FAQs (hidden page)

Construction is scheduled to begin in 2026 with completion targeted for the start of the 2027–28 season (September 2027). We’ll mark the occasion with a public celebration of free community events.

Yes, costs will rise in a larger building—but not nearly as much as the opportunities for new revenue. Our next five years of budgets are built with fiscally conservative projections. With 100+ more events planned each year, expanded patron services, higher rental income, savings from energy-efficient systems, and greater overall use of the facility, these renovations position The Grand to thrive.

The Grand has certainly served Oshkosh well for generations and is a beloved gem for our city and region. However, expectations for arts and community spaces have changed nation-wide. Audiences are more diverse, performances take many forms beyond the proscenium stage, and patrons simply expect more comfort and accessibility. From wheelchair access to flexible spaces that welcome new types kinds of performances, The Grand must evolve to remain a true community hub. These updates aren’t about fixing something broken—they’re about ensuring The Grand continues to thrive.

This approach has worked for dozens, if not hundreds, of similar theatres in the U.S. and other relevant places, including many peer theatres here in Wisconsin. These changes are needed to secure a vibrant future for The Grand’s next 50+ years. The pandemic accelerated a shifting business model wherein tickets are playing an increasingly smaller role in overall revenue. To be stable today and in the future, we need to grow our non-ticket revenue streams: rentals and events, concessions, and philanthropy. This renovation does just that. I would be happy to share some examples of similar renovations with you.

The Grand hosts about 140 events each year—evening performances and events, student matinees, and community gatherings. Post-renovation, that number will grow to more than 240, thanks to the theatre, new Lounge, and adjacent outdoor space including significant summertime activation. Without these changes, growth stalls. With them, The Grand’s impact on the downtown economy will rise from $1.8 million to more than $3 million each year. Beyond the numbers, this project means a busier, more vibrant downtown where restaurants, shops, and hotels thrive.

The renovation enables The Grand to present more kinds of events in more spaces—daytime, evening, and year-round. With the theatre, new Lounge, and outdoor venue, programming can reach a wider range of audiences and demographics. Improved technical systems and patron amenities will make us a more competitive rental venue, attracting performers and partners who might not have considered Oshkosh before. Together, these changes strengthen our business model and ensure our resources are even more focused on presenting great programming.

Yes. We’re replacing every restroom fixture—sinks, toilets, towel dispensers. These updates will improve comfort and accessibility, increase energy efficiency, lower operating costs, and—best of all—reduce patron wait times and lines.

For patrons, the building will now be step-free from curb to the historic auditorium. A new state-of-the-art elevator and wheelchair system will enable patrons to reach The Grand Lounge and new Donor Lounge. Wheelchair seating will include more options and improved access.

The Grand’s bar space will increase threefold, with service available in both the Main Lobby and the Verve Lounge. This will allow us to explore conveniences including potential for pre-ordering drinks and grab-and-go options. Producer’s Circle members, 1883 Society donors, and VIP ticket holders will also have access to a new Donor Lounge for an intimate, upgraded experience.

We’ve explored various options with architectural, environmental, and preservation experts for more than a decade. It’s clear that this approach is the most cost-effective, time and energy-efficient, accessible, and future-proofed.

No. The project is covered entirely through philanthropy and the City of Oshkosh (which owns the building). We aren’t passing construction costs on to patrons. When the new building opens, ticket or concession prices might go up a little—but only the way they do every few years to keep up with inflation, not because of this project. In fact, we anticipate new revenue from construction will enable us to slow such increases over the long term, too.

Larger, modern seats designed for today’s audiences will greatly improve comfort, with only a modest reduction of about 30 seats per performance. This change will not affect ticket pricing. The overall configuration, color, and historic appearance of the chairs will remain unchanged.

Sponsorships will become even more rewarding. Our major corporate partners will gain access to an all new Donor Lounge with private bartender service, grab and go drinks, and a quieter environment than our vibrant lobbies. We are further exploring ways to enhance your experience. Potential ideas may include custom and/or branded cocktails, priority seating, valet parking offerings, or other initiatives. Enhanced building-wide digital signage and 100+ more events each year will result in stronger brand exposure and deeper engagement with repeat patrons. Corporate sponsors and companies, generally, will have new opportunities for daytime usage, such as meetings and team retreats, making The Grand not only a central hub for arts and entertainment, but also for businesses and community -- further compounding sponsors' reach and visibility.

It will make volunteering easier and more enjoyable. Volunteers are critical to our work, and we are thrilled to be able to offer a wholly new space at far surpasses our current makeshift space. An audience monitor and information board will provide real-time updates on shows, policies, or urgent needs. The space will also have dedicated storage for coats and other items, snack and coffee, and seating arrangements. These additions will ensure the warm hospitality our volunteers offer is reflected in their own space, equipping them with information and community needed to keep our performances running smoothly.

Many people don’t know that the Oshkosh owns the building while The Grand Oshkosh, Inc (a 501c3 nonprofit organization) is responsible for programming and operations. This kind of public-private partnership is very common at historic theatres across the US. Our partnership is nearly 40 years strong, and we’ve just agreed to a new lease that runs through 2024, our longest-ever arrangement ensuring we serve Oshkosh for decades to come.

No—including ours. Construction is limited to the site itself. No long-term road closures or other major disruptions to downtown traffic flow are anticipated while The Grand is under construction, and our programming will continue off-site at the UWO Theatre Arts Center, similarly to when our roof was reconstructed.

In tandem with our renovations, the City is redeveloping three parking lots, including the lot directly adjacent to The Grand, designed with pedestrians in mind. Clear walkways, lighting, and landscaping will make it easier and safer to move from your car to the theatre. A new pull-through lane under the port cochere will offer convenient drop-off for patrons with disabilities, student matinees, and evening crowds, especially during Wisconsin winters. Together with many parking lots within a block, we will better welcome every visitor.

No. An earlier plan to extend and lower the basement uncovered soil issues tied to the site’s history. Our design avoids exposure to this soil and any related risks altogether. This project will have no harmful environmental impact.

The backstage areas are being entirely renovated and reimagined. A new green room and expanded, modular dressing rooms in the basement will better accommodate the diverse range performers that use The Grand from professional tours to large student ensembles. First-floor dressing rooms, adjacent to the stage, will improve access for artists with mobility challenges. The loading dock and backstage entrance will be redesigned to significantly streamline loading in supplies and materials and increasing security.

For performers, the entire backstage experience is being re-imagined. For the first time in our nearly 140 years, artists using wheelchairs and those with other mobility needs will be able access to dressing rooms, crossovers, and other backstage amenities.