Fox Cities Performing Arts Center

One of the hallmarks of downtown Appleton is the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center. At 142,500 SF, the center encompasses a full city block, with seating for 2,100 on four levels and a stage house that stands more than 100 feet tall.

This is a state-of-the-art facility, featuring acoustical designs completed by the world-renowned acoustician and theater designer, Artec Consultants, of New York. Each level has its own lobby, restrooms and serving counter.

Despite its size, the distance from the furthest seat to the edge of the stage is only 108 feet, creating a very intimate main theater. Every seat on the orchestra level comes with its own vented pedestal for heat or air conditioning. The stage is Wisconsin’s largest at 106 feet long and 50 feet deep. The orchestra pit has a retractable spiral lift that can be divided into three sections, depending on specific performance and seating requirements. The second theater has a capacity for 400 patrons with a seating platform that can be rolled out or in, depending on the use.

Zinc panels, unique in this area, make up the arts center’s exterior, define a drum-like rotunda and highlight other parts of the structure. Brick and extensive use of glass glazing round out the facade. A colonnade fronting on the main access street is designed to establish a human scale and puts the new building in perspective with other buildings.