Theaters across Wisconsin aren’t just for the arts anymore: An Interview with Sean Wright

Entertain, educate, and enrich. These three words may be the original cornerstone for most performing arts theaters, but some theaters in Wisconsin are growing beyond the arts by becoming a special community gathering spot for its citizens. 

One interview shines a spotlight on this goal. Sean Wright, Executive Director of The Grand Theater and the Wausau Performing Arts Foundation talks about it with Chad Holmes, host of The Chad Holmes Show, locally on Bull Falls Radio WXCO 1230 AM, 98.9 FM in the Wausau area, and everywhere via the Civic Media app. 

“You were just in New York City,” Chad Holmes says. “Did you get to agree on some deals for future Broadway-style shows you want to bring here?”

“It was a successful trip,” Sean Wright responds. “I’m fortunate to be able to go and spend time with colleagues to compare notes and see some shows. But there are fewer organizations our size there. Some are just offering a shorter Broadway theater season, or announcing a show as it comes up.”

“But our Broadway subscribers want a full season, and want to know what we have coming up throughout it,” Wright says. “We have a 1,200 seat theater. And though we can’t yet reveal the shows we’re confirming for the next season, we acknowledge there’s still some work to do before the announcement in June.”

But it doesn’t begin or end there. Broadway performances entice an enthusiastic audience, while other performances – ranging from Dueling Pianos to Ballet, even The Price is Right Live, can bring in the crowds. 

What’s really making a difference? 

Opening up the theater to area students of all ages, with the “Arts in Education” program. Offering the community a place to meet when there’s a need to discuss important issues. And remaining an important part of the downtown for close to 100 years. The Grand has always been a home for the arts, but it’s becoming a home for so much more in north central Wisconsin.