Verona Area Community Theater

For over three decades, the Verona Area Community Theater (VACT) has been a shining star in the performing arts landscape of Wisconsin, enriching the lives of residents in Verona and the greater Madison area. Located conveniently at 103 Lincoln St, Verona, WI, VACT is far more than just a stage; it's a dynamic community hub where creativity flourishes, skills are honed, and unforgettable memories are made. Since its founding in 1992 by Dee Baldock, VACT has been dedicated to providing accessible and high-quality opportunities for everyone to engage with the magic of theater, whether they dream of performing under the spotlight, working behind the scenes, or simply enjoying a captivating show from the audience.

VACT's mission is deeply rooted in supporting productions and projects that enhance the artistic experience for all participants. This commitment extends to offering a diverse range of theatrical experiences, from full-length musicals and plays featuring both adults and youth, to youth-only productions, and even a dedicated senior theater program. The organization believes that theater is an incredible avenue for refining existing skills, learning entirely new ones, and, importantly, having fun. This dedication to joyful learning and growth is evident in the consistently high quality of their productions, which are often lauded for their "top-notch" presentation, complete with "professional quality sets, costumes, sound and lighting."

What truly sets VACT apart is its profound impact on the local community. It serves as a vital resource for fostering talent, building confidence, and creating strong bonds among its participants. Reviewers consistently praise VACT as "a gem in our community," highlighting its ability to "showcase and introduce young people to the theatre." The intimate setting of their performance spaces cultivates a "warm atmosphere" where "the dedication of the cast and crew shines through," ensuring an "unforgettable experience" for everyone who attends. For anyone in Wisconsin looking to connect with the arts, learn new skills, or simply enjoy incredible live performances, the Verona Area Community Theater stands as a beacon of local artistic excellence.

The Verona Area Community Theater (VACT) is centrally located at 103 Lincoln St, Verona, WI 53593, USA. This address places it in the heart of Verona, making it highly accessible for residents within Verona and from neighboring communities in the greater Madison area, including Fitchburg, Oregon, and Middleton. Lincoln Street is typically an easy street to navigate, ensuring straightforward arrival for patrons and participants. While VACT has its own state-of-the-art building, which opened in 2017, for rehearsals, class programming, and some smaller productions, the majority of its main shows are performed in one of the two outstanding Verona Area School District Performing Arts Centers. These school district facilities are modern and designed to accommodate larger audiences and more complex productions, offering comfortable seating and professional amenities. The availability of multiple performance venues ensures that VACT can cater to diverse production needs while remaining firmly rooted in the local community. Parking is generally convenient at both the VACT building and the school district's performing arts centers, facilitating easy access for audience members and participants. This prime location and flexible venue usage underscore VACT's commitment to serving the performing arts needs of the Wisconsin region.

• Full-Length Theatrical Productions: VACT produces 10-12 shows per season, including:
  • Musicals: Often large-scale productions featuring singing, dancing, and acting.
  • Plays: Dramatic and comedic performances for various age groups.
• Youth-Focused Productions: At least five annual productions are exclusively for youth, providing dedicated opportunities for young performers to shine.
• Senior Theater Program: Introduced in 2022, this program is entirely cast with actors aged 55 and over, creating opportunities for older adults to participate in and enjoy theater.
• Educational Activities and Programs: Year-round arts programming for youth and adults, including:
  • Theater Classes: Instruction in acting, stagecraft, and various theatrical disciplines.
  • Music Classes: Opportunities to develop vocal and musical talents for performance.
  • Workshops: Intensive sessions on specific theater skills or topics.
  • Summer Camps: Engaging and immersive programs for children and youth during school breaks.
• Dance Program: Offered in partnership with the City of Verona Recreation Department, providing dance instruction as part of its broader arts programming.
• Participation Opportunities: VACT offers diverse ways for community members to get involved:
  • On-Stage: Auditioning for roles in productions.
  • Behind-the-Scenes: Volunteering for roles in set design, costume creation, lighting, sound, stage management, and more.
  • Audience Member: Enjoying affordable access to high-quality live theater.
• Scholarship Programs: Provides scholarships to outgoing high school seniors and an application assistance program (mentorship and financial aid) for teens of color who have participated in VACT programs and are pursuing higher education or training in the arts.
• Community Engagement: Actively seeks to involve the wider community and provide affordable access to theater experiences.

