meyer theatre - celebrating 85 years

C E L E B R A T I N G 8 5 Y E A R S

117 South Washington Street, Green Bay | www.meyertheatre.org

2 | THE MEYER THEATRE | JULY 2015

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THE MEYER THEATRE | JULY 2015 | 3

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C E L E B R A T I N G 8 5 Y E A R S

MEYER THEATRE: CELEBRATING 85 YEARS is an advertorial magazine published by Gannett Wisconsin Media. Contents of the magazine are owned by Gannett Wisconsin. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval

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ADVERTISING DIRECTOR STEVE TEOFILO

GRAPHIC ARTIST KRISTY GNADT

CIRCULATION MANAGER DAVE SIELSKI

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS JENNIFER HOGELAND, AMELIA COMPTON WOLFF

PHOTOGRAPHY MIKE PETERS, NEVILLE PUBLIC MUSEUM OF BROWN COUNTY, PRESS GAZETTE PHOTOGRAPHY STAFF

6 President’s Message

8 Meyer Theatre Celebrates 85 Years: A look back at the historic community fixture

13 Meyer Memories

14 Backstage at the Meyer: New venue offers promise for the future

21 A Peek Behind the Curtain: What it takes to bring live acts to the Meyer Theatre stage

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Let’s go back in time to Valentine’s Day 1930, to the opening of what is now the Meyer Theatre. Imagine when this historic facility was a brand new building. Community excitement had to be ecstatic as people lined the Washington Street side-walk to see the very first act on the stage of the Fox Theater. Most of us weren’t even around 85 years ago, but it’s fun to think about what started when the theater doors opened for the

first time. Memories galore! First dates, and maybe a kiss up in the balcony, awesome performances with stand-ing ovations, silent films accompanied by The Mighty Wurlitzer pipe organ. Countless memories for sure!

Like Downtown Green Bay, the facility had great times and not so great times. Seventy years after open-ing, the excitement returned when a group of volunteers formed a non-profit organization to bring new life and today’s talent to this beautiful building. The Meyer The-atre opened in 2002 as a thousand-seat performing arts center. Often referred to as a cultural gem, the Meyer hosts more than 200 events annually, with something for everyone. A national act with a full house one night, fol-lowed by an afternoon of young dancers on the big stage with proud parents and grandparents in the audience.

The 2002 opening of The Meyer was a significant catalyst to downtown progress. Restaurants and even a popular Irish Inn are located downtown because of the

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

Meyer Theatre’s re-turn. As programming and theater manage-ment offered by PMI continued to excel, the condition of the corner Daily Planet Building contin-ued to deteriorate. The Meyer board studied options and embraced an impressive plan offered by Smet Construction to renovate the corner as Backstage at the Meyer. The theater needed additional banquet and intermis-sion space and it had to identify additional revenue streams to remain financially viable. It was a great day for the Backstage de-velopment when local energy consulting firm, Breakthrough Fuel, signed a lease to occupy and develop the entire second floor.

The Meyer Theatre excitement is as high as ever in 85 years! None of this would be possible without the efforts of so many people who wanted to DO THEIR PART, large or small. This is a theater that belongs to the community. Board members volunteer to be overseers of this community treasure. Thank you to generous donors, volunteers, employees, city leaders, season ticket holders, advertisers, show sponsors and performers. It takes all of us work-ing together to ensure that the Meyer Theatre is here for genera-tions to enjoy!

Sincerely,

Jeff Mirkes, PresidentMeyer Theatre Board of Directors

Proud Supporterof the Arts

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Sincerely,

Jeff Mirkes, PresidentMeyer Theatre Board of Directors


“I have seen the critical role that the arts play in stimulating creativity and indeveloping vital communities…the arts have a crucial impact on our economy andare an important catalyst for learning, discovery, and achievement in our country.”

Paul G. Allen, Co-Founder, Microsoft

Schneider congratulates the Meyer Theatre on 85 yearsof community impact in northeast Wisconsin.

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STORY BY JENNIFER HOGELAND | PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE NEVILLE PUBLIC MUSEUM OF BROWN COUNTY

MEYER THEATRE CELEBRATES 85 YEARS

A LOOK BACK AT THE HISTORIC COMMUNITY FIXTURE


As the Meyer Theatre marks 85 years since its opening, it’s interesting to look back at the building’s remarkable history. For those who appreciate the arts and celebrate community development, it’s just as exciting to see what the theater has planned for the future.

