Community Engagement Series
The Grand is more than just a theater. With a mission to ENTERTAIN, EDUCATE, and ENRICH North Central Wisconsin, The Grand's Community Engagement Series pushes the performing arts from the stage out into the community.
Community events like dance classes, film screenings, pop-up exhibits, lectures, and more create opportunities for audience members to connect with performances in new and exciting ways.
Thursday, October 4th - 7:00-8:30 PM
The Grand Theater - Great Hall
Back by popular demand, instructors Todd and Julia Barrington from the Central Wisconsin School of Ballet will provide an hour of swing dance instruction starting at 7:00 PM in The Grand's Great Hall. Participants will then be able to practice their new skills to the vintage-pop music of Scott Bradlee's Postmodern Jukebox!
This class is a free event for all ages and skill levels. No dance experience or partner are necessary. A $5 donation for the instructors is appreciated, but not required.
Thursday, October 11 - 5:30-6:30 PM
The Grand Theater - Great Hall
Join The Grand Theater, YWCA Wausau, and Affinity Martial Arts for a special self-defense class specifically tailored to the needs of women in our community. Instructor Jamie Sparling of Affinity Martial Arts will teach a one-hour beginner's self-defense class in the Great Hall at The Grand Theater.
Learn techniques that apply to everyday situations and are feasible for everyone, regardless of experience or skill. This class will be an informative and fun way for ladies to learn life-saving skills and build confidence!
This class is a free event for women of all ages and skill levels. Athletic attire is not necessary. A $5 donation for the instructor is appreciated, but not required.
Monday, November 5th - 3:00-5:00 PM
The Grand Theater
Never Forgotten Honor Flight, Inc. presents three Honoring Our Freedom documentaries at The Grand in celebration of Veterans Day. They will premier the documentary made with Green Bay Packers legend Gilbert Brown, Honoring Our Freedom on Mission #32, May 21, 2018. They will also show the Telly Award winning Mission #28, May 22, 2017 with NFL Hall of Famer Jerry Kramer, as well as Mission #24, May 16, 2016.
Part of the Community Engagement Series, these events are free and open to the public.
Daly's Restaurant - 7:00-9:00 PM
November 6th, 2018
February 5, 2019
May 14, 2019
Join The Grand Theater at Daly's for a laid-back, Broadway-themed karaoke night!
From The Music Man to Hamilton, West Side Story to Mean Girls the Musical, stop by Daly's to sing (or just hear!) all of your favorites with fellow musical theatre fans. This is a free event for all ages; no experience required! Just bring a friend, pick a favorite song from a musical, grab a drink, and be ready to sing your heart out!
January 14, 2019 - 4:30-5:30 PM
Croi Croga Studio
You'll feel just like a ballerina at this Giselle-themed Total Barre fitness class!
Join The Grand at Croi Croga Studio for this intense but fun workout. We will warm up to the music of Adolphe Adam's "Giselle," and then we will tell the story of Giselle through modern day music. Train the way ballerinas do to keep your whole body in shape!
This is a free event open to the public, but REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. Limited space is available, so create an account and sign up for the class on Croi Croga's website now to ensure your spot!
*Please bring a yoga or fitness mat if you have one!
Friday, February 8 - 6:30-7:30 PM
The Grand Theater - Great Hall
"Let's help da hungry kids, eh?" Join The Grand, the Marathon County Hunger Coalition, and Manitowoc Minute's Charlie Berens in helping fight hunger in Marathon County by donating snack/individual size packages of non-perishable healthy snack items such as:
-Raisins/Craisins
-Fruit cups (in juice)
-Granola Bars
-Nuts or seeds
All items will be distributed to local school-based food pantries and backpack programs in Marathon County. Each person who donates will be entered into a drawing to win Manitowoc Minute merchandise!
Drop off donations on February 8, from 6:30-7:30 PM at The Grand Theater prior to Manitowoc Minute's Charlie Berens: Oh My Gosh! show, or 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM at The Grand Theater's Ricket Office.
