The Fox Cities Performing Arts Center has announced a record-setting year as the Center Stage High School Musical Theater Program enters its 11th season.
The program, which celebrates and supports the achievements and development of theater programs, leaders and performers across Northeast Wisconsin, will feature 40 participating schools during the 2026-27 season, including Shawano Community High School and Pulaski High School.
“This promises to be a very exciting season for the Center Stage Program,” said Maria Van Laanen, Fox Cities Performing Arts Center president and CEO. “Following up on the success of our milestone 10th anniversary season, this year we welcome a record number of theater programs from across the region, which will also offer a greater number of opportunities to help students build confidence, creativity and connections through the live performing arts.”
Since its launch in 2016, the Center Stage Program has served students and educators from participating schools with experiences and educational opportunities to enrich and support their theater programs and yearly productions. Select students will serve as student ambassadors or audition for the Encore Singers, a featured ensemble that performs at center-hosted and community events throughout the year.
Additionally, the program equips students for further exploration of careers in the live performing arts; among the expected opportunities in the 2026-27 Season are dance workshops led by local professionals and pit orchestra workshops with cast and crew from visiting Broadway productions.
The season will culminate in a Tony Awards-style Showcase on May 15 at 7:30 p.m. As one of the most anticipated events of the year, the Center Stage Showcase celebrates the achievements of participating schools with a red-carpet entrance, unforgettable performances and the nomination of two students to represent Northeast Wisconsin at the Jimmy Awards in New York City in June 2027.
Tickets for the Center Stage High School Musical Theater Showcase are $20. Online and phone purchases include mandatory fees. Tickets can be purchased at www.foxcitiespac.com, through the Fox Cities PAC mobile app, by visiting or calling the ticket office at 920-730-3760 or via Ticketmaster online. For ticket office hours, visit foxcitiespac.com. Performance schedules, prices and performers are subject to change.
