Weber Center for the Performing Arts, which opened in 2013, came about as the result of a successful collaboration between La Crosse Community Theatre (LCT) and Viterbo University. Both organizations shared many mutual interests. Each was sincerely interested in working together in ways that benefited each organization, the La Crosse arts community, the downtown district and the entire Seven Rivers Region. Once the idea of a collaboration gained momentum many community benefactors and friends of the university and LCT provided the generous support that culminated with the grand opening of this magnificent facility in January 2013.
La Crosse Community Theatre
La Crosse Community Theatre creates productions and projects that enhance the theatrical literacy of audience members, volunteers, students and staff. All of this is offered in a collaborative environment emphasizing these core values:
- Community – All who value or may benefit from a creative environment.
- Creativity – Having the ability to see opportunity in challenges.
- Excellence – Exceeding expectations in the quality of our productions and the effective stewardship of our resources.
- Personal Growth – Providing the opportunity to develop self-awareness through experience, skill advancement and education.
- Tradition – Embracing the history and experiences that laid our foundation.
Volunteers and audience members span all economic, social, age, and ethnic lines. Regarding the actors:
- Many are first-timers; other are seasoned performers.
- LCT began as a dream in 1962, with a production of Hey, Look Us Over!
- LCT officially became a corporation on February 27, 1963. Its first production, The Matchmaker, was presented at Longfellow School Auditorium.
- In 1968, after years of performing at various locations, LCT made 118 Fifth Avenue North its home. Nearly 45 years later, in January 2013, La Crosse Community Theatre finally moved into their new permanent home at Weber Center for the Performing Arts.
Viterbo University
Viterbo University has earned the reputation as the Epicenter of the Arts. Its main campus is located less than two miles southeast of the Weber Center where it is home to nearly 1,600 students who are able to choose from over 50 different fields of study. The fine and performing arts are signature programs and students are able to perform and study theatre, music theatre, dance, arts administration, art and music in the magnificent Fine Arts Center located on campus. The Weber Center serves as a mid-size (450-seat) performance facility particularly well suited to complement the university’s 1,100 and 150-seat theatres.
Viterbo’s mission is to prepare students for faithful service and ethical leadership.
In keeping with the tradition of Viterbo’s founding religious order, the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration, the university holds the following core values:
- Contemplation: Reflecting on the presence of God in our lives and work
- Hospitality: Welcoming everyone as an honored guest
- Integrity: Striving for honesty in everything said and done
- Stewardship: Practicing responsible use of all resources in our trust
- Service: Working for the common good in the spirit of humility and joy
Founded and sponsored by the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration, Viterbo is a Catholic, Franciscan university in the liberal arts tradition.