The Weidner

The Edward W. Weidner Center for the Performing Arts, commonly known as The Weidner, is a premier cultural institution located on the campus of the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay. Established in 1993, The Weidner was named after Dr. Edward W. Weidner, the founding chancellor of the university. It was envisioned as a venue that would not only serve the university but also the broader Northeastern Wisconsin community by presenting a diverse range of cultural, entertainment, and educational performing arts events. The genesis of The Weidner can be traced back to a generous seed gift from Dr. David Cofrin, with two stipulations: the center had to be situated on the UW-Green Bay campus and needed to be accessible to the entire community. This strategic location allowed the center to leverage the university's existing infrastructure, thereby reducing the overall costs of the project. The idea of a performing arts center was part of the original 1968 master plan for the UW-Green Bay campus, which facilitated the allocation of state funds for the construction. Under the leadership of Dr. Weidner, a significant fundraising campaign was initiated in the late 1980s, which successfully raised the $18.4 million required to build and equip the state-of-the-art facility. Contributions came from a variety of sources including community corporations, foundations, private citizens, and the State of Wisconsin. The Weidner Center has been celebrated for its excellent acoustics, aesthetic appeal, and modern amenities, making it one of the most distinguished performing halls in the United States. In its early years, The Weidner quickly established a reputation for hosting a wide variety of performances, including Broadway shows, chamber orchestras, pop acts, and family events. The stage has been graced by renowned artists such as Yo-Yo Ma, Jerry Seinfeld, Julie Andrews, and Willie Nelson, as well as popular productions like "The Phantom of the Opera" and "Miss Saigon." As it approached its fifth anniversary in 1998, The Weidner underwent an expansion to enhance its facilities. This included additional restrooms, an expanded ticket office, increased lobby space, a new studio theatre for academic use, and improved backstage amenities. The expansion was supported by the Cofrin Family and included the addition of an elevator and semi-private dining spaces. Today, The Weidner continues to fulfill its mission and vision by offering a dynamic program that evolves with the changing face of the community. It serves as a testament to the power of collaborative support between a university and its surrounding community, providing a space where both students and members of the public can experience the transformative power of the performing arts.