arts, culture, and the pursuit of happiness
Since my first introduction to string quartet music as a student at the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee with the Fine Arts Quartet, chamber music and quartets in particular have been absolutely some of my favorite music. So here’s an opportunity to hear the Takacs Quartet getting ready to celebrate their 50th Anniversary.
And if you want to see the original article as well…click here!
Next Act Theatre has some exciting news related to their campaign to raise funds to upgrade their rehearsal facilities. Here’s the info that I received from Next Act:
Milwaukee Theatre Company Needs to Raise $50,000 by December 31 to Unlock Match
Milwaukee, WI – On the heels of its highly-successful 2024-25 season, its best attended season since reopening after the COVID-19 pandemic, Next Act Theatre is excited to announce its Next Big Thing campaign, a matching campaign intended to allow the company to make building and equipment improvements as well as support upcoming productions, creating a better theatrical experience for patrons, artists and employees alike.
Next Act Theatre needs to raise $50,000 between now and December 31, 2025 to unlock a $50,000 match from donors Val and Gary Zamecnik. The $50,000 raised from Next Act patrons and donors will be used to support production costs for the 2025-26 season, which includes productions of SANCTUARY CITY by Martyna Majok, BOSWELL by Marie Kohler, SWING STATE by Rebecca Gilman and DINNER WITH THE DUCHESS by Nick Green.
When Next Act raises $50,000, the match unlocked by the Zamecniks will be used to renovate Next Act Theatre’s rehearsal hall, including a new floor and a new ceiling lighting grid. The rehearsal hall is used by Next Act Theatre, Renaissance Theaterworks and outside organizations for rehearsals, classes, workshops, meetings and even performances, and these updates will improve outcomes for artists, students and patrons. The rehearsal hall will be named after the Zamecniks following this renovation. Funds will also support the acquisition of a new lighting board for Next Act Theatre, among other equipment improvements.
“Next Act has grown substantially over the past few years, including increased programming and partnerships, additional staff members, and improvements to our space,” said Managing Director Libby Amato. “This campaign will allow us to continue that growth and bring an even higher standard of excellence to our productions and educational opportunities. We extend our deepest gratitude to Val and Gary for their support. Their commitment to the Wisconsin artistic community is second to none!”
Next Act Theatre moved into its current theatrical space at 255 S Water St in 2011 following a renovation – previously, the building was a TransPak crane bay. Thanks to a capital campaign, the company’s construction debt was fully retired by 2015.
Donors can support this campaign and double their impact through Val and Gary’s generous match at nextact.org/donate or call (414) 278-0765. For more information, contact Development Manager Tawnie Thompson at tawnie@nextact.org or (414) 278-7780 x7.
