Why WPW?

ALL WISCONSIN’S A STAGE…

Running March 1 – June 30, 2023, our inaugural festival featured a diverse assortment of stories being told across our collective stages, which in turn revealed the wide breadth of what Wisconsin is and can become. The new work created for World Premiere Wisconsin explores, illuminates, and celebrates the vastness of Wisconsin’s story, culture, and the many people who make up this great state. Together our WPW line-up says this is Wisconsin, and we are proud of it.

The secret is this: great theater and the development of new work is not something new to Wisconsin. In fact, we’ve been doing it for a long time now (and every image you see on our website is from a play that has had its world premiere in Wisconsin). So, why settle for being a best-kept secret? It’s high time that Wisconsin is recognized for its exceptional work and contributions to American theater.

BOLD IDEA. LOCALLY BREWED.

The launch of this inaugural World Premiere Wisconsin Festival is an expression of our pride for the great works of theater created right here in our great state.

It’s said that a rising tide lifts all boats, which is why we are united in this effort. A thriving theater ecosystem creates jobs. It drives the local economy. A vibrant art scene is often lauded as an incentive by businesses encouraging future employees to come work for them. And if each of our companies’ survival post-pandemic is a testament to anything, it’s that what we do is vital to those who work and play in Wisconsin, from the tip of Door County to the state line.

The result: a first-of-its-kind collaboration, a declaration that theater is thriving and vital, and an invitation to YOU to join us on the adventure!

2023 REFLECTION DECK

Take a look at all of the successes of our ground-breaking and inaugural statewide festival by viewing our 2023 Reflection Deck.

GOALS OF THE FESTIVAL