Milwaukee Rep launches campaign; Associated Bank Theater Center plans unveiled

MILWAUKEE – Milwaukee Repertory Theater on Tuesday, Nov. 29 kicked off its Powering Milwaukee Marketing campaign to lift funds for the brand new Related Financial institution Theater Heart. 

Based on a press launch, Milwaukee Rep has raised $43 million of its $75 million marketing campaign objective that may permit the group to construct its new and expanded theater heart together with a reimagined historic 1898 Oneida Avenue Energy Station donated beforehand by WEC Vitality Group. 

“Milwaukee has modified over the past 4 a long time and made spectacular investments throughout the town alongside the best way, and it’s time to spend money on one other cultural asset – Milwaukee Repertory Theater,” mentioned Chad Bauman, Govt Director of Milwaukee Repertory Theater. “The Powering Milwaukee Marketing campaign will assist us cross the fundraising end line, constructing on the momentum began with beneficiant donations from our group companions.” 

Northwestern Mutual and WE Energies Basis every introduced $1.5 million donations to the challenge. They be a part of Related Financial institution that introduced their $10 million sponsorship settlement for the challenge this fall. 

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“That is an thrilling second for the theater, and we wish it to thrive for a lot of extra seasons to return,” mentioned Scott Lauber, President and CEO of We Energies. “We’re proud to make a major donation to assist the Milwaukee Rep improve its know-how and accessibility. Everyone knows that’s key to bringing the ability of the humanities to new audiences and future generations.” 

Company and group donations to the Powering Milwaukee Marketing campaign will permit Milwaukee Rep to stay in its present location and create a completely new, expanded complicated with three state-of-the-art theaters, group gathering areas, an training heart and trendy viewers facilities. 

Highlights of the Related Financial institution Theater Heart embrace: 

New Mainstage Theater: The brand new flagship efficiency area will embrace: 

• Versatile configuration – Uniquely identified for its basic thrust configuration permitting viewers members to take a seat ft away from performers, the brand new theater will even convert to a proscenium theater suitable with theaters on Broadway and in Europe.
• Fly loft – Essentially the most environment friendly methodology of transferring massive items of surroundings is to “fly” them, bringing surroundings out and in from a fly loft above the stage. The present theater doesn’t have a fly loft which limits manufacturing capabilities.
• Improved seating and sight traces – The present theater’s massive stage permits for big productions; nevertheless, some sections at present have obstructed views. Seating capability shall be barely redacted permitting for extra snug seats and guaranteeing every patron has an pleasant expertise.
• Higher accessibility – Within the new theater patrons with disabilities could have entry to seats in prime orchestra and entry to these seats from the bottom flooring, simply steps away from valet parking.
• Fashionable manufacturing know-how – The brand new theater could have superior digital sound, laser projection functionality, automated surroundings, live-streaming capabilities and programmable clever lighting.

New Studio Theater: The brand new versatile black-box area will higher serve intimate dramatic productions and boundary-pushing theatrical occasions with options together with: 

• Elevated seating capability – The up to date studio theater area will permit for bigger solid sizes and a greater variety of performs growing programming within the Studio Theater.
• Simply transformable efficiency area – Milwaukee Rep employees will be capable of reconfigure seating and efficiency areas simply, giving administrators and designers many extra choices to discover the viewers/actor relationship within the up to date theater area.
• Welcoming foyer – The brand new studio theater could have expanded restrooms, an acoustical barrier between efficiency area and foyer, and a gorgeous bar and gathering areas.

Northwestern Mutual Riverwalk: Exterior the historic Powerplant constructing, the Riverwalk shall be reconceptualized to function a beautiful area to assemble pre- and post-show and for occasions, receptions and celebrations. 

The Sandra and William Haack Grand Foyer: The open, cascading foyer will function entrances on the bottom degree from Wells Avenue and the Related Financial institution River Heart, uniting all three efficiency areas with different public areas. Facilities will improve the patron expertise with further restrooms, meals and beverage choices, reward store, donors lounge and occasion area.