Grand Theater

Location & Contact:

401 4th Street
Wausau, WI 54403
715-842-0988

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Description:

The Grand Theater is the home base for the Wausau Area Performing Arts Foundation, Inc., a private nonprofit community arts organization established in 1972.

With a mission to promote excellence in the performing arts in North Central Wisconsin, the Performing Arts Foundation (P.A.F.) reaches over 150,000 people each year with performances and instructional programs.

With the grand opening of The Grand in 2002, the Performing Arts Foundation established a new energy in the Wausau area to fulfill its various roles:

* As a Presenter: The P.A.F. sponsors the Lively Arts Series of touring professional artists for community audiences; The Grand Entertainers, special performances of unusual prominence and quality; and the The Grand Student Matinee Series, professional arts events for school groups.

* As a Facility Manager: The P.A.F. maintains and operates The Grand, a combination of historic renovation and new construction in Wausau, Wisconsin. The center of The Grand is the historic Grand Theater, a focal point of Wausau's vital downtown area, and a venue for touring and community activities.

* As an Arts Education Resource: The P.A.F. manages Artists in the Schools, bringing regional artists into classrooms; sponsors The Grand Student Matinee Series; and (with Wausau Schools) is a member of the John F. Kennedy Center Partnership, training teachers to use arts-based techniques to enhance effectiveness across the curriculum.

* As a Local Arts Agency: The P.A.F. provides technical assistance to affiliates, local events, and community groups (including Central Wisconsin Educational Theater Alliance); addresses local issues; works with community agencies for our area's betterment; and is active in state and national consortia.

* As a Fundraiser: The P.A.F.'s annual Performing Arts Fund Drive generates the nation's highest per capita arts giving among communities with population under 180,000.

>>> PLAN YOUR VISIT <<<
DRIVING DIRECTIONS

Coming from the North or South Highway 51 / I-39

* Take exit 192, or Hwy 52 East.
* Follow 52 East into town to the Wausau Center Mall.
* At light on First and Washington Streets, you'll see the JC Penney store on your right.
* Take a left onto 1st Street, and get into the right hand lane.
* Take an immediate right onto Jefferson Street. Continue East two blocks to 4th Street.
* Parking available one and a half blocks further East in municipal lot on right, or US Bank lot on left.

Handicapped parking available behind the theater. Take Scott Street (one way) just past 5th Street. The lot entrance is immediately on the left. Turn into the lot and veer left past the loading docks to the back parking area.

PARKING:
Parking is available in the lots located in the 100 block and 500 block of Jefferson Street; the 100 block of McClellan Street and in the Wausau Center parking ramps. Parking is also available on various streets surrounding the theater.

FREQUENT QUESTIONS:

Whether you're attending an event in the Great Hall or in the Grand Theater, we welcome you to The Grand, your regional arts and entertainment complex. We're here to make certain your experience is as enjoyable as possible. As you're preparing to come to our performances, here are a few things that you should know. If you have any other questions, comments, or suggestions, please contact us!

Wheelchair Accessibility

* The main floor and the lower balcony, including the rest rooms, are handicapped accessible. Expanded wheelchair seating is available throughout the theater.
* The theater has an infrared hearing assistance program. Headsets are available from the The Grand House Manager.

Cameras

* Contract agreements with the artists generally prohibit the use of cameras, camcorders and other recording devices during a performance, unless special permission is obtained.

Latecomers

* To ensure a distraction-free performance for both the artists and the audience, latecomers will be seated at the discretion of the House Manager.

Children

* Family entertainment is a priority, but not all shows are appropriate for all ages. When evening events are considered to appeal primarily to an adult audience, the PAF discourages attendance by children.
* Municipal Fire Codes require ALL audience members (even those of lap-sitting size) to have a ticket.

Delays

* Although every attempt is made to begin on time, the PAF reserves the right to delay the start of an event in order to respond to technical, weather, or other unforeseen situations.

Canceled or Rescheduled Performance

* In the event of a canceled performance, the PAF will make every attempt to contact all ticket holders. Announcements will be distributed to area radio and TV stations. A rescheduled or comparable performance may be offered; however, refunds will be available to patrons who cannot take advantage of a substituted event. Because events may reschedule, dates and programs are subject to change.

Ticket Exchanges and Policies

* Subscribers enjoy FREE ticket exchanges, made at least 24 hours prior to the scheduled performance. Other The Grand patrons can exchange tickets for a $5 fee per exchange. Preferred seating cannot be guaranteed on any exchanges and some exclusions may apply.
* Tickets can be exchanged for tickets to another PAF-sponsored show only. No gift certificates or credits will be issued. If the tickets purchased are more expensive than the tickets returned, the patron will cover the difference. No refunds will be issued if the tickets purchased are less expensive than the tickets returned.
* Tickets are non-refundable. If you are unable to use a ticket for a PAF-sponsored event, please consider donating it back to the PAF. We will provide you with a letter confirming the tax-deductible status of the donation upon request.
* Lost your tickets? No problem! Simply call the The Grand Ticket Office. Tickets can easily be reprinted. All we need is your name.

Emergencies

* If you expect an emergency call during a performance, please leave your name and seat number with the House Manager.

Coat Check

* For your convenience, our coat check is located near the Great Hall concessions area.

Lost Items

* Contact the The Grand Ticket Office during regular office hours to claim items lost in the theater.

Refreshments

* Enjoy refreshments at the ArtsBar in the Great Hall, and in the Grand Theater mezzanine. Pre-paid intermission drink service is available.
* Don't want to wait in line for drinks during intermission? You can pre-pay for beverages before each performance and have them waiting for you at the start of intermission. Talk to any staff member or bartenders before the show.
* Except for bottled water, food and drinks are prohibited in the Grand Theater auditorium.

/// PLANNING AN EVENT? \\\

The Grand Theater has several rental options for your next event including the following:
GRAND THEATER-
SEATING
Maximum main floor
(including orchestra pit): 734
Main floor
(without orchestra pit seating): 700
Maximum balcony: 480
Total:
1214 (with orchestra pit seating)
1180 (without pit)
STAGE
Floor area: 3451 sf
Width, proscenium opening: 41'9"
Height, proscenium opening: 19'1"
Depth, curtain line to back wall: 43'9"

THE GREAT HALL-
The ideal setting for a wedding reception, cocktail party or corporate seminar. Capacity for a sit-down dinner is 220 or up to 400 for a stand-up reception.

CAROLINE S MARK GALLERY
As the primary exhibition space of the Center for Visual Arts, the Caroline S Mark Gallery offers an exciting setting for a stand-up reception for as many as 100 people.

GREENHECK LOUNGE
An intimate gathering space with an exceptional second story view of downtown Wausau, the B.A. & Esther Greenheck Lounge is the ideal venue for smaller gatherings, business meetings, client receptions or unique dinner parties. Screened off from foot traffic and major pathways, your event will stay private and personal without interruption. The Lounge can seat approximately 60 guests and is spacious enough to accommodate 80 for a stand-up reception.

THE LOFT
The Loft provides a uniquely flexible setting for workshops, seminars, meetings, receptions and even rehearsals. Informal and adaptable in design, accessible by elevator from the Caroline S. Mark Gallery and steps away from the Grand Theater balcony, the Loft is at once the most private space on Artsblock and right in the middle of the action.

Please call the Performing Arts Foundation for additional rental information and availability.

Hours:

Monday: Theater Office Hours: 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Tuesday: Theater Office Hours: 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Wednesday: Theater Office Hours: 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Thursday: Theater Office Hours: 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Friday: Theater Office Hours: 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Saturday: Theater Office Hours: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Sunday: Closed