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Moving
from the only game in town to one choice among many will require a strategic reevaluation
of the entire operation. In many ways this is a classic business problem that
will be solved using time-tested business solutions. But the performing arts nature
of our business dictates that the solutions to our challenges must incorporate
the unique qualities that our audiences and artists have come to expect from the
Weidner Center. To properly frame the challenge before us, I should tell you that there are today 400 percent more performance seats available in the Fox Valley than there were just over two years ago. The good news for consumers is that there is a great deal more entertainment available to them. The bad news at the moment is that this dramatic growth in performance opportunities (supply) has not yet been matched by a growth in attendance (demand). The simple truth is that financial success in the theater business boils down to percentage of attendance (butts in seats) and the trend in just the last two years has been less than full houses at almost every performance throughout the Fox Valley. The late Victor Borge summed it up when he peered out into a darkened auditorium during his performance, spotted empty seats, and said, “my goodness, there are a lot of red suits out there tonight.” I am proud to be working with hundreds of volunteers and a first-rate professional staff who will develop the strategies that will eliminate Mr. Borge’s “red suits.” They are superbly qualified to accomplish that task. To a person, they understand intuitively that the key to future success for the theater lies in their personal commitment to ensuring that the Weidner Center provides the public with the highest level of customer satisfaction available anywhere in Wisconsin. Their obvious pride in doing their part to achieve that goal is one of the greatest assets our Center has. UW-Green Bay owes a debt of gratitude to the men and women who had the foresight to create the Weidner Center as a centerpiece of this campus. When Chancellor Shepard explained to me his vision of the University being “of” rather than “at” Green Bay I could see why he, too, is so proud of the Weidner Center. This facility, its programs and people are important links that help bind campus and community together. aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaTOP OF NEXT COLUMN |
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We are well-positioned for even more success. Hundreds of thousands of people,
from toddlers to our most revered and experienced citizens, come to UWGB every
year to discover new insights and to be entertained at the Weidner Center. |
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