The Facility

The theatre will be built in the former Transpak Crane Bay building, at the dividing line between the Third and Fifth Wards. The Crane Bay is one of six buildings in the multimillion dollar development known as South Water Works, owned and managed by Lighthouse Development. Currently, the building is an empty shell, so Next Act has the opportunity to design theatre, office and production spaces to its specifications. Quorum Architects has created the design and is coordinating engineering and construction.

The New Facility Will Include:

• 150 seat theater in a U-shaped style which puts the audience up close to the action.
• Open-span design for production flexibility and excellent visibility.
• Street-level access to the theatre and ample, available parking.
• Exterior signage capacity and high visibility from street level.
• Lobby, Concessions bar, Box office, Patron restroom facilities.
• Rehearsal hall, Dressing rooms, Laundry, Production support areas, Green room.
• Costumes, Lighting and Props storage.
• Administrative offices.
• Break room/Kitchen.

Intimate and Still Powerful

The new project will once again serve as Next Act’s complete work-and-play home, but with 150 seats, no pillars
and dynamic tunnel-entry design, the new theatre will be unique and will quickly become a favorite performing arts
destination. Best of all, we will preserve the intimacy that has become the lifeblood of any Next Act theatrical event. Located just over the Milwaukee River from the Third Ward, this project taps into the exciting economic development already underway in the Fifth Ward. Our patrons will contribute to this economic activity in the same way the Third Ward was developed fifteen years ago.

Space for Others

The new theatre’s mission is broadly conceived to provide affordable performing space for other companies, emerging groups and independent artists. At least twenty-four production weeks will be available to support this burgeoning activity, much of it produced by younger artists, attracting diverse audiences. The new theatre is sized right, with more capacity, improved street access, better equipment and more artistic flexibility – a solid investment in the future of Milwaukee’s arts scene.

The new performance space is located at 255 S. Water Street in Milwaukee's Fifth Ward neighborhood and will open October 2011!

Concept images courtesy Quorum Architects, Inc.