As the main cultural and economic hub of the state of Wisconsin, the city of Milwaukee has a rich history that highlights waves of migration by foreign settlers, particularly the Germans, Italians, Irish, Polish, and African-Americans.
Milwaukee theater is very much alive, thanks to the diversity in culture and the patrimony of its early settlers to their beloved native culture and traditions which they brought with them to Milwaukee, shared with other inhabitants, and combined with those of other groups into what is now a booming Milwaukee theater and performing arts.
The state of Wisconsin has been instrumental in the outpour of support in modernizing cultural venues in Milwaukee, recognizing the artistic seed of its mix of residents, especially the youth.
Today, several musical groups provide the artistic fire that the early settlers brought with them. They include the Milwaukee Repertory Theater, Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, Milwaukee Ballet, Milwaukee Shakespeare, Pioneer Drum and Bugle Corps, and the First Stage Children’s Theater, among others.
In terms of facility, Milwaukee boasts of several state-of-the-art auditoriums, performance halls, and cultural centers. A premiere modern cultural facility is the Milwaukee Theater (formerly the Milwaukee Auditorium), considered the center of culture and civic life in Milwaukee. In 1999, the Wisconsin Center District Board approved the renovation of the facility, resulting to the Milwaukee Theater, a $41.9 million cultural project that opened in 2003. Today, this 4,100-seater theater cum cultural facility serves as the hub of Milwaukee culture and entertainment, supported by patrons, production companies and the public in general.