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In Milwaukee Buzz

By OnMilwaukee.com Staff Writers

Published Sept. 28, 2008 at 8:31 a.m.

Tags: milwaukee repertory theater, milwaukee ballet, milwaukee symphony orchestra, fine arts

Recently, the Milwaukee Repertory Theater started offering $10 tickets to people under age 40. The goal is to attract young people to performances because, currently, most audience members are older.

Apparently, many fine arts groups are experiencing the same thing. Some say it's because there are too many entertainment options these days, from independent art groups to the Internet. Some also believe the lack of music education in schools is to blame.

What do you think? Do young adults care about the fine arts any more, or are the fine arts a dying form of entertainment in Milwaukee? Sound off now.

The fine arts are alive and well with people of all ages. There might not be as many young people who attend the ballet or the symphony or a theater performance, but there are enough enthusiasts to keep these groups around for a long time. The Rep has the right idea, and other groups should do the same thing, so younger folks can get exposed to the fine arts.

The fine arts are under attended by young people and in jeopardy. Young people have so many options that they are less likely to attend a fine arts performance. Discounted tickets like those offered by The Rep are a good idea, but probably not enough to make a huge difference in youth appeal.

6 comments about this article. Post a comment / write a review.

Recent Talkbacks ...

Posted by Downtowner on Sept. 29, 2008 at 3:05 p.m. (report)

This isn't unique to Milwaukee. Arts groups are always, it seems, looking for younger audiences. And many get creative with programming, pre and post event stuff, and pricing. But, cut to chase .... entertainment is a personal thing and there's a lot out there and online. How we spend our "free time" is our own choice. If the arts groups give us something cool, unique and compelling ... I'll go. I do at least one MSO show per year, one Rep and the annual Christmas Carol, of course. Otherwise, a show has to have real buzz or I need a connection (someone asks me to go or a group I'm in goes). For its size, Milwaukee supports the arts, dining and sports to levels that are almost unheard of. Sure, many of the smaller groups struggle. But, do a cool show ... see Cudahy Carolers and they will come.

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Posted by jkashou on Sept. 29, 2008 at 3:01 p.m. (report)

I agree that not enough young people take advantage of the thriving and diverse performing arts scene in Milwaukee. The Milwaukee Symphony is also ranked top 20 in the nation! They offer $12 tickets and even provide free beer and nachos at Thursday night performances. With young people, it might just be a scheduling obstacle, but I have also just heard people say, "Yeah I'd love to go to the symphony or the ballet, but I never think of it." The arts are alive and well, but the audiences do seem to be lackluster. There is just so much competition for everyone's precious time. Regardless, the arts will die without community ownership so make plans and support your favorite art form!

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Posted by jkashou on Sept. 29, 2008 at 3:00 p.m. (report)

I agree that not enough young people take advantage of the thriving and diverse performing arts scene in Milwaukee. The Milwaukee Symphony is also ranked top 20 in the nation! They offer $12 tickets and even provide free beer and nachos at Thursday night performances. With young people, it might just be a scheduling obstacle, but I have also just heard people say, "Yeah I'd love to go to the symphony or the ballet, but I never think of it." The arts are alive and well, but the audiences do seem to be lackluster. There is just so much competition for everyone's precious time.

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Posted by MilwaukeeBallet on Sept. 29, 2008 at 2:11 p.m. (report)

Milwaukee Ballet is alive! At last week's annual meeting, Milwaukee Ballet announced that Milwaukee Ballet School has been awarded a full five year accreditation by the National Association of Schools of Dance (NASD). This makes the School the only accredited professional dance school in the Midwest, and one of only 13 professional studio schools accredited nationally. Additional announcements indicated that other positive steps have been taken to support the development of a more effective and strategically aligned organization, such as: -The education department served more than 28,000 people through its programs--a 15% increase. -Season subscriptions are strengthening heading into a second fall campaign, up 130 seats over this point last year. -Nearly 1,400 individuals contributed to the annual fund in 2007-08, representing an almost 20% increase over last year. -An agreement was reached to extend its collective bargaining agreements with its dancers through 2011 and orchestra musicians through 2009. -Artistic Director Michael Pink's contract was renewed through 2011. Read the entire announcement here: http://www.milwaukeeballet.org/_press/annual_meeting_092408.pdf

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Posted by mitchgat on Sept. 28, 2008 at 12:17 p.m. (report)

Fine Art in MKE have never been better!

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