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Celebrating 100 Years of The Grand!
For nearly 100 years, The Grand has been the heart of Wausau. A place where memories are made, community thrives, and the magic of the arts comes alive. As we approach our centennial in 2027, we're embarking on a transformative journey: the Second Century Campaign.
The Second Century Campaign brings exciting changes to our beloved theater. While preserving and honoring the past, we seek to transform and modernize the venue to ensure we meet the rising expectations of audiences and artists alike.
This ambitious $17 million initiative will revitalize our beloved theater, ensuring its vibrancy for the next 100 years. Join us in preserving this legacy and building a future where The Grand remains second to none.
The Second Century Capital Campaign will:
Restore the Theater: Below you will see a rendering of our revitalized Historic Theater. Featuring new seats and sightlines. New curtains and carpets. New balcony railings. When we are done, you’ll absolutely recognize the character of The Grand. And it will feel brand new at the same time.
Transform the Great Hall: To make the Great Hall truly top of the class, we have exciting plans. Let’s be honest, having a conversation in the Great Hall can be difficult! Imagine a space that is acoustically enhanced to handle performances, events, meetings, and yes, even conversations. You can see the flexible ways this space could be used. From a more intimate space for comedy, jazz, or chamber music ensembles, to private events, and even standing-room pop or rock concerts (with plenty of room for dancing). With a second stage, we will be second to none.
Open up the Historic Vestibule: Our Historic Vestibule will feature several accessibility upgrades, including a leveled floor with a new ramp, opened-up doors and more, while still keeping the historic charm and of course, the original ticket booth.
Refresh the Lobby: Our south lobby will get a little refresh, with new floors, paint, a new donor wall and a beautiful new light fixture. Patrons and volunteers will also notice a bit more ease on busy show nights, with an expanded staircase, plus a new ticket booth and coat check area.
Revamp the B.A and Esther Greenheck Lounge: Our donor lounge upstairs will truly feel like that: a lounge. With new comfortable furniture, a cozy atmosphere and a divider to close off for privacy, it will be the perfect spot to gather before or during shows or to host a small event.
Other Campaign Projects:
Theater Technical Improvements: Contemporary touring standards have changed over the years, and we’ve done a good job keeping up. With a capital injection of funds, the theater’s capabilities will meet or exceed tour company requirements, putting TheGrand at the top of their list of preferred venues to perform.
Backstage Areas: Major tours are getting more complex. With a reimagined backstage area, we’ll be more efficient and can continue to bring incredible shows to The Grand.
Artist Hospitality: The stars on stage deserve first-class Wisconsin hospitality! We plan new dressing rooms with private bathrooms, a new green room, and spaces that provide comfort and convenience to the stage.
Safety and Security: The bones of the building are strong, and we aim to increase our focus in these areas throughout the renovation.
Exterior Improvements: The outside of this icon will shine like a new penny!
Loft Improvements: The new “it” space for receptions and small events. Enhanced lighting, dedicated restrooms, and more patron amenities to better utilize this currently hidden gem of The Grand.
Administrative/Box Office Renovation: Those who visit the office and our team will experience the restored historic building the PAF calls home.
1.2 million people have attended shows at The Grand since 2002.
$74.2 million economic impact in the last 22 years, including a record $6.7 million in the 2023/24 season alone.
More than 9,000 people per year travel from beyond our immediate region to see a show here.