Tuesday, February 19 - 7:00-9:00 PM
Timekeeper Distillery
Don't miss this special improv comedy workshop at Timekeeper Distillery! Wausau's own Hot Dog! Improv Comedy will be teaching improv, a form of live theatre in which the plot, characters and dialogue of a game, scene or story are made up in the moment. They will facilitate three sessions starting at 7:00, 7:30, and 8:00. Come for a session whenever you can, or stay for all three (we guarantee it won't be the same twice)!
This is a free, all-ages event that is open to the public. Donations for the instructors are appreciated, but not required. Come see how comedians like Will Ferrel, Amy Poehler, and Keegan Michael Key got their start!
Monday, March 18 - 7:00-9:00 PM
Jalapeño's Mexican Restaurante & Bar
Join The Grand at Jalapeño's for another fun and free dance class! Let's salsa!
Instructors Todd and Julia from the Central Wisconsin School of Ballet will provide an hour of salsa instruction starting at 7:00 PM at Jalapeño's. Stay after the class to practice your new skills!
This class is a free event for all ages and all skill levels. No dance experience is necessary. A $5 donation for the instructors is appreciated, but not required.
Tuesday, May 7 - 4:00-6:00 PM
Marathon County Public Library
Before seeing Finding Neverland at The Grand, visit the library to create your own fairy jar! Children and families are invited to dress up as their favorite fairy and hear fairy stories at 4:00 PM. Then, make your own light-up fairy jar any time between 4:30 and 6:00 PM! This event is free and open to the public with no registration required.
Wednesday, May 22 - 5:00-6:00 PM
The Grand Theater
“Let’s get physical” with Croi Croga Studio for an '80s Cardio Dance class inspired by the soundtrack of Rock of Ages! Join us on the stage of the historic Grand Theater for a fun dance workout to all your favorite '80s rock hits!
This class is appropriate for all skill levels, and no equipment is required. Athletic attire and footwear are recommended (bonus points for 80s-inspired outfits!). This class is free and open to the public.
Daly's Restaurant - 7:00-9:00 PM
October 1, 2019
Join The Grand Theater at Daly's for a laid-back, Broadway-themed karaoke night!
From The Music Man to Hamilton, West Side Story to Mean Girls the Musical, stop by Daly's to sing (or just hear!) all of your favorites with fellow musical theatre fans. This is a free event for all ages; no experience required! Just bring a friend, pick a favorite song from a musical, grab a drink, and be ready to sing your heart out!
Kenny G's "Keepin' It Saxy" Board Game Lounge - 6:30 PM
October 17, 2019
Not only is Kenny G the top-selling instrumental musician of all time, but now he's also the star of his own board game.
Join us in the Great Hall prior to Kenny G's performance on October 17 to play a round or two of "Kenny G: Keepin' It Saxy". Get ready for what's sure to be an unforgettable performance by collecting sound cards, earning groove points, and using the power of smooth jazz to keep Kenny G "in the groove"!
Read our blog post on the "Keepin' It Saxy" game here.
Patriot K9s of Wisconsin presents "To Be Of Service" - 2:00 PM
November 17, 2019
To Be of Service is a feature-length documentary about veterans suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder who are paired with a service dog to help them regain their lives. Returning home for these vets is often wrought with depression and a painful disconnect from the world they once knew. To Be Of Service follows these warriors after they get their dog to see how a deeply bonded friendship restores independence and love for the men and women who have been so traumatized by war.
Join The Grand and Patriot K9s of Wisconsin for this free, non-ticketed event, and stay after the film for a meet & greet and refreshments!
View the Facebook event here.
Sean Talks: Booking 101
BA & Esther Greenheck Lounge - 6:45 PM
November 15, 2019
Join us before the Brian Regan show on November 15 for a beverage and a behind-the-scenes look at what happens at The Grand! Executive Director Sean Wright will lead a discussion and answer questions about what it takes to book artists for The Grand. It's everything you've wanted to know about programming a performing arts season, but have been too afraid to ask!
