Milwaukee Theater District: The Making of Milwaukee's Most Entertaining District

Designed by Otto Strack and built by Milwaukee brewing magnate Captain Frederick Pabst, the Pabst Theater was completed in just six months and opened on November 9, 1895.    

The Pabst Theater can accommodate virtually all performing art forms with the stunningly beautiful backdrop of a European opera house.  

Located within Turner Hall, a National Historic Landmark, Turner Hall Ballroom is the perfect backdrop to an eclectic mix of shows that welcomes all ideas, ages, and cultures.   

Miller High Life Theatre, established in 1909, is nestled on the campus of the Wisconsin Center District and is the state's largest theater boasting an impressive 4,087 seats.   

Named for its prime location along the Milwaukee River, The Riverside Theater is one of the most opulent of Milwaukee’s theaters, providing an elegant backdrop reflective of the French baroque style and originally designed as a presentation house for vaudeville and film in the late 1920's.  

The Warner Brothers chain was looking for a first class opening in the city and spent $2.5 million to build this 2,431-seat movie palace, which opened in 1931 as the Warner Grand Theater. After closing its doors in 1955, it sat dormant until 2021, when The Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra (MSO) reimagined and moved into the space, which has been renamed the Bradley Symphony Center. 

One of the first regional theaters in the country, and one of the largest, Milwaukee Rep has been a strong artistic force for over six decades. Milwaukee Rep creates world-class theater experiences for audiences and uses education and civil engagement to bring diverse people together for healthy and respectful dialogue around important issues today through its over 700 performances annually. 

Recently celebrating thirty years of live entertainment, Skylight Music Theatre is the creation of several friends inspired by the performing arts scene and cultural vitality in New York and San Francisco. Skylight has established a reputation for a broad and adventuresome repertoire, spanning a wide array of genres. The theatre is also home to the Milwaukee Chamber Theatre.

Established in 1969, the Marcus Performing Arts Center (MPAC) strives to act as a bridge between cultures and an energizing force for collaboration and advocacy in the community. MPAC hosts a Broadway Series and is home to a variety of resident arts partners, including First Stage, Milwaukee Ballet, Florentine Opera Company, Black Arts MKE and more.

Next Act Theatre began in 1990 and now features a four-production season of compelling and thought-provoking plays. Next Act Theatre works to engage the hearts and minds of audiences with intimate productions intended to stimulate thought, foster the exchange of ideas and promote the development of new perspectives and understanding. Next Act is also home to Renaissance Theaterworks.

In 2019, Saint Kate – The Arts Hotel opened its ARC Theatre, a 90-seat black box theater led by director John Price. Guests can experience performances and workshops from local performers and partners.  

Opening in 2021, Sunstone Studios MKE is a small, independent theater space bursting with personality and quirk with an art-deco vibe. Passionate about craft and about sharing the magical experience of live theatre in an equitable and ethical way.