History
The SMPAC was built in 2004 as part of the new South Milwaukee High School. As part of the School District of South Milwaukee, the SMPAC serves as the home for school concerts, plays, musicals, awards ceremonies and meetings. Along side the school events, the SMPAC provides a performing arts series for community members to enjoy the arts close to home. It also serves as a rental facility for community organizations and arts groups. Doors officially opened on September 1, 2004. The South Milwaukee Performing Arts Council, the nonprofit board that serves the SMPAC through fundraising efforts and programming assistance, was formed in March 2005. In October 2005, the SMPAC's annual Performing Arts Series premiered. Now entering its eighth year of existence and seventh year as a presenting organization, the SMPAC's reputation for outstanding performances, as well as its audiences, continue to grow.
Specialties
At the South Milwaukee Performing Arts Center (SMPAC) we offer a little something for everyone. Our Performing Arts Series offers creative, innovative and diverse performances from all over the world. Our Student Matinