Star 98 is thrilled to join forces with the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center as an official partner of the Center Stage High School Musical Theater Program!
This exciting collaboration celebrates the power of live performance and supports the incredible talent of student performers across Northeast Wisconsin. Together, we’re helping shine a spotlight on the next generation of musical theater stars!
APPLETON, WI (September 15, 2025) — The Fox Cities Performing Arts Center is proud to announce a milestone year as the Center Stage High School Musical Theater Program enters its 10th anniversary season, continuing its tradition of celebrating and supporting the achievements of young performers across Northeast Wisconsin. This year, the program welcomes a record 35 participating high schools.
“Reaching our 10th anniversary with 35 participating schools, more than doubling the 14 schools that participated in year one, is a powerful reflection of the program’s impact and commitment to arts education in our community,” said Chief Programming Officer Amy Gosz. “Center Stage not only highlights outstanding musical theater, but also helps students build confidence, creativity and connections that last well beyond the stage.”
Launched in 2016, the Center Stage Program has grown into a cornerstone of the Center’s education initiatives, providing meaningful experiences for students and educators alike. The 2025–26 season will include a variety of opportunities, from a dance workshop led by local professionals to workshops with touring arts experts. 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.
The season will culminate in a Tony Awards®-style Showcase on Saturday, May 16, 2026, at 7:30 p.m., where students will gather to celebrate their accomplishments in an unforgettable evening of performance.
Tickets for the Center Stage High School Musical Theater Showcase go on sale September 19, 2025 at 12:00 p.m. Tickets start at $15 in person. Online and phone purchases include mandatory fees. Tickets can be purchased at foxcitiespac.com, through the Fox Cities P.A.C. mobile app, by visiting or calling the ticket office at (920) 730-3760, or via Ticketmaster online. For ticket office hours, please visit foxcitiespac.com. Performance schedules, prices and performers are subject to change.
Upcoming Shows:
St. Mary Catholic High School*
Into the Woods
March 5-8, 2026
Fox Valley Lutheran High School
Disney’s Newsies
March 6-8, 2026
Gibraltar High School
Kiss Me, Kate
March 6-8, 2026
Green Bay West High School*
Mean Girls High School Version
March 13-16, 2026
Manitowoc Lutheran High School
Seussical
March 13-15, 2026
Menasha High School
The Wizard of Oz
March 13-17, 2026
Valley Christian School
The Prince of Egypt
April 9-10, 11 (2 shows), 2026
COMMUNITY SUPPORT
The Center Stage High School Musical Theater Program is an educational initiative of the Fox Cities P.A.C. with support from corporate partner Fox Communities Credit Union. Additional partners include Heid Music, Johnson Financial Group, Nicolet National Bank, STAR98, WFRV, Wipfli LLP and Angelo and Jennifer Ninivaggi. Programs like the Center Stage High School Musical Theater Program are also supported in part by contributions to the Center’s Annual Partner Campaign.
ABOUT THE FOX CITIES PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
The Fox Cities Performing Arts Center, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit arts and cultural education organization located in downtown Appleton, provides a premier venue for live performing arts. Since 2002, the Center has proudly served as a multicultural gathering place for the community to engage in educational opportunities while enhancing a greater understanding and appreciation of life through the live performing arts. The Fox Cities Performing Arts Center — Where the Arts Come Alive!
