Built: 1989; 2011
Architect: Quorum Architects
Next Act Theatre, one of Milwaukee’s premier professional theater companies, is dedicated to engaging the hearts and minds of its audience with theater intended to stimulate thought, foster the exchange of ideas, and promote the development of new perspectives and understanding. Next Act Theatre opened their doors in October of 2011, after converting an old crane bay into a state of the art theater complex. Allyson Nemec and her team at Quorum Architects designed the conversion of the space into the impressive theater complex that stands there today.
Originally built in 1989, the building was once used to load and unload large equipment off of flatbed semis for international shipping. The new complex houses Next Act’s administrative offices, rehearsal hall, production support areas, and a 152 seat theater. When used as a crane bay, the building was completely open from front to back, and the only closed room was an office that was converted into a kitchen. Therefore, every wall in the current configuration was a result of the conversion.
Next Act Theatre visitors will have the opportunity to attend guided tours, which will be given every half hour from 10:15 a.m until 4:45 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday. The tour will include the backstage area of the theater (costume shop, dressing rooms, green room, rehearsal hall) and all areas of the stage, including the tech booth. In addition, photos of the conversion process can be viewed during the tour as displayed on the backstage walls. Next Act will be in rehearsal for this year’s season opener, giving visitors a unique behind-the-scenes look at everything that goes into a production at the theater!
Learn more about Doors Open Milwaukee
For more 360VR interactive images and tours visit the Tour de Force 360VR website.