The Grand Theater's Great Hall
Prior to Cirque Dreams Holidaze
November 19 & 20, 2019
Make a child's dreams come true this holiday season by donating a toy to the Salvation Army!
The Grand will be collecting unwrapped toys, clothing, books, and other items for children and teens in need prior to both performances of Cirque Dreams Holidaze. Get in the holiday spirit by making your donation, enjoying our festive decorations, stopping by our Holiday Photo Booth, and purchasing a hot chocolate at ArtsBar before the show!
We will be collecting the donations from 6:30-7:30 PM prior to both performances of Cirque Dreams Holidaze. If you are not attending the show, but would still like to make a donation, please bring your unwrapped gift to The Grand's Ticket Office between 9:00 AM and 5:30 PM on Tuesday, November 19 or Wednesday, November 20.
The Grand Theater's Great Hall
December 3, 2019 - 6:00-7:00 PM
Join The Grand and The Landing for a fun-filled evening of Line Dancing! The Landing's Becky Zelent will teach participants easy-to-follow dance steps to the accompaniment of country-western and pop music. Please wear clothing you can move easily in and non-marking boots or shoes (no tap shoes please).
This event is free with the donation of a non-perishable food item for the Neighbors Place.
Space is limited, so please sign up HERE to secure your spot!
The Grand Theater's Great Hall
January 14, 2020 - 7:00-9:00 PM
Join us at The Grand for a swingin' good time!
Back by popular demand, professional ballroom dancers Julia Barrington and Todd Teeples will provide an hour of swing dance instruction starting at 7:00 PM in The Grand Theater's Great Hall. Participants are welcome to stay after and practice their new skills to big band and swing music.
Part of The Grand’s Community Engagement Series, the class is a free event for all ages and all skill levels. No dance experience or partner necessary. A $5 donation for the instructors is appreciated, but not required.
Space is limited, so please sign up HERE to secure your spot!
Sean Talks: Booking Broadway
BA & Esther Greenheck Lounge - 6:45 PM
January 21, 2020
Join us before BANDSTAND on January 21 for a beverage and a behind-the-scenes look at what happens at The Grand! Executive Director Sean Wright will lead a discussion and Q&A about what it takes to bring touring Broadway to Wausau. Join us in the BA & Esther Greenheck Lounge to have all of your Broadway questions answered!
The Grand Theater's Great Hall
January 21, 2020 - 6:30 PM
Make sure to arrive with plenty of time to view the work of local veteran artists before BANDSTAND begins on January 21. The brutality of war had profound negative effects on the boys of Bandstand, but playing music together brought them joy. Many kinds of art can bring hope and healing to veterans readjusting to civilian life. Please take the time to view some of the artwork of local veterans and artists Jim Beck and Pat Meyer at our pop-up exhibit in the Great Hall.
Presented in partnership with the Center for the Visual Arts.
BA & Esther Greenheck Lounge - 6:30 PM
February 11, 2020
Have you ever wondered where tutus and point shoes came from, or how the ballet has changed since its genesis in the infamous court of King Louis XIV? Join us before the Russian National Ballet presents the classic ballet The Sleeping Beauty as Dr. Jacob Roseman leads a lecture and discussion on the history and significance of this stunning art form!
Timekeeper Distillery
February 19, 2020 - 5:30-6:30 PM
Join us at Timekeeper Distillery to try your hand at improv comedy! This casual, fun-filled workshop provides an opportunity learn the basic principles of improv and try out a few classic games. No jokes, no scripts, no preparation required: just sign up and join us for an Improv Happy Hour.
Hoping to get called up on stage to improvise with Colin Mochrie at the HYPROV: Improv Under Hypnosis show? This event is a risk-free trial run that will teach you the basics of improv!
