The PACE Story

Before

For almost sixty years, the Oconomowoc area and generations of students made do with an outdated, sub-standard auditorium. Located at what was originally the Oconomowoc High School (built in 1928) and then used for a middle school, the old auditorium presented problems from sound system failures to plumbing disasters.

Still the show must go on – and it did – year after year.

During

For decades, groups of citizens dreamed of creating a state-of-the-art venue worthy of showcasing homegrown talent and more. The dream of a new high school auditorium became a reality when the 13 municipalities of the Oconomowoc Area School District joined together in support of the November 2006 referendum.

That dream grew bigger when directors, artists, architects and technicians took a look at the building plans and asked, “What would it take to elevate this school auditorium to the level of a real performing arts center that could attract national performers?”

The answer: a list of valuable enhancements that, if added during construction, could be done at a fraction of the cost of what it would be to add them in later. In April 2007, the newly formed Oconomowoc Public Education Foundation made the commitment to raise that $500,000 through its Performing Arts Center Enhancement (PACE) Fund, and established a committee to lead the charge.

After

Today, complete with the enhancements sponsored by PACE, we enjoy the Oconomowoc Arts Center as a gathering place to showcase and celebrate the arts for students of the Oconomowoc Area School District, as well as the communities in the greater Oconomowoc and Lake Country areas.

The stellar 755-seat facility (OAC) will be a centerpiece of our community’s rich artistic tradition for generations to come.

So far, we have raised $248,000 toward the $500,000 PACE commitment. Now it’s up to you to Take a Seat.

Win when you donate to the Take A Seat Campaign!

When you donate through the Take a Seat campaign—or as a major contributor—your name will be permanently added to the OAC donor board in the lobby. As an extra thank-you from PACE, you’ll receive a free gift and be entered into a drawing for additional prizes. Your tax-deductible donation benefits generations of audiences who will enjoy the state-of-the art OAC.

OAC Features paid for by PACE

• Acoustical concert shell
• Motorized stage scenery winches
• Exterior wave-wall colored lighting
• Sound & light station electronics
• Wired & wireless microphones
• Stage and lighting enhancements
• Traveling mid-stage curtain
• Broadcasting technology
• Orchestra pit & cover
• Seating upgrades

Download the P.A.C.E. Flyer