It was a night for new beginnings, as the grand opening of Theatre By The Lake embraced a full house at the debut of "Sessions," a play written, directed by and starring Nathaniel Tate.

Formerly known as The Lake Street Theatre, Theatre By The Lake is operated by TNT Productions Presents, a theater company founded in 2004 by Tate.

Renovation for the building includes a new sign and some interior remodeling. The 32-seat theater still boasts an intimate atmosphere for the audience and the actors; the stage is within inches of the front row. Framed paintings and colorful charcoal and ink sketchings decorate the walls.

Gary City Councilwoman Marilyn Krusas, D-1st, attended the premiere event. "I am delighted to have the theater back and staying within the 1st District," she said. "Nate is a great talent and I am confident that he is going to do a wonderful job in bringing the theater back into the community."

"Sessions" told the story of a young doctor, Dr. Johnson (Tate), who reopens his late uncle's office for counseling sessions with patients. The doctor's ways of handling his patients' problems are unique.

Tate was supported by a cast of actors from the community. Pam Stark played Johnson's widowed aunt and office assistant. Kevin Fuller, Bridgette Barnett, Dawn Beasley, Sylvia Tolliver, Donald Sanders and Kayelyn Holloway portrayed the patients. Skye Holman, also of Gary, had a cameo appearance.

A video production crew recorded the debut, and an opening act from hip-hop artist "Brother Floyd," from Indianapolis, warmed up the crowd.

Alexis Carter, the public information specialist for Theatre by the Lake and TNT Productions Presents, said productions are only part of what's in store.

"We will hold classes called 'Actors Advance' for aspiring actors and actresses," he said. "Another class, 'Define Lines,' is an art class. We also have a gift shop called Expressions. There will be something for everyone."

Tate said he can breathe easier now that premiere weekend jitters are over with. "I can concentrate on upcoming productions this month," he said.

The next event is "Late Night: On Stage," to be performed in November.

"I appreciate the support people have given me and hope they will continue to support us," Tate said.

Sanders has worked in productions with TNT Productions, West Side Theatre Guild and Lake Street Theatre. "I am happy to see this," he said. "We need this in the community."

Barnett said she is getting back into the acting game. "It was wonderful and the fact that we had to make some drastic changes made it challenging," she said with a laugh.

At 7 years old, Holloway has been acting for a while. She will also appear in the independent film version of the one-man play, "My Imagination," also written, produced by and starring Tate.

"I enjoy acting a lot," she said.

Two events this month were "Soul Cafe," featuring some of Northwest Indiana's finest poets, and a Sweetest Day event, a night of live entertainment "For Lovers Only."

If you go

"Late Night: On Stage" will be performed in November, at dates to be announced, at Theatre By The Lake, 436 S. Lake St., Gary.

For more information on upcoming productions, classes, etc., call (866) 470-4550, or contact Nathaniel Tate at thenatetate@hotmail.com,

www.myspace.com/thenatetate or www.lakestreettheatre.com.