From Beer to Performing Arts Facility

The Milwaukee Youth Arts Center (MYAC) is home to the Milwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra and First Stage.  It was officially opened in January 2005. This well-appointed arts facility glows like a relatively new building.

MYAC entrance (2020-05-23) by Ron OshimaMilwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra

Historical Legacy
In the early 20th century, one of the national hallmarks of Milwaukee was beer production. Today, hiding behind facades of glass and steel, you can sometimes find a portal into Brew City history. One such building is the Milwaukee Youth Arts Center (MYAC).

Milwaukee-Youth-Arts-Center (2020-05-23) by Ron OshimaMilwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra

Evolution from Beer
MYAC, which includes studios for music and theatrical performances and rehearsals plus offices, etc., had several lives: 1) first as a Schlitz beer distribution center built in the 1920's, and then 2)as a newspaper distribution center.

Milwaukee Youth Arts Center (2004) by Courtesy Milwaukee Youth Arts CenterMilwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra

Empty shell
The fact that there were no supporting beams in the middle of the combined building complex meant it was a big hollow empty shell, which made it an architect's dream. All the rehearsal and performance spaces, and much more, were built within that shell.

Senior Symphony with Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra members (2020-02-04) by Ron OshimaMilwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra

Youth Arts Hall, the largest performance space in MYAC with a total capacity of 300.

MYAC Sondheim Studio (2020-05-23) by Ron OshimaMilwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra

Sondheim Studio, one of our larger rehearsal studios facing Golda Meir School.

Milwaukee Youth Arts Center Lower Commons (2018) by Courtesy of Milwaukee Youth Arts CenterMilwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra

MYAC's Birth
MYAC was born out of the vision and leadership of MYSO's Fran Richman and First Stage's Rob Goodman. Both organizations were in the Marcus Performing Arts Center at that time - MYSO occupying what was essentially a boardroom, and First Stage was in an area below the Todd Wehr Theater.

MYAC Commons, MYSO Rehearsal Night (2018-05-03) by Ron OshimaMilwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra

Crossroads
Brad Bingheim, MYAC Facilities and Operations Director says, "MYAC is a unique crossroads. On any given programming night you can find the most diverse group of people in the city interacting with each other. This is such a great community asset."

Credits: Story

Note: This narrative contains excerpts from a piece written by Bobby Tanzilo that appeared in Urban Milwaukee on May 17, 2016. It has been edited for clarity or updates.

Credits: All media
The story featured may in some cases have been created by an independent third party and may not always represent the views of the institutions, listed below, who have supplied the content.
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