordan Rainer (Country)

July 25 — Brickhouse (Top 40/Motown) 

August 1 — Nu Blu (Modern bluegrass) 

August 8 — Chad Thompson (Country) 

August 15 — Phat Albert (All genres) 

August 22 — Riggsbee Road (All genres) 

August 29  — The Phoebes (Rock)

The Acorn Center will be launching an initial version of their new website soon at the following link — www.theacornlive.com

While the link was not yet live as of this report, more features and information will be added to the site in the coming weeks including opportunities for summer employment and venue rental information.

Additionally, a Facebook and Instagram page have been created to begin announcing upcoming concerts and events.

While additional events will be added to the schedule in the coming weeks, here are some of the upcoming events:

May 11 — Artsapalooza

June 1 — Landslide Fleetwood Mac Tribute (Sold out) 

June 28 — Dueling Pianos

August 10 — On the Border: The Ultimate Eagles Tribute 

December 13 — Christmas with Elvis

December 20, 21, 22 — Jessica Lynn Christmas Concert

In 2019, the building and grounds, part of the former Littleton High School, were purchased and renovated by the Ed Fitts Charitable Foundation to revitalize the community through an arts center and school.