Fox Cities Performing Arts Center facts for kids
Exterior of venue (c.2011)
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| Address | 400 W College Ave Appleton, WI 54911-5831 |
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| Location | Downtown Appleton |
| Type | Performing Arts Center |
| Capacity | 2,100 (Thrivent Financial Hall) 450 (Kimberly-Clark Theater) |
| Construction | |
| Broke ground | May 2000 |
| Opened | November 25, 2002 |
| Construction cost | $45 million ($76.5 million in 2022 dollars ) |
| Architect | Zeidler Grinnell Partnership Architects |
| General contractor | O.J. Boldt Construction Company |
The Fox Cities Performing Arts Center, often called the PAC, is a cool place in downtown Appleton, Wisconsin. It's where you can watch amazing live shows! The PAC is home to many exciting events. These include big Broadway Across America shows and special educational programs. The Fox Valley Symphony also performs here.
The PAC has hosted many famous Broadway shows. Some of these include Disney’s The Lion King and Wicked. Other popular shows like The Producers and Jersey Boys have also been seen here. Even a U.S. President, George W. Bush, gave a speech at the PAC in 2004.
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Building the PAC
The idea for the PAC started in 1999. A company called Aid Association for Lutherans (now Thrivent Financial) gave a huge gift. They donated $10 million to help build the center. This was the biggest gift of its kind in the Fox Cities area!
Many people and businesses in the community also helped. Over 2,700 local residents and companies donated money. Together, they raised $45 million for the project.
Design and Construction
A company from Toronto called Zeidler Partnership Architects designed the PAC. In May 2000, construction began. The O.J. Boldt Construction Company built the center. Experts from Artec, Inc. helped make sure the sound and stage were perfect.
The building opened its doors on November 25, 2002. This was just 31 months after they started digging!
Inside the PAC
The Fox Cities Performing Arts Center has several special areas. Each part is designed for different types of performances and events.
Thrivent Financial Hall
This is the main theater at the PAC. It has a huge stage that is 40 feet wide. The stage is about 5,000 square feet, making it Wisconsin’s second largest! The hall can seat 2,100 people. No seat is further than 108 feet from the stage. This means everyone gets a great view! The walls are a beautiful red color, matching the red seats and shiny brass details.
Kimberly-Clark Theater
This is a flexible space often called a "black-box" theater. It's about 4,160 square feet. The seats can be moved or pulled back. The stage can also be set up in different ways. This theater holds 450 people. It's used for smaller shows, lectures, and even parties.
Other Special Rooms
The PAC also has other useful spaces. The Founders Room is a private room. It can hold up to 75 people for meetings or small gatherings. Entrance 21 is a private lounge. It's a great spot for small groups to meet before or during a show.