A RICH HISTORYOn Valentine’s Day, 1930, the FOX

Theatre held a gala grand opening, showcasing the new million-dollar vaudeville house and movie palace in the heart of downtown Green Bay. The construction project was completed in seven months with more than 200 workers on site each day. The finished 2,037-seat theater featured lavish detailing, from the seats and gilt columns to the twinkling lights and billowing clouds on the ceiling.

Then the stock market crashed and the Depres-sion hit. In 1932, theater owner William H. Fox went bankrupt and the bank took

THEATER SURVIVES AND EVOLVES OVER THE DECADESFEB. 14, 1930: Fox Theatre holds the opening

gala for the 2,037-seat vaudeville theater and movie house located in the heart of downtown Green Bay. Five thousand people attend the opening.

1932: The Great Depression impacts the theater as owner William H. Fox goes bankrupt.

1933: The theater is purchased and becomes Bay Theatre.

1978: Bay Theatre struggles to keeps its doors open. Standard Theatres purchases it and transforms the space into a triplex movie theatre.

1998: The triplex closes. Community business leaders discuss plans to raise money to renovate the theater.

FEB. 27, 2002: A generous $1.5 million gift from the Robert T. and Betty Rose Meyer Foundation al-lows the theater to open under the name Robert T. Meyer Theatre. Dur-ing the renovation, the building was restored to its original 1930s look.

2003: The Meyer Theatre receives the Recognition Award for Interior Design from the Mayor’s Beautifica-tion Committee and the Historic Pres-ervation Achievement Award from the Brown County Historical Society. This is also the year the mighty Wurlitzer pipe organ—the organ present at the grand opening in 1930—is returned to the theater aided by a donation by Irene “Billie” Kress.

FEB 14, 2014: The Robert T. Meyer Theatre board of directors announces a $4.5 million capital campaign to include development, building maintenance and to strengthen the endowment. (The capi-

tal campaign was increased to $5 million after the initial fundraising efforts began to cover additional theater and Backstage improvements.)

AUG. 1, 2014: Construction begins on the two-story expansion project, which includes Backstage at the Meyer, a first

floor banquet and performance space, and office space on the second level.

JULY 2015: Backstage at the Meyer opens. CONTINUED ON PAGE 10 >>>

TOP: Imogene Coca at the Bay Theater. BOTTOM:

The Four Freshmen perform at the Bay Theater.


over. The theater was purchased, renamed and operated as Bay Theatre until 1978.

Star performers graced the Green Bay stage in the early years, including Nat King Cole, Louis Armstrong, Roy Rogers, The Mills Brothers, Johnny Cash and more.

When Bay Theatre struggled to keep its doors open, Stan-dard Theatres purchased the property and turned it into a triplex cinema. Anyone growing up in Green Bay in the late 70s, 80s and 90s likely saw a movie or two there.

With the suburbanization of retail, movie houses were be-ing built with a dozen or more screens. Bay Theatre’s three-screen complex was no longer as desirable by moviegoers.

“In 1998, they were going to take a wrecking ball to the building until a group of people in the community got to-gether and decided to save this piece of history—to bring it back to its original glory,” says Julie Lamine, Theater Direc-tor for Meyer Theatre.

A GIFT GIVES THE THEATER NEW LIFEMany generous contributors supported the renovation of

the theater, including Betty Rose Meyer who announced in 2000 she would gift the project $1.5 million to create a legacy for her late husband Robert. It was the financial contribution needed to move the restoration project forward.

Lamine explains a dramatic transformation was needed to restore the building’s interior to its original magnificence.

Thick layers of black paint were scraped off the walls.

Countless hours were spent hand painting the the-

ater’s intricate detailing to recreate its initial splendor—a space reminiscent of the Spanish

gardens of Seville where King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella held court on summer evenings. The proscenium arch was restored and seating

was reconfigured on both levels of the theater to hold a capacity of 992 guests. Viewing boxes were added to the

left and right of the stage, each adorned with ornate cherubs, griffins and gargoyles. A grand staircase was constructed in the main lobby. The original light fixtures remained in the theater although glass panes were replaced as needed.