Part of The Grand’s Community Engagement Series, this is a free event for all ages and all skill levels; no experience necessary! Space is limited, so sign up HERE to secure your spot!
at the Wausau Winter Market
March 7, 2020 - 9:30-11:00 AM
Join The Grand and the Wausau Conservatory of Music for a bucket drumming class at the Wausau Winter Market! WCM percussion faculty Joe Finnegan will lead three 20-minute interactive bucket drumming workshops in the basement of the Winter Market (held at the Boys & Girls Club of the Wausau Area). The workshops will also feature a short performance from DC Everest Senior High percussionists!
This is a free event for all ages* and all skill levels. Just drop in and make some music!
*Children under 10 must be accompanied by an adult.
Whitewater Music Hall - 7:00-9:00 PM
March 11, 2020
Broadway Karaoke returns! This time, we'll be singing our favorite showtunes at Whitewater Music Hall. Join us for a laid-back, Broadway-themed karaoke party!
From South Pacific to Waitress, The Phantom of the Opera to Frozen: The Musical, here's your chance to sing (or just listen to!) all your favorite musical theater songs. This is a free event for all ages; no experience required.
Make sure we have your favorite song ready by requesting it here!
The Grand Theater
Date and Times TBA
Inspired by the internet phenomenon of "flash mobs", Insta-Choir events are spontaneous singing sessions that are held at The Grand Theater. If you've signed up for Insta-Choir SMS notifications, you'll receive a text message with a date and time. If you're free, you come to The Grand, pick up your sheet music, and learn to sing a choral crowd-pleaser with the other members of that day's Insta-Choir. And that's it! You go your separate ways, until the next time...
Click here to learn more!
Virtual Sean Talks: The State of the Industry
September 17, 2020 - 7:00 PM
Join us for a Virtual Sean Talk! Executive Director Sean Wright will lead a discussion and answer questions on the state of the Arts and Culture Industry and what you can expect to see happening at The Grand this fall.
Via ZOOM
October 8, 2020 - 6:30 PM
Calling all musical theater fans! Show off your Broadway knowledge through this virtual trivia event!
Test your trivia skills with questions ranging from Fiddler On the Roof, Bernadette Peters, Hamilton, and beyond!. The winning individual or team will receive a three-month subscription to Broadway HD!
Via ZOOM
October 29, 2020 - 6:30 PM
What is the most popular halloween candy? Which American horror movie grossed the most at the box office? What exactly is the “Monster Mash”?
Trick-or-Trivia will be hosted via Zoom broadcast and played on a smartphone-based trivia game called Kahoot. Join us for this ghoulish trivia event, and show off all of your spooky Halloween knowledge!
Via ZOOM
November 19, 2020 - 6:30 PM
Do you remember who shot JR? Or who danced with Bruce Springsteen in the "Dancing in the Dark" video? Or why we linked hands across the country? If you answered "yes" to any of these questions, you're ready for Virtual 80's Trivia!
'80s Trivia will be hosted via Zoom broadcast and played on a smartphone-based trivia game called Kahoot. Join us for this tubular trivia event, and show off all of your radical '80s knowledge!
Via ZOOM
Thursday, January 21 - 6:30 PM
‘Sup, dudes and dudettes! Do you know who had the most famous haircut of the ‘90s, the name of the world’s most famous sheep, or Beavis’s favorite band? Then you’re ready to compete in the virtual trivia event that’s sure to be all that and a bag of chips!
Virtual '90s Trivia will be hosted via Zoom broadcast and played on a smartphone-based trivia game called Kahoot.
Via ZOOM
Thursday, February 18 - 6:30 PM
Be Our Guest, Be Our Guest, put your Disney knowledge to the test! Show off your expertise about Disney and Pixar movies, the Disney theme parks, and Mr. Walt Disney himself during this fun-filled virtual trivia night!
Virtual Disney-Mania Trivia will be hosted via Zoom broadcast and played on a smartphone-based trivia game called Kahoot.
