Across the globe, there are buildings lost in time. While they may be trapped in their era, with them, they bring immense cultural significance and act as a historical hub for the community around them. In Sheboygan, Wisconsin, the Stefanie H. Weill Center is this cultural beacon. Originally constructed almost a hundred years ago, between 1927 and 1928, it is considered one of the finer examples of the “atmospheric” theater style popular in the 1920s.
In 1996, the Weill Center Foundation, Inc. established itself as a non-profit dedicated to the preservation and restoration of this historical venue. Since, the organization has become the driving force in keeping the Weill Center looking as it did in 1928. Their efforts led to the Center being placed on the National Register of Historic Places by the United States Department of the Interior and the State of Wisconsin Register of Historic Places by the Wisconsin Historical Society on December 22, 1999.
Today, the theater is home to several local performing arts groups, while presenting its own series of live performances and films. Artists like Leo Kottke, Leann Rimes, Rick Springfield, and many more have graced its beautiful stage since its creation. Even more special, the Weill Center receives no public funding, its upkeep based solely upon earned income and generous donations from corporations, families and friends of the Center, and the extensive efforts of almost a hundred volunteers.
VarCity Apparel is proud to have worked with such a hardworking organization, tirelessly determined to bring individuals the awe-inspiring experience of a quality live performance. As Events & Operations Manager to the Center, Kim Meller is one of the leaders of this great group, working on all aspects of the Center from booking artists to engaging new and returning sponsors. She cites her love of the arts – particularly music – as the main reason she enjoys being involved in “bringing patrons and artists together.”
Working alongside Kim, VarCity Apparel designed new everyday uniform apparel for the Weill Center staff incorporating their new logo. “All of us will be wearing our VarCity Weill Center apparel as much as possible,” Meller explained, citing the convenience of identifying staff both for artists and patrons alike as a major pro. In addition to polo shirts, the Weill Center also got a new jacket to accompany it. “The jacket is great and an extra special way to advertise the Weill Center when out of the building,” Meller said.
Since debuting the new apparel, Meller said that the Center is “definitely looking into creating a few [additional] pieces.” “We have already had requests to purchase Weill Center logo wear by volunteers and by patrons who love the Weill Center!” she said.
Apparel and historical significance aside, the Weill Center will continue to do what it does best: enchant and inspire audiences with live performances, facilitated by a passionate staff that truly love the arts. As Meller said, “Perhaps a concert-goer is going to their first concert, their first symphony, their first ballet – all at the Weill Center. How great is it to help create that special experience?”
Special experiences are plentiful through the aisles of the Stefanie H. Weill Center, and that is one thing history will never change.