Capitol Civic Centre

History of Capitol

Often referred to as the "Jewel of the Lakeshore," the Capitol Civic Centre is the gathering spot for over 70,000 people each year and the focal point of the performing arts on Wisconsin's East Coast. The theatre is a stunning example of an opulent 1920's vaudeville and movie house, exquisitely renovated and grandly reopened in 1987. Now showcasing live stage productions by professional travelling artists and local performing groups, our Lively Arts Series, which is geared to appeal to a mainstream audience with a sampling of various forms of performing arts, and the Capitol’s Student Adventure Series, which provides a unique on-stage educational experience. A number of special events and functions round out the Capitol's calendar, and many volunteer opportunities are also available.

It was close to becoming a multi-plex movie house, and if not for a small group of dedicated and insightful people who saw the need for a performing arts center on the Lakeshore, it would have been just that!

The Society to Preserve the Capitol began when a small group of local performers wanted a home stage. What better place than the Capitol Movie Theater, which was built in 1921 as a vaudeville palace and movie house! The Society set to work raising funds, and to make a very long and interesting story short (come in for a tour and learn all about it!), The Society to Preserve the Capitol purchased and renovated the Capitol Theatre in a remarkably short period of time.

On June 21, 1987 a performance called “The Final Curtain” was held on the Capitol’s stage. This fund-raiser marked the beginning of the renovation. On October 30th, 1987 the Capitol Theatre reopened as the Capitol Civic Centre - what a night that was! Patrons were led through the dark auditorium by the light of flashlights carried by the volunteer ushers. As the time for the performance drew close the house lights went slowly up and the audience was in awe. The Capitol Theatre was transformed back to its original elegance and was once again the “Jewel of the Lakeshore”!

It has been a wonderful fifteen years since the renovation! The Capitol stage is home to 10 local performing groups, the “CCC Student Adventure Series” and the “Lively Arts Series”. In addition it is rented by many professional presenters. All in all the Capitol Civic Centre hosts over 75 performances annually!

The Capitol Civic Centre is a non-profit organization and supports itself through membership and sponsorship donations and through the rental of its facilities. It simply could not exist with out the support of its volunteers and contributors.

It has grown over the past fifteen years and has seen many smaller renovation projects. Through the prosperous times and the challenges the Capitol Civic Centre remains dedicated to maintaining this beautiful facility and bringing the performing arts to our community!