Fox Cities Performing Arts Center and Star 98 with the Center Stage High School Musical Theater Program

Center Stage High School Musical Theater Program Launches Record-Setting 2026-27 Season with 40 Participating Schools

Program Kicks Off 11th Season at Fox Cities Performing Arts Center

APPLETON, WI (September 21, 2026) – The Fox Cities Performing Arts Center is thrilled to announce 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.

“This promises to be a very exciting season for the Center Stage Program,” says Maria Van Laanen, Fox Cities Performing Arts Center president & 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 Saturday, May 15, 2027, 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 go on sale today, September 21, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. Tickets are $20. 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.

COMMUNITY SUPPORT

The Center Stage High School Musical Theater Program is an educational initiative of the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center with support from corporate partner Fox Communities Credit Union. Additional support provided by Heid Music, Jewelers Mutual Impact Fund within the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region, Johnson Financial Group, Nicolet National Bank, Angelo and Jennifer Ninivaggi, and STAR98. 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!