Young Auditorium

Young Auditorium is a prominent performing arts center located on the campus of the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater. Opened in 1993, the facility serves as a major cultural hub for the university community and the broader Southeastern Wisconsin region. It is named in honor of benefactors Forrest R. Polk and Lorraine B. Young, whose contributions were instrumental in its construction. The auditorium hosts a diverse array of events, including national touring productions, concerts, lectures, and university functions.

History

The development was championed by university administrators and community leaders seeking to enhance the cultural landscape of the Rock River area. Significant philanthropic support from Forrest R. Polk and Lorraine B. Young provided the cornerstone funding, leading the University of Wisconsin System Board of Regents to approve the project in the late 1980s. Construction commenced under the guidance of the architectural firm Kahler Slater, with the venue officially opening its doors to the public in the fall of 1993. Since its inauguration, it has become an integral part of the academic and artistic mission of the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater, while also establishing partnerships with organizations like the Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra.

Architecture and design

The architectural team from Kahler Slater designed the structure with a focus on both aesthetic appeal and functional acoustics. The exterior features a modernist design utilizing red brick and limestone, materials chosen to harmonize with the surrounding collegiate Georgian architecture found across the campus. The interior lobby is noted for its spacious, light-filled atrium, which serves as a gathering space during intermissions. The main performance hall is engineered with specialized sound-dampening materials and a sophisticated rigging system to accommodate complex theatrical productions, drawing inspiration from renowned venues like the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center.

Facilities and features

The centerpiece of the complex is the Main Hall, a proscenium theater with a seating capacity of approximately 1,300 across orchestra and balcony levels. A versatile second space, the Greenhill Center of the Arts, provides a more intimate black box theater for experimental works and recitals. Backstage facilities include dedicated dressing rooms, a scene shop, and a loading dock capable of handling large touring productions. The building also houses administrative offices for the College of Arts and Communication and features the Crossman Gallery, which displays rotating exhibitions of visual art.

Notable events and performances

The venue's stage has welcomed a wide spectrum of artists and speakers since its opening. Notable performances have included concerts by the Canadian Brass, theatrical tours of productions like Les Misérables, and dance companies such as the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. It regularly hosts the Whitewater Arts Alliance annual festival and serves as the home stage for university productions by the Department of Theatre and Dance. Distinguished lecturers, including figures like Jane Goodall and Neil deGrasse Tyson, have appeared as part of the university’s distinguished lecture series.

Management and operation

The facility is managed by the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater through its Division of Student Affairs, with day-to-day oversight handled by a professional staff of technical directors and event coordinators. Programming is a collaborative effort, often involving co-sponsorships with external presenters like Broadway Across America and the Wisconsin Union Theater. The operation is supported by the Young Auditorium Advisory Board, which includes representatives from the local community, faculty, and student body. Funding is derived from a combination of ticket revenue, university allocations, and continued support from the UW-Whitewater Foundation.

Category:University of Wisconsin–Whitewater Category:Concert halls in Wisconsin Category:Buildings and structures in Walworth County, Wisconsin Category:1993 establishments in Wisconsin