• Long-Standing Community Presence: Founded in 1992, VACT has over 30 years of experience providing theatrical opportunities, demonstrating its deep roots and commitment to the Verona community. Its growth from 290 patrons to over 9,000 annually speaks volumes about its sustained impact.
• Diverse Production Portfolio: VACT offers a remarkable 10-12 productions per season, including full-length musicals, plays, youth-only shows, and a dedicated senior theater program. This variety ensures there's always something engaging for every audience member and participant.
• Professional Quality Productions: Despite being a community theater, VACT is known for its "professional quality sets, costumes, sound and lighting," ensuring a high standard of production that rivals larger venues. This commitment to quality enhances the audience experience significantly.
• Inclusive Participation for All Ages: VACT truly embodies community theater by offering opportunities for "all who participate whether on stage, behind the scenes or in the audience." This includes youth, adults, and seniors (55+), fostering an intergenerational creative environment.
• Dedicated VACT Building: The academy utilizes its own "state-of-the-art building," which opened in 2017, for rehearsals, classes, and smaller productions. This dedicated facility includes a dance studio, music room, full shop, lighting area, costume room, office space, and a 120-seat theater, providing excellent resources for its programs.
• Focus on Skill Development and Fun: The organization's goal is to provide "occasions to refine skills, learn new ones, and have fun," emphasizing a positive and supportive learning environment that encourages both artistic growth and personal enjoyment.
• Strong Community Impact: Testimonials highlight VACT as a source of "entertainment, friendship, and community." Parents note that their children learn "to take risks and fail," "work hard," "the importance of volunteering," and "the joy of working as a team," showcasing VACT's role in character development.
• Affordable Access to Theater: A core goal is to offer "affordable access to theater to the wider community," making live performing arts accessible to a broad demographic in Wisconsin.
• Support for Youth Development: Beyond productions, VACT offers scholarships and application assistance programs for high school seniors, particularly teens of color, demonstrating a commitment to fostering future talent and diversity in the arts.
• Intimate and Warm Atmosphere: Reviewers praise the "intimate setting" that creates a "warm atmosphere," making each performance feel "special" and personal for attendees.

Address: 103 Lincoln St, Verona, WI 53593, USA

Phone: (608) 424-8469

For residents of Verona and the broader Wisconsin region, the Verona Area Community Theater (VACT) is an absolutely invaluable local asset, perfectly suited for families and individuals seeking engagement with the performing arts. Its central location at 103 Lincoln St in Verona makes it easily accessible, a practical benefit for busy schedules, especially for those participating in its numerous programs or attending its impressive array of productions.

VACT's suitability for locals stems from its foundational mission: to provide opportunities for *everyone* to participate in and enjoy theater, whether on stage, behind the scenes, or in the audience. This inclusivity is evident in its diverse programming, which offers dedicated productions for youth, adults, and even a robust senior theater program. Parents frequently highlight VACT's transformative impact on young people, noting how it "showcas and introduc young people to the theatre," helping children learn crucial life skills like teamwork, problem-solving, and the courage to "take risks and fail." As one parent beautifully put it, "Our children have learned... the joy of working as a team to be part of a process much bigger than themselves."

The "top-notch" quality of VACT's productions, complete with "professional quality sets, costumes, sound and lighting," ensures that attending a show is a truly rewarding experience. The "intimate setting" creates a "warm atmosphere," making each performance feel special, a sentiment echoed by a satisfied audience member. Furthermore, VACT's commitment to offering "affordable access to theater" makes high-quality live performances a reality for more families in the community. With its dedicated facility, comprehensive educational programs, and unwavering focus on fostering talent and community, the Verona Area Community Theater is not just a place to see a show; it's a place where local Wisconsinites can learn, grow, connect, and truly experience the magic of theater in their own backyard.

Verona Area Community Theater

103 Lincoln St, Verona, WI 53593, USA