Weidner Center for the Performing Arts facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
The Weidner

Address	2420 Nicolet Drive Green Bay, Wisconsin, U.S.
Coordinates	44°31′59″N 87°55′22″W / 44.5330°N 87.9228°W / 44.5330; -87.9228
Public transit	Green Bay Metro
Owner	University of Wisconsin–Green Bay
Type	Performing arts center
Capacity	2,021
Opened	January 15, 1993 (1993-01-15)

The Weidner Center for the Performing Arts, often called The Weidner, is a special place in Green Bay, Wisconsin. It's located right on the University of Wisconsin–Green Bay campus. This center is where people go to see amazing shows, like concerts and plays. It opened on January 15, 1993, and is named after the university's first leader, Edward Weidner.

The Weidner Center's History

The idea for The Weidner Center came from a generous gift. A surgeon named David A. Cofrin made the first donation. He wanted the center to be on the UW-Green Bay campus. He also wanted it to be a place for the whole community to enjoy.

The university used state money to help build it. The original plan for the campus already included a performing arts center. Edward Weidner, the university's first leader, helped raise the rest of the money. The total cost was $18.4 million. The Weidner is called a "comm-university" center. This means it's supported by both the university and the people of northeastern Wisconsin.

Weidner Center's 1998 Expansion

For The Weidner's fifth birthday, the Cofrin family gave more money. This helped pay for a big expansion. They added a new small theater called Studio Two. Later, this theater was renamed the Jean Weidner Theatre. It was named after Edward Weidner's wife.

The expansion also made the ticket office bigger. More restrooms were added in the lobby. Backstage storage and dressing rooms got more space. A special dining area was built, and the offices moved.

What You Can Find at The Weidner

The Weidner Center has several different areas for performances and events. Each space is designed for different types of shows.

Cofrin Family Hall: The Main Stage

Cofrin Family Hall is the biggest performance area at The Weidner. It can seat 2,021 people on three levels. The number of seats can change depending on the show. This is because the stage can move. It can be lowered to add more seats for plays.

For music-only shows, the whole stage is used. Cofrin Family Hall also has a large pipe organ called the Wood Family Organ. It was built to sound amazing in this hall. Most big touring shows, like concerts and Broadway plays, happen here. The university also holds its winter graduation ceremonies in Cofrin Family Hall.

Music and Theater Performances in Cofrin Family Hall

The UWGB Music department uses Cofrin Family Hall often. Their Symphonic Band and Concert Choir perform here twice a semester. The annual JazzFest also takes place in this hall.

The UWGB Theatre department sometimes performs here too. They put on the musical Cabaret in 2011. They also participated in The Weidner's Stage Door educational series.

Fort Howard Hall: The Recital Space

Fort Howard Hall is a smaller hall used for recitals. It's named after the Fort Howard Paper Company. This company was started by Austin E. Cofrin, another donor. It has 200 seats that can be pulled back.

This room is also used for parties and dinners before shows. The UWGB Music department uses it a lot for student recitals. They also host guest artists and lectures here every year.

Jean Weidner Theatre: The Black-Box Stage

The Jean Weidner Theatre was built during the 1998 renovation. It was first called Studio Two. It's a "black-box" theater. This means it's a simple, flexible space. It can seat 90 people. The seating can be set up in different ways, like a standard theater or with the audience all around the stage.

Even though it's part of The Weidner, the UWGB Theatre department mainly uses this space. The UWGB Music department also holds most of its student recitals and opera workshops here.

The Weidner Philharmonic

The Weidner Philharmonic is The Weidner's own symphony orchestra. They started in 2019. They work with the Northeastern Wisconsin Dance Organization. Together, they provide live music for The Nutcracker ballet.

They also have special shows called "Symphonic Night at the Movies." During these shows, they play the music from a movie. The movie plays on a screen behind them.

*Virtual Performance

The Weidner Downtown

Weidner Downtown at the Tarlton Theatre

In February 2022, The Weidner started a new project. They partnered with The Tarlton Theatre in downtown Green Bay. This new series is called The Weidner Downtown at the Tarlton Theatre. It's also known as The Weidner Downtown.

The goal is to bring many different kinds of arts and culture to downtown Green Bay. This includes small theater shows, movies, live readings, and music. This partnership is planned to continue into 2023.

Famous Performers and Speakers

Many famous people have performed or spoken at The Weidner.

Notable Performers

Notable Speakers

Famous Shows and Performances

The Weidner has hosted many popular shows and musicals.

Artwork at The Weidner

The Weidner Center also features beautiful artwork.

Josephine B. Lenfestey Chandelier

The Josephine B. Lenfestey Chandelier by Dale Chihuly

In 2004, The Weidner added a stunning chandelier. It's called the Josephine B. Lenfestey Chandelier. It was made by a famous artist named Dale Chihuly. The chandelier has over 450 pieces of blown glass. It is 12 feet tall and 8 feet wide. It took three days to put it together. The public got to see it for the first time on September 12, 2004.

See also

• List of concert halls