Of all Cranbrook's Heritage Buildings, the Studio/Stage Door is a standout. The original Masonic Temple, now the home of Cranbrook's local theatrical community, has stood the test of time - with a lot of TLC from its stewards over the past century.

And later in September, a gala event will mark the centennial of the Studio/Stage Door, which has been privy to the mysteries of the Masons and the mysteries of the dramatic arts, down in the heart of Cranbrook: 11 - 11th Avenue South.

The Cranbrook Community Theatre Society is sponsoring a "Celebration of Time and Space," set for Sept. 25, in honour of the building's construction.

"The Studio is a shining example of what a local group of volunteers such as the Cranbrook Community Theatre can achieve by saving a heritage landmark from demolition while creating a home for the fine arts," said Jim Cameron, one of the event's organizers. "On a personal level, if I am working on a show there and run into a difficulty, I remind myself that in the early years of World War I, a group of the local boys had their last dinner and dance in the building before they went off to fight in the trenches of France. It takes the edge off my own small problem.

“The Studio is a grand old lady and I'm proud to know her."

The evening will begin with cocktails at 6 p.m. and a banquet downstairs at 7 p.m. (catered by Heidi's). Entertainment will follow at 9pm in the theatre. Featured musical and theatrical performers include Elizabeth Ross, Peter Schalk, Miggs Sawchuk, Phil Foster, Tanya Lang-Gahr, Barry Borgstrom, and Bud Abbott, with a five-piece band under the direction of Jim Cameron. A social evening and dessert will follow the performance.

Dress is casual and there will be a no-host bar throughout the evening.

Tickets will go on sale Sept.1 at Lotus Books on 10th Ave. in Cranbrook at a cost of $50 per person.

Due to limited seating tickets will be sold on a 'first-come-first-served' basis only.

The cornerstone for the Masonic Temple was laid in October, 1909 (100 years later, on Oct. 24, 2009, the Cranbrook Masonic Lodge held a rededication ceremony in front of the building, with members of Cranbrook City Council and Cranbrook Community Theatre in attendance).

In 1973, a group of dramatically-minded individuals spearheaded a drive to preserve the building for the local theatre community. Subsequent renovations have resulted in its current status as a 90-seat theatre space upstairs, with full technical facilities, and a much-used studio room on the main floor.