Finally, every detail of the renovation was complete. The Robert T. Meyer Theatre opened on February 27, 2002.

The Robert T. Meyer Theatre is owned and operated by the Meyer Theatre Corporation, a nonprofit organization with a volunteer board of directors and one paid employee. In 2004 PMI Entertainment Group in Green Bay was brought in to book the shows and manage the building.

Today, Meyer Theatre puts on more than 200 programs and brings 80,000 people through the theater doors each year. It currently has 1,011 seats. “As a not-for-profit organization, we take the revenue we generate and reinvest it into the theater so we can bring a variety of acts in and continue to keep the Meyer vibrant and thriving,” Lamine says.

Well-known performers, including Lady Antebellum and Zac Brown Band, have played for audiences at Meyer Theatre. A handful of weddings and the Mayor’s State of the City ad-dress take place on stage each year. Groups such as Let Me Be Frank Productions and dance studios fill the Meyer with their performances. The theater is also home to the Allouez Village Band and Civic Symphony of Green Bay.

Countless hours were spent

DID YOU KNOW…?

The Meyer is home of the magnificent Mighty Wurlitzer Pipe Organ, now referred to as the Billie

Kress Wurlitzer Pipe Organ, which has 572 pipes ranging in size from a pencil

to 16 feet. The organ has a special effects console that produces sounds such as horse hooves,

chattering teeth, and sleigh bells.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 12 >>>

Edward W. Joly was a projectionist at Bay Theater since 1930 and retired after nearly 50 years.


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A BRIGHT FUTUREThe Meyer Theatre Corporation purchased the

building adjacent to the theater in 2001, which was the old Daily Planet restaurant, to add an elevator, ticket office and office space during the renovation. It was their hope to somehow utilize this space to the advantage of the Meyer. Years passed and many plans were considered, but the econ-omy and finances prevented anything from happening.

Lamine explains that all the while, the Meyer Theatre, although open for business, couldn’t survive on ticket sales alone. Additional sources of rev-enue needed to be considered.

Mike Karcz, a member of Meyer Theatre’s building committee, says the board decided to make use of the asset right next to them—the building they purchased years ago.

Lamine recalls, “Eleven years ago when I first began working here, we set some goals. They included getting our operational house in order which we did by bringing PMI into the mix. We also wanted to get our financial future solidified. We kept circling back to utilizing the adjacent building to help sustain the Meyer. But most of the plans were not feasible. When the idea for Backstage came about we were ready to make that our project to lead us into the future.”

“Over the past dozen years this has become a suc-cessful performing arts center,” adds Jeff Mirkes,

president of the Meyer Theatre board. “Down-town has slowly evolved and it was now ready for

this property to be fully developed.”Backstage at the Meyer was created as a part

renovation, part construction project. Now complete, this venue complements Meyer Theatre. Lamine says,

“Everybody’s lives are busy and hectic. Who doesn’t want to have fun and forget the pressures of life? That’s where we come

in. An ideal evening might be a dinner show – dinner in Backstage before the show, then into the theater for some great entertainment, then folks can return to Backstage to socialize with friends. Or, maybe there’ll be a wine and cheese reception in Backstage before the next Symphony concert. With this space the sky is the limit.”

“The Meyer Theatre is now becoming an economic development catalyst,” Mirkes adds. “Not only do nearby restaurants benefit from the vibrant theater, but it is also creating an ambiance in the down-town that is attractive to residents.”

No one ever knows exactly what the future holds, but for the Meyer Theatre one thing is certain. Its future is much brighter with Back-stage at the Meyer. l

DID YOU KNOW…?

Fred Brown, the theater’s first director, was held at

gunpoint in the basement by a disgruntled employee.

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“When I was a teenager in the mid 70’s I loved visit-ing downtown Green Bay. Kaap’s restau-rant, H.C. Prange’s and of course the Bay Theatre (Meyer Theatre) were among my favorite places to frequent. My friends and I loved seeing movies at the Bay

Theatre and if we could sit in the balcony it was an added bonus. I remember being very sad when The Bay Theatre closed its doors in the 90s. So when I was asked to join the Meyer Theatre’s Board of Directors several years ago I immediately said yes. The Meyer Theatre has such a rich history and I am so honored being part of ensuring that the Meyer Theatre will be enjoyed for generations to come.”

