Regional students to present public performances of Hadestown: Teen Edition in August 
A new partnership is providing youth in northeastern Wisconsin with opportunities for comprehensive performing arts training during the summer months.
The newly developed Northeast Wisconsin (N.E.W.) Theater Collaborative is a joint effort between Studio 12 in Green Bay and the Ashwaubenon Performing Arts Center in Ashwaubenon.
Spearheaded by Studio 12 owners Ben Olejniczak and Kaara McHugh, the idea for N.E.W. Theater Collaborative came about after an area youth theatre program sunsetted, leaving the region’s high school students in search of theatre-focused education opportunities throughout the summer months.
While working to secure performance space for the new program, Olejniczak reached out to the Ashwaubenon Performing Arts Center (PAC), identifying the venue and staff as strong community partners for the overall endeavor. Last year a trial of the new teen program was workshopped, with the Gilbert and Sullivan opera The Pirates of Penzance presented to the public at the Ashwaubenon PAC.
“After working with the PAC and its staff last year, we knew we wanted to start discussions about partnering with them for a more robust program offering in 2025,” said Olejniczak.
This summer’s work will culminate in the teen edition of the Tony Award winning Broadway musical “Hadestown” by Anaïs Mitchell , which provides a modern retelling of the Greek myth of Orpheus and Eurydice and their interconnectedness with Hermes, Hades, Persephone, and The Fates.
Auditions have already taken place in preparation for the summer months’ classes. Interest in the program was higher than anticipated, with more than 110 students auditioning for roles. While most of the students who auditioned came from the greater Green Bay area, some auditioning students traveled from as far south as Watertown, WI and north as Marinette, WI to be part of the program.
“We think the significant interest exemplifies the void in theatre production training for teens throughout northeast Wisconsin and beyond. Offering vocal, acting, and instrument coaching allows students to stay active during the summer months and advance their skills for return to school in the fall” said McHugh.
After witnessing Studio 12’s work with students last summer Kate Williams, executive director of the Ashwaubenon PAC, knew this was a program she wanted to help strengthen and grow.
“We see thousands of student performers on our stage each year from all areas of northeast Wisconsin, and we recognize how those performance opportunities allow youth to mature and flourish,” said Williams. “Beyond acting, students are also able to learn stagecraft, stage lighting and sound design while in the performing arts center.”
Public performances of HADESTOWN: TEEN EDITION will be held at the Ashwaubenon Performing Arts Center, 2391 S Ridge Rd, Ashwaubenon, WI on August 7 and 8 at 7:00PM, and August 9 and 10 at 2:00 PM, 2025.
Tickets can be purchased in advance beginning June 17 at 11:00 AM. Tickets will be available online at AshwaubenonPAC.org, by phone at 920-494-3401, or in person at TicketStar in Ashwaubenon at 820 Armed Forces Drive. More information can be found at AshwaubenonPAC.org/Hadestown.