A Peek at the Capitol
May 2024
Greetings, fellow Capitol enthusiasts!
The Capitol Civic Centre is a cornerstone of Manitowoc’s cultural landscape, and the Arts Partner program plays a vital role in keeping it that way. These organizations breathe life into the venue with their diverse performances, making the Capitol a hub for artistic expression and community engagement.
The program’s legacy dates back to the reopening in 1987. Renowned local organizations like the Manitowoc Symphony Orchestra and the Masquers graced the stage during the inaugural season, setting the precedent for artistic excellence. Over the years, the program has evolved, welcoming new partners while cherishing the contributions of those no longer operating.
To join this esteemed group, organizations must be regionally based and committed to the Capitol as a primary performance venue. This dedication is rewarded with the privilege of first dibs on scheduling and discounted rental rates.
Today, fourteen vibrant Arts Partners bring their unique talents to the Capitol, offering a captivating variety of performances throughout the year:
- Music: Lakeshore Wind Ensemble & Lakeshore Big Band (7 concerts), Manitowoc Symphony Orchestra (4 concerts), Brennan Seehafer Productions (2-3 concerts), Valders High School (1 concert), Manitowoc Lutheran High School (1 concert)
- Theatre: Masquers (3 productions), Peter Quince Performing Company (1 production), Treehouse Theater (1 production)
- Dance: Jean Wolfmeyer School of Dance (1 recital + “The Nutcracker” partnership), Kaleidoscope Dance Company (1 recital), MantyDance (2 recitals), Downtown Dance Company (1 recital)
- Community Events: Manitowoc Noon Rotary (1 awards program)
The Capitol Civic Centre, hand-in-hand with its dedicated Arts Partners, promises a future filled with captivating performances, artistic discovery, and a celebration of our community’s creative spirit.
Stay tuned, and let’s keep the Capitol stage vibrant!
April 2024
The Capitol Civic Centre was revitalized in 1987 to serve a dual purpose; providing a space for local arts organizations to thrive and bringing world-class entertainment to the community. Our season runs from July through June, with a focus on ramping things up from September onwards.
To determine our schedule each season, we prioritize our dedicated “Arts Partners” – local groups like the Lakeshore Wind Ensemble, the Masquers, and the Manitowoc Symphony Orchestra. These fourteen talented organizations begin requesting performance dates in September, at least nine months before their events, ensuring their place on the upcoming calendar.
By mid-October, the Arts Partner schedules are finalized. This allows our team to curate the rest of the season, filling it with diverse offerings like the popular Variety Series, Concert Series, Adventure Series, and the Let Me Be Frank Series.
The Capitol stage isn’t just for our resident companies. We’re proud to open our doors to regional and national organizations seeking a spectacular venue for their events. Whether it’s an awards ceremony, a fundraising gala, a reception, or a touring performance, we can accommodate a wide range of needs.
Creating a seamless season requires meticulous planning. We carefully orchestrate the calendar to avoid scheduling conflicts and ensure ample time between events for setup, breakdown, and cleaning. After all, transforming the venue after each performance can take up to six hours! Our dedicated Operations Team plays a vital role, demonstrating impressive flexibility to ensure smooth transitions between events.
Through careful planning and collaboration, the Capitol Civic Centre strives to offer a captivating season filled with unforgettable experiences.
Stay tuned, and let’s keep the Capitol stage vibrant!
March 2024
Greetings, fellow Capitol enthusiasts!
I’m PJ Albert, Executive Director of the Capitol Civic Centre, and I’m thrilled to launch this new monthly section. For the past three years, I’ve had the privilege of leading this historic institution, bringing my experiences from across the country.
Each month I aim to give you a unique peek into the heart of the Capitol. You’ll hear from me or other staff members, delving into the fascinating world behind the scenes. We’ll explore how we curate our diverse calendar, collaborate with resident companies, navigate our financial landscape, and even highlight exciting upcoming events and artists.
Today, let’s shine the spotlight on our dedicated team. Our operations rely on a passionate group of six full-time and six part-time staff members. You’ll find our full-time crew tucked away in the Jay Street offices in the former Schmidtman Co building, while our part-time staff is scattered throughout the complex, ensuring smooth operation of the box office, concessions, and maintenance. The nature of our industry demands flexibility, with some starting at 8 AM and others finishing at midnight, across weekdays and weekends. Bringing everyone together can be a logistical dance!
But we’re not alone. Over 150 incredible volunteers lend their invaluable support as ushers, ticket takers, bartenders, and more. Each performance at the Capitol requires 25-30 volunteers! They’re the backbone of keeping ticket prices affordable, and we’re always looking for more passionate individuals to join our community. Visit our website to learn more!
Standing within this 102-year-old architectural gem, I am humbled by the community’s dedication to preserving its life and fostering live entertainment in Manitowoc. I’m excited to share its stories, its secrets, and its future with you, one blog post at a time.
Stay tuned, and let’s keep the Capitol stage vibrant!
