Vision & Mission:
The Performing Arts Foundation's mission is to entertain, educate and enrich the community by offering world-class programming which develops a lifelong appreciation for the arts in its citizens and enhances the quality of life in the region. The vision for the Second Century Project is to ensure that The Grand can deliver on this mission for decades to come!
The Need and Why Now:
It’s time! For 100 years, the Grand has welcomed audiences. Time has taken its toll on the building itself. The entire block has critical systems and infrastructure reaching or beyond their recommended lifespans, which is risky. This comprehensive effort to address capacity constraints and upgrade infrastructure is the most cost-effective and audience-centered way we can ensure that The Grand is ready for the next century.
The Role in the Community:
World-Class arts in Wausau. The Grand is home to more than 150 performances every single year! From incredible professional Broadway touring companies, to dance companies, to diverse cultural performances – no one has to travel to other cities to experience high-quality entertainment.
Regional Economic Engine. The Grand generates a total economic impact of $6.7 million for the Wausau area, attracting an average of 135,000 guests from throughout Wisconsin and neighboring states. Hotels and restaurants depend on show nights for their own business success – we had 93 sold-out shows in the past 3 years, which is good for everybody!
Home to premier Arts Education programs. Our comprehensive Arts in Education program, including the school matinee series, artist residency programs, and the Central Wisconsin Jerry Ensemble, impacts over 15,000 students each year. We also engage the broader community through innovative, often free or low-cost opportunities for all generations, from pre-show lectures, to pop-up performances in the community, film screenings, trivia nights and more!
See and Be Seen. The Grand is the place to be, whether for shows, touring productions, local arts events, or community gatherings like weddings and retirement parties. The Grand is a vital gathering space that strengthens community bonds.
Make a donation today!
Gifts can be sent to:
Performing Arts Foundation
401 N Fourth St, Wausau WI 54401
Memo: Second Century Campaign
Contact us for questions or more info.
Our Land Acknowledgement:
It is with gratitude and humility that we, the Performing Arts Foundation, recognize the land The Grand Theater occupies is the ancestral home of the Menominee Nation, the Oglala Lakota Nation, and the Anishinabek Nation. We pay our respects to these communities and their elders both past and present, as well as future generations as we commit to building a more inclusive space for all.
Our Commitment to DEAI:
The Performing Arts Foundation recognizes the importance of Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, and Inclusion. This statement is not an end-all, it is a starting point and will constantly evolve as we as an organization learn. This is a starting point for us to form actions that will help make an impact in our community.
We believe in the transformative power of the arts to enrich lives, enhance our region, and build better communities. We also recognize the true value and the critical role that diversity serves in helping The Grand Theater and our greater Wausau region thrive.
We are committed to sustaining a diverse, inclusive, accessible, and equitable space where everyone who walks through our iconic theater doors — patrons, artists, employees, volunteers, and vendors — feels valued and respected regardless of gender, age, race, ethnicity, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, education, or ability.
All are welcome at The Grand Theater! We want to be a transformative force in our community. We commit to providing fair treatment, access, opportunity, and advancement and to creating space for culturally diverse voices to be heard with a desire to help make our community a more welcoming, safe, and accepting place for all.
It’s time. It’s an investment. It will take all of us.
Thank you for considering a donation to The Grand Theater’s Second Century Campaign, and for being a vital part of our 100th Anniversary.
Need Help? Contact:
Tessa Taylor, Director of Development
715.842.0988 ext. 231
ttaylor@grandtheater.org