– LuEllen Oskey, Director of Executive Administration at Schneider

“The Meyer Theatre is different than any other venue we’ve played in Green Bay. That part of town right on Washington Street was bustling with cars and people before the show, giving the sense that a special night out was going to take place at the theater in the city. The grand scale of the room is enough to give any performer some nerves. But after receiving such a flattering introduction from The Avenue’s Steve March Torme and a warm reception from the audience, I grew instantly calmed and energized, ready to perform.”

– Daniel Wolff, bassist with Dead Horses who performed as part of the Near Water Concert Series on October 25, 2014

“I was a kid when I would go see movies there. At the time it was the Bay Theatre. I believe Bambi was one of my first movies. In middle school we had to go sit in the balcony because there was nothing like that in Green Bay. Not to mention how beautiful the Meyer Theatre is. I appreciate it a lot more as I grow older.”

– Leslie Ireland, 51, Green Bay native

MEYER MEMORIES


“When I was a teenager in the mid 70’s I loved visit-ing downtown Green Bay. Kaap’s restau-rant, H.C. Prange’s and of course the Bay Theatre (Meyer Theatre) were among my favorite places to frequent. My friends and I loved seeing movies at the Bay

Theatre and if we could sit in the balcony it was an added bonus. I remember being very sad when The Bay Theatre closed its doors in the 90s. So when I was asked to join the Meyer Theatre’s Board of Directors several years ago I immediately said yes. The Meyer Theatre has such a rich history and I am so honored being part of ensuring that the Meyer Theatre will be enjoyed for generations to come.”

– LuEllen Oskey, Director of Executive Administration at Schneider

“The Meyer Theatre is different than any other venue we’ve played in Green Bay. That part of town right on Washington Street was bustling with cars and people before the show, giving the sense that a special night out was going to take place at the theater in the city. The grand scale of the room is enough to give any performer some nerves. But after receiving such a flattering introduction from The Avenue’s Steve March Torme and a warm reception from the audience, I grew instantly calmed and energized, ready to perform.”

– Daniel Wolff, bassist with Dead Horses who performed as part of the Near Water Concert Series on October 25, 2014

“I was a kid when I would go see movies there. At the time it was the Bay Theatre. I believe Bambi was one of my first movies. In middle school we had to go sit in the balcony because there was nothing like that in Green Bay. Not to mention how beautiful the Meyer Theatre is. I appreciate it a lot more as I grow older.”

– Leslie Ireland, 51, Green Bay native

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Backstage at the Meyer, a $3 million renovation and construction project in vi-brant downtown Green Bay, is now complete. Located on the corner of South Wash-ington and East Walnut Streets, Backstage at the Meyer satisfies the need for additional banquet space and a smaller performance venue in the community, in addition to enhancing the experience of Meyer Theatre patrons.

The inspiration behind the venue actually came out of necessity. Theater leaders determined Meyer Theatre couldn’t survive indefinitely on ticket sales alone, so they developed their property adjacent to the theater to create an additional revenue stream.

“We had this asset, the attached building, and the timing was right,” says Julie Lamine, theater director for Meyer Theatre.

The Meyer Theatre building committee explored a handful of different options over the years, includ-ing the construction a 6-story condominium or an 8-story building. Various obstacles prevented each from moving forward. “We knew we had to find a way to help sustain the Meyer in the future, so we kept pushing,” says Mike Karcz, a member of the Meyer Theatre building committee.

When Meyer Theatre board and staff came up with the idea of Backstage at the Meyer and rent-able office space, they set out to see if the project was feasible and determined the community sup-ported the idea.

“We had the foresight to see we might need this to survive. Now we are assured a more steady income coming in, which will help us plan for the future,” adds Karcz.

Construction began in August 2014. The project included the renovation of what was once the Daily Planet bar and restaurant and the construction of a two-story addition that includes a second entrance to the Meyer Theatre and access upstairs. Backstage

STORY BY JENNIFER HOGELAND | PHOTOS BY MIKE PETERS

BACKSTAGE AT THE MEYER

NEW VENUE OFFERS PROMISE FOR THE FUTURE


at the Meyer will be on the first floor with office space on the second.

