UWGB looks to revitalize Weidner Center

GREEN BAY - The programming director of the Weidner Center on the UW-Green Bay campus says the stage is now set to start attracting new acts.

The university is sharing the results of a new study with campus and community members.

"Based on what our values are and our overall strategic plan for the Weidner Center, we know that we will be ramping up the programming over the next several years here,” said Programming Director Kate Green.

In order to fill the seats here at the Weidner Center, programming directors are realizing they may have to diversify the types of acts that come and perform on this stage.

Green says she can't release the names of the acts just yet. But she says there will be artists from more diverse genres than just Broadway or classical music. Green also says the Weidner Center wants to set itself apart from other venues, like the Performing Arts Center in Appleton.

"When it comes to a venue in Appleton or the other venues in Green Bay, there's quite a bit that all of us can choose from, and there really isn't an issue with coming up with a product," said Green.

Others in the entertainment business say risks need to be taken to be competitive and attract big names during a bad economy.

"The problem is two fold really. There aren't as many acts on the road today as there used to be and the expense of booking those acts it hasn't during the slow economy. They haven't decreased their costs, so it's still expensive and also it's a very competitive market,” said Ken Wachter, President of PMI, which operates the Resch Center and the Meyer Theatre.

Chancellor Harden says the Weidner Center won't stray from its tradition of fine arts.

"They still like theater and they still like concerts, they still like comedy and a variety of other things. And we don’t have a program put together yet, but that's what we're looking at now,” said Harden.

The chancellor hopes the Weidner Center will have more community and student arts programs featured, giving everyone a chance...to share the spotlight.

The Weidner Center staff says it will hold more meetings Friday at the center about its re-branding. The chancellor says the theater still won't allow food or beverages in the 2,000 seat main theater.