Sunday, October 10, 2021 - 5:00 PM
Sugar, butter, flour… Get ready to see WAITRESS at The Grand with this special pie-baking event! Award-winning baker Shawn Bolduc, owner of The Baked Lab in Madison, will teach participants how to bake the perfect Caramel Apple Pie over Zoom! Just register HERE, pick up your ingredients (a list will be provided in advance via email), and hop on Zoom on Sunday, October 10th to enjoy a cozy, free, baking class at home!
It’s amazing what baking can do…
Via ZOOM
Thursday, February 18 - 6:30 PM
Be Our Guest, Be Our Guest, put your Disney knowledge to the test! Show off your expertise about Disney and Pixar movies, the Disney theme parks, and Mr. Walt Disney himself during this fun-filled virtual trivia night!
Virtual Disney-Mania Trivia will be hosted via Zoom broadcast and played on a smartphone-based trivia game called Kahoot.
Swing Dancing
7:00 - 8:30 PM
Back by popular demand, ballroom dance instructors Julia Barrington and Todd Teeples will provide an hour of swing dance instruction in The Grand Theater's Grand hall. Participants will then be able to practice their new skills to the vintage-pop music of the Doo Wop Project and more!
Barre Fitness Class
6:00 - 7:00 PM
Join us on the stage of The Grand Theater for a low-impact, high-intensity workout from Belle Force Studio. This 45-minute class fuses movements from ballet, yoga, and Pilates together for a totally unique (and fun!) workout.
Broadway & Bagels
8:00 - 11:00 AM
Ever wonder what it takes to prepare a stage for a Broadway show? Join us during the load-in of The Book of Mormon for Broadway & Bagels, a unique opportunity for you to find out first-hand. Have a cup of coffee and a bagel - then watch the show's crew and members of IATSE Local 470 set up the sights and sounds for The Book of Mormon!
Broadway Karaoke
7:00 - 9:00 PM
Join The Grand at Whitewater Music Hall for another laid-back, Broadway-theme karaoke party! From Annie to RENT, The Phantom of the Opera to Waitress, here's your chance to sing (or just listen to!) all your favorite musical theater songs. This is a free event for all ages; no experience required.
Zoom Holiday Trivia
6:30 PM
Join us on Zoom and Kahoot for this jolly trivia event, and find out once and for all who's the merriest of them all! The winning team or individual will win two free tickets to an upcoming show at The Grand! Register for this event by adding it to your cart and wait for an email with instructions on how to join!
Santa Baby Diaper Drive
All day!
Celebrate the season of giving and help the youngest members of our community through our Santa Baby Diaper Drive! In collaboration with The Neighbors' Place, we will collect donations of diapers (sizes 4-7 preferred), wipes, and other hygiene products for The Babies' Place.
Bollywood Dance Class
5:30 - 6:30 PM
This Bollywood dance class is high energy and fun filled! It combines Bollywood dance movements with aerobic exercise but no previous dance experience is necessary. Donations will be accepted for United Way's Women United.
Broadway Karaoke
7:00 - 9:00 PM
Join The Grand at Whitewater Music Hall for another laid-back, Broadway-theme karaoke party! From Annie to RENT, The Phantom of the Opera to Waitress, here's your chance to sing (or just listen to!) all your favorite musical theater songs. This is a free event for all ages; no experience required.
Free Film Screening:
The Good Lie
7:00 PM
Join The Grand Theater and New Beginnings for Refugees for a special screening of The Good Lie, the 2014 blockbuster film exploring the refugee experience. Then stick around after the film for a Q&A and talkback with the New Beginnings staff. This is a free, non-ticketed event. New Beginnings for Refugees will be accepting cash donations at the door.
Hocus Pocus Film Screening
7:00 PM
Join The Grand Theater for a screening of Hocus Pocus, the beloved Halloween classic! Tickets are $10 each, general admission. Popcorn and drinks will be available to purchase, and costumes are encouraged! We hope to see you for this night of family-friendly Halloween fun.
