About Us
Our Bylaws Preamble
The purposes for which the corporation is organized are: to promote the fine arts by producing plays, art exhibits, music concerts, musical comedies and instructing the same. PM&L, Inc. does not discriminate against any prospective member or participant because of his or her race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, order of protection status, marital status, physical or
mental disability, military status, sexual orientation, pregnancy, or unfavorable discharge from military service.
A Theatre Community Since 1960
- Palette — symbol of the artist.
- Masque — symbol of the actor.
- Lyre — symbol of the musician.
These three symbols were put together to form the name of the group of people who were interested at that time primarily in producing (overseeing the executive and financial aspects) of plays, art works, and concerts.
A dozen individuals (actors, business people, artists, and musicians) banded together and donated $10 each. With $120 burning a hole in their pockets, the group set out to bring culture to Antioch, Illinois. Shows and art exhibits were given for the benefit of the Antioch Women’s Club, Lake County Mental Health Group, and various P.T.A.s.
Then, in 1963, the group was offered the opportunity to rent the Lakes Theatre (originally named the Crystal Theatre, constructed circa 1914) on Main Street. With the added responsibility of maintaining a theatre and putting something on the stage with some regularity, it was decided that membership should be broadened to include general members. The response was gratifying.
Palette, Masque, and Lyre, Inc. moved into what is now the PM&L Theatre, and with few exceptions has not looked back since.
In fact, in 1982, the group (with some trepidation) purchased the building. Over 60 years later, we continue to work to provide quality theatre, while maintaining and striving to make additional improvements to our space.
Support from our patrons and the community is always appreciated as we continue to open doors to the arts for so many for now and into the future.
While it might seem like we just flip on the lights and say “places,” every production involves a surprising amount of behind-the-scenes investment—sets, costumes, tech, marketing, utilities, and most importantly, royalties. Whether it’s a classic play or a modern musical, we pay licensing fees for the rights to perform the show—often thousands of dollars per title. Every ticket you buy helps bring these stories to life.
Royalties are licensing fees paid to the creators of a play or musical. That means playwrights, composers, lyricists—and sometimes even entire production companies—earn a portion from each performance. It’s how we legally stage the stories you love, and how those artists are compensated for their work. At PM&L, we honor those agreements for every production, from Broadway blockbusters to contemporary comedies.
Let’s just say—we choose not to. PM&L Theatre absorbs as many costs as we can to keep tickets affordable and transparent. No surprise handling fees, no service charges tacked on at the end. The price you see is the price you pay, because we believe great theatre shouldn’t come with a side of sticker shock. We pay credit card processing fees, and fees to out ticketing platform, they are just factored into our ticket price, not passed on to you.
We typically hold auditions 6 to 12 weeks prior to the opening performance of any given show. The Auditions button at the top of each page links to any dates currently available. Look for the title and dates and click to be take to an audition form.
Auditions at PM&L vary slightly depending on the show and the director, but here’s what you can generally expect:
We announce audition dates, times, and production-specific requirements on our website and social media. Each listing includes a link to an audition form, where you’ll share basic info like your name, age, height, the role(s) you're interested in, and any relevant experience. Once your form is submitted, you’ll receive a link to choose your audition timeslot—no long waits, no crowds, just a scheduled time that works for you.
For musicals, auditions usually include singing (bring a song you’ve prepared), possibly a short dance combination to learn, and readings from the script or a brief monologue. For straight plays, you’ll typically be asked to read sides from the script or perform a short prepared piece. Some directors prefer one-on-one auditions; others may do small group readings or callbacks—it all depends on what best serves the show.
At PM&L, we do not use “cattle call” auditions. You won’t be thrown onstage in a huge group or asked to compete for attention in a crowded room. We’re here to make the experience welcoming, professional, and respectful of your time and talent—whether you're a seasoned actor or trying out for the very first time.
They sure are passionate! PM&L is a community theatre, which means our performers, crew, and creative teams are volunteers who bring incredible talent, dedication, and heart to every production. Some are pursuing careers in the arts, some are seasoned veterans, and others are stepping onto the stage for the very first time.
Once upon a time, ticket sales covered 85–90% of our production and operational costs. These days? We’re lucky if they cover 60%. Between rising expenses—especially royalties—and post-pandemic shifts in audience behavior, community theatres like ours rely more than ever on donations, memberships, and sponsorships to keep the lights on.
But we’re still here because of the incredible support from people like you. Whether you give your time, your applause, or a few extra dollars, you’re helping sustain a stage that’s been telling stories Live on Main Street for over six decades.
PM&L stands for Palette, Masque & Lyre—symbols of the visual arts (the artist's palette), theatre (drama masks), and music (A Lyre is a stringed instrument similar to a harp). But more than that, we stand for the belief that theatre is for everyone. Since 1960, our stage has been a place to belong, to grow, and to connect. At PM&L, we teach more than lines and blocking—we teach teamwork, empathy, and self-expression. And we do it all right here, Live on Main Street.
Yes! are always in need of people interested in lights, sound, props, set painting, stage management, choreography or helping backstage.
Rehearsals vary wildly by production, but are typically limited to weeknights for the majority. All our productions are filled with volunteers, so the 9 to 5 Monday - Friday is very rarely used for rehearsals.
While many productions have as much as four nights a week, not all actors will be called for the duration of every rehearsal.
We will do our best to work around conflicts, so please disclose all known conflicts on your audition form. The rehearsal schedule will be created with conflicts in mind, so knowing this in advance will help the production team make the best use of everyone's time. Excessive absences may result in a role being re-cast.
We do not offer refunds.
For sold out, or nearly sold out performances where we are able to resell your ticket(s) we may make an exception.
We are always happy to exchange your tickets to a later performance, or even a performance for a different show. Please do contact us if you know you will not be able to make it to the theatre on a night you have tickets, the earlier the more options we will have.
Our new ticketing platform also offers ticket 'insurance' this is run entirely by them (Ludus) and we are not involved with any part of that process.