Karcz explains Meyer Theatre developed a good working relationship with Smet Construction Services. The design and construction crew were not only easy to work with, but also provided creative, state-of-the-art solutions to make the most of the space.

ADDED SPACE WITH A BACKSTAGE THEMEBackstage at the Meyer is the ideal venue for dinners

before shows, pre and post show meet & greets with the artists that patrons see on stage, weddings, business meet-ings, corporate events, private parties and small concerts. The space includes a small performance stage, kitchen, bar area and plenty of room to socialize before or after a Meyer


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show. There is an area for approximately 200 people seated; it can handle standing events for 300-400 people.

“The additional performance venue offers another location to bring in acts and activities,” says Jeff Mirkes, board president of Meyer Theatre.

Lamine reveals a backstage theater theme is carried throughout the space. Backstage at the Meyer features an industrial design, but the reclaimed brick wall behind the bar adds character and keeps the venue warm and welcoming. Approximately 40 theater lights illuminate the room’s stage. Artwork of the existing Meyer Theatre back-stage hangs on the wall. A full kitchen will meet the needs of any group, host or hostess using Backstage at the Meyer.

The windows that line Washington Street will catch the eye of passersby. Mirkes explains he expects that once the community discovers the new venue, and considers all the possible uses, Backstage at the Meyer will be in high demand.

“We are the only historic theater that began as a legendary FOX Theatre in Green Bay and now we have this additional space attached to the Meyer to hold events and dinners and weddings—that is what makes us unique and very special,” Lamine adds.

PMI Entertainment Group has managed Meyer Theatre since 2004 and will

DID YOU KNOW…?Each year the Meyer

hosts about 209 events, attracting 80,000

people to downtown Green Bay.

Backstage at the Meyer is outfitted in a backstage theater theme with an industrial feel, using old mate-rials in new ways. Two unique features include:

RECLAIMED BRICKWhen constructing Backstage at the Meyer, the exist-ing shell of the old Daily Planet building was used and they added to the structure. The original brick is the backdrop behind the bar—it was cleaned up and now contributes to the warm, welcoming space.

METAL CHANDELIERCalifornia artist Carolina Fontoura Alzaga, who oper-ates under the name FACARO, produced the stunning handmade light sculpture in the entry. The chandelier contains used bike parts, including dozens of bicycle chains that were each degreased by hand and left in its original condition. When illuminated, the light shines and sparkles through the metal.


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to do the same for Backstage at the Meyer. “We are looking for a healthy balance of those using this space. It isn’t

just going to be corporate events. It isn’t only going to be used for performances. There will be a lot of nonprofit groups

attracted to this space. Our plan is to manage the space appropriately and look for as much utiliza-

tion as possible but we are also trying to derive as much community benefit from it as well,” adds Mirkes.

A TENANT AND VALUED PARTNERLanding a company to lease the upstairs

office space made the renovation and con-struction project possible.

Breakthrough Fuel, a transport technology and mobile fuel management company, turned

out to be the perfect tenant. They wanted to be a part of the project and signed a five-year lease

agreement. “Breakthrough Fuel is a major partner on this project and they’ve done a marvelous job on

their build-out,” says Mirkes. He reveals Breakthrough Fuel moved downtown four years

ago with 12 employees and now has 50. The company will occupy the entire second floor while maintaining its headquarters at 400 S. Washington Street in Green Bay.

“We are thrilled to be a part of Backstage at the Meyer,” says Heather Mueller, Vice President–Breakthrough Experience at Breakthrough Fuel. “At Breakthrough, we are focused on creating a competitive advantage in our clients’ supply chains. Our headquarters building, the former Milwau-kee Road Train Depot, speaks to our roots in transportation. We couldn’t imagine a better fit for The Breakthrough Technology and Innovation Center, a space that will be focused on creativity and delivering purposeful innovation to our clients, than Backstage at the Meyer, a space that shares our passion for creativity and the arts.”

The expansion positioned Meyer Theatre for future growth.“The Meyer Theatre has a rich history and we, like so many others, feel

it would be a tragedy if it was no longer part of our community,” Lamine says. “We wanted to be good stewards of the facility so we came up with Backstage at the Meyer and the office space to strengthen the Meyer now and for years to come.” l

DID YOU KNOW…?

The Meyer Theatre is on the State and National Register of Historic

Places, is a member of the League of Historic American Theatres and is one of only a few remaining FOX Theatres

in the country which has been preserved and returned to its

original architectural splendor.

Submitted Photo.

Second floor offices occupied by Breakthrough Fuel.

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Follow Kendra Meinert, Green Bay Press-Gazette’s Arts & Entertainment reporter. Kendra is passionate about keeping you in tune with local news coverage of everything that’s happening in your area.

STAY CONNECTED WITH ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT


Music lovers and performing arts patrons may be surprised to learn that getting their favorite acts on the Meyer Theatre stage requires more than a simple phone call and hand-shake deal. It takes months of plan-ning, plenty of manpower and a few late nights to pull off.

But first and foremost, every act that comes to life on the Meyer’s stage begins with a personal connec-tion.

“It all starts with rela-tionships. That’s the big-gest thing in this busi-ness,” says Matt Goebel, general manager of the Meyer Theatre. “It’s building relation-ships with the agents or promoters of the acts we bring in. There’s a lot of agencies, but typically there’s six to 10 major agents within the industry that I have relationships with.”

Goebel has been fostering those relationships for the past 11 years as general manager of the Meyer Theatre. Goebel is employed by PMI Entertainment Group which has managed the historical 1,011 seat theater since 2004. PMI handles booking, ticketing, food and beverage and event market-ing for the theatre.

BY AMELIA COMPTON WOLFF

A PEEK BEHIND

THE CURTAIN

WHAT IT TAKES TO BRING LIVE ACTS TO THE MEYER THEATRE STAGE


DID YOU KNOW…?

Johnny Cash, Louie Armstrong, The Beach Boys, Chelsea Handler,

Goo Goo Dolls, David Sedaris, The Temptations, Hanson and

Lady Antebellum (among others) have all graced the

Meyer stage.

Baraboo-based band Phox performs as part of the Meyer’s Near Water Concert Series.

Follow Kendra Meinert, Green Bay Press-Gazette’s Arts & Entertainment reporter. Kendra is passionate about keeping you in tune with local news coverage of everything that’s happening in your area.

STAY CONNECTED WITH ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT


Besides those relationships, a lot of other factors are examined when determining which artists make sense for the Meyer.

“There are so many pieces that have to come together. We look at the community itself and what acts are they interested in seeing,” Goebel says. “Then we look at budgetary factors – how much does the act cost and does it make sense for the size of our venue?”

Goebel considers if the acts are routed, meaning are they hitting several Midwestern stops on tour or if would they be coming to Green Bay as a “one off” event date. The latter is much more costly for both the venue and the performer. These factors are important because they affect what show-goers pay at the box office.

“The most expensive ticket we’ve had here is $70. The average is $30-40 because that’s what people are willing to spend for an act within a 1,000 seat venue,” Goebel says. “Our job is to try and balance that, so it makes sense finan-cially.”

After initial contact with the act’s agent or promoter comes negotiations which can take a few days or even a few months. Acts are typically booked six months to a year in advance, with plenty of exceptions to that rule, Goebel says.

Once a deal is made, the agent sends Goebel a rider which is a list of needs that a performer has in order to execute a performance. This includes everything from technical needs such as sound and lighting, to hospitality which includes things like food, drink and transportation.

Goebel says that despite the horror stories many people hear, the most difficult rider requests he’s encountered have been for specific organic foods and liquor which can be hard to source in the Green Bay area.

“We haven’t had anyone who asked for the dressing room to be painted white or will only sit on white furniture. Some people ask for clothes which we don’t accommodate. There’s a line we don’t cross,” Goebel says with a laugh.

Although some performers are more high-maintenance than others, Goebel is often surprised by which are the most easy-going.

“When we had Kathy Griffin here, all she needed was a six-pack of diet Coke,” he says. “But Joan Rivers was one of the most surprising acts we’ve had here and my most memorable.

“You have a perception in your head of her as an iconic figure. She was very low maintenance, but you’d think she could be high maintenance. She was the sweetest most down-to-earth lady we’ve had here, so gracious and accom-modating. It was refreshing.”

Once all the details are hashed out, a timeline is set for the event day. Acts usually arrive six to eight hours prior to show time for load in and set up. Stagehands are scheduled to

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help with load in and sound check. Meyer’s Technical Director Tim Funk and Marketing Manager Tim Perlewitz also help set up shows and events.

Event ushers and ticket takers are scheduled as well. “We couldn’t do a lot of these shows without our volunteer

ushers and ticket takers,” Goebel says. Goebel usually spends time during the perfor-mance finalizing details so he can make the last

settlement with the act’s tour manager after the show.

“On a daily basis the job is so different because every show is different,” Goebel says. “It’s like running a private party 15 times in a 30 day period. It’s pretty crazy.”

In addition to shows, the Meyer is home to several community organizations includ-

ing dance groups, Civic Symphony of Green Bay, Allouez Village Band and Let Me Be Frank

Productions. Despite the hectic schedules and long days (and

nights), Goebel says the increased quality of life that the venue provides the Green Bay community is enough to

keep him coming back show after show. “The Meyer has really given people an outlet to get away from their daily

grind, let things go and not have to think about everything else going on in their lives,” Goebel says. “That’s the best part.” l

PMI Entertainment Group has managed The Meyer Theatre since 2004 when they took over management duties from the Weidner Center. “We felt it was a great opportunity for us,” says Ken Wachter, president and CEO of PMI Entertainment Group. “We could assist using all of PMI’s assets and set them to work at the Meyer. We felt it was a fabulous theater and it shouldn’t sit empty. ”

Today PMI handles booking, ticketing, food and beverage and event marketing for the Meyer. Wachter says PMI deals with the same agents and promoters when booking shows at The Resch Cen-ter and Shopko Hall, as well as the Meyer. This has been advantageous in securing more contracts for all the venues they manage.

The partnership has helped transform the histori-cal theater into a prominent entertainment destina-tion in Green Bay, spurring economic and downtown development.

“I think it’s a really good partnership. Our goal is to keep the theater busy and bring people down-town. One of our great success stories is what we have been able to do with the Meyer Theatre,” Wachter says. “We helped keep them on sound financial footing so 50 years from now, they are still the Meyer Theatre.”

YES! I/we want to contribute to a vibrant downtown by supporting this worthwhile project

in the amount of $_______________.

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Check is enclosed. Please make check payable to Meyer Theatre and mail to: Meyer Theatre, P.O. Box 1742, Green Bay, WI 54305

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OUR PLEDGE TO BACKSTAGE/MEYER THEATRE CAMPAIGN

It’s been called “Downtown’s Cultural Gem.” It’s the home to countless local not for profit groups. Recog-nizable performers like Nat King Cole and Lady Ante-bellum have performed on its stage. It’s unique and one of a kind - it’s the only historic theater in Green Bay that once was a legendary FOX Theatre. It’s been around for 85 years and the goal is to have it here for 85 more. It’s the amazing MEYER THEATRE.

Its history is something to be celebrated but the Meyer board and staff were thinking ahead to the “next act.” They knew they’d need to do something now so that the Meyer would have a future to applaud. To solidify the Meyer’s future, a three-tier, $5 million campaign was created:

• Money was needed to renovate the building attached to the Meyer, now called Backstage at the Meyer. Revenue generated from the new space will help support the Meyer.

• Funds were needed for maintenance and upkeep on the 85 year old Meyer Theatre.

• Dollars were needed to put into an endowment so the Theatre would shine for many years into the future.

The fundraising is almost complete but the final curtain on the campaign hasn’t been drawn yet. A gift from you could be just the one that takes this cam-paign to the finish line. Become a donor to this project, then take a bow for investing in the arts, our downtown, Backstage and of course the Meyer Theatre!

MATCH MADE IN HEAVEN


WI-5001909724

Member FDIC | Equal Housing Lender

We’ll put your name in lights.Proud to support the arts.

WI-5001909724

Member FDIC | Equal Housing Lender

We’ll put your name in lights.Proud to support the arts.

meyer theatre - celebrating 85 years

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