ASHWAUBENON, Wis. (WFRV) – A new program developed by a partnership will provide young people in northeast Wisconsin with the chance to earn in-depth performing arts training during the summer.
The Northeast Wisconsin Theater Collaborative (NEWT) is a partnership between Studio 12 and the Ashwaubenon Performing Arts Center.
The program came from the end of an area youth theatre program’s run, which left local high schoolers without much of a performing arts-focused opportunity while out of school.
Studio 12 owners Ben Olejniczak and Kaara McHugh came up with the idea after, and Olejniczak reached out to the Ashwaubenon Performing Arts Center due to the possible partnership, and thus a trial program last year became a full partnership this year.
“After working with the PAC and its staff last year, we knew we wanted to start discussions about partnering with them for a more robust program offering in 2025,” Olejniczak said in a release.
McHugh added on, talking about the high registration numbers already shown with more than 110 auditions surpassing initial expectations.
“We think the significant interest exemplifies the void in theatre production training for teens throughout northeast Wisconsin and beyond,” McHugh said via the release. “Offering vocal, acting, and instrument coaching allows students to stay active during the summer months and advance their skills.”
St. Joseph Backpack Food Assistance Program distributed nearly 43K meals to students
This program will culminate in a performance of HADESTOWN: TEEN EDITION, which will have shows from August 7-10 at the Ashwaubenon Performing Arts Center.
More details are available here.
