PHOTO: Courtesy of WLUK
APPLETON, WI (WTAQ) — The Fox Cities Performing Arts Center (PAC) opened its doors in November of 2002. Now in 2022, the PAC is celebrating their 20th anniversary.
After the PAC had only been open for two months, Mamma Mia! made its Wisconsin Broadway premier at the PAC in January of 2003.
Fox Cities PAC President and CEO, Maria Van Laanen, says Aid Association for Lutherans, now Thrivent, wanted to help create the PAC in honor of their 100th anniversary.
“They pledged a quarter of what was estimated to be the cost at that time to build a performing arts center,” said Laanen, “as long as it could be completed in time to celebrate their anniversary.” Construction of the PAC was completed in just 31 months.
Throughout the PAC’s 20 years, they have been focused on their mission of being a gathering place for all. The center was built with accessibility in mind for those who struggle with mobility, vision/hearing impairment, and more.
To celebrate the PAC’s 10th anniversary in 2012, they unveiled their new T-coil hearing loop system, which allows individuals with hearing aids to get the sound from the performance through their hearing aid. The PAC was the first Wisconsin Broadway presenting theater to have this technology.
The PAC has also features sensory-inclusive performances.
To celebrate the PAC’s 20th anniversary, special ticket offers will be available November 25-28 for certain Boldt Arts Alive! Series. Ticket buyers can also purchase individual tickets for the National Geographic Live Speaker Series before they go on sale to the general public.
To learn more about the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center, visit foxcitiespac.com.
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