Community groups urge Marathon County to preserve Veninga Theater, propose uses for UW–Stevens Point at Wausau campus

Scores of local arts and civic leaders urged Marathon County officials on Nov. 7 to preserve the Veninga Theater and keep community access to spaces on the UW–Stevens Point at Wausau campus as the university prepares to transition out of the property.

Sarah Rudolph, who ran the UWMC theater program for three decades, described the Veninga as “turnkey ready” and said the building and its programs sustain community connection: “The facility is turnkey ready.” Paul Radke, president of the Wausau Community Theater, said the theater draws participants and audiences from around the region and underlined the groups’ dependence on the space. “There’s no way we can afford to survive with the costs at the Grama,” Radke said, describing how the Veninga fits the community’s needs.

The speakers told the joint Extension, Education & Economic Development and Human Resources, Finance & Property committees that the Veninga is not only a performance venue but also a site for debates, book festival events, continuing education presentations and other civic uses. Julie Bunteck, retired from the Wisconsin Institute for Public Policy & Service, said debates and public speakers have used the Center for Civic Engagement auditorium and called that programming a regional asset.

Tim Parker, chief executive officer of the Community Foundation of North Central Wisconsin, said his organization plans to submit a request for proposals (RFP) to operate a consolidated Marathon Center for Arts and Culture that could include the theater and other campus halls. “We see consolidation and partnership in the arts community and in the cultural community,” Parker said, adding the foundation wants to partner with workforce and nonprofit groups to sustain programming.

Speakers repeatedly singled out facilities staff member Chris Berg as essential to the theater’s upkeep. Several commenters said the venue’s value depends on ongoing professional maintenance. “Chris’s professional expertise is second to none,” said Rick Laframbe of Central Wisconsin Children’s Theater.

The public comments came ahead of a staff presentation on campus conditions and possible redevelopment options. Many presenters urged the county to design a transition that allows community organizations time to plan and to preserve the theater as a publicly accessible cultural hub.

Next steps: committee members asked staff to return with a timeline and options; staff said they will present a more detailed plan and that the board will consider next steps at a joint meeting scheduled for Dec. 4, 2025.