At a recent meeting, Milwaukee Rep Theatre Executive Director Chad Bauman, reviewed the past, present and future of this great theatre company. Chad recently was named the non-profit executive of the year and is a member of the Milwaukee Rotary Club. His presentation covered the early beginnings, continual growth, and the current remodeling project.
The Milwaukee Repertory Theater, often referred to as Milwaukee Rep, is the largest performing arts organization in Wisconsin. It is one of the largest theatre companies in the United States serving nearly 300,000 people annually with around 700 performances of 12 to 15 productions each season. The theatre company id housed in the Associated Bank Theatre Center, which includes three unique performance venues: the Quadracci Powerhouse, Stiemke Studio, and Stackner Cabaret.
It is known for its diverse range of productions, from compelling dramas and powerful classics to new play and full-scale musicals. The theatre has a national reputation as an incubator for new work and an agent for community change, providing vital arts education programs.
The Milwaukee Rep venue is undergoing a significant remodeling project that addresses the challenges and limitations of the current theatre complex. They are investing $78 million to build a new theatre and renovate the existing Powerhouse Theatre complex. The groundbreaking for this project took place in May 2024. The renovation includes a complete transformation of the flagship Ellen & Joe Checota Powerhouse (currently the Quadracci Powerhouse), with improvements such as enhanced sight lines, more comfortable seating, and better ventilation. This project aims to create a more inclusive and enjoyable experience for all theatergoers.
Thank you, Chad, for sharing your passion for this great iconic and vital contributor to the performing arts scene in Milwaukee. It’s an exciting time for the Milwaukee Rep!
To learn more, visit www.milwuakeerep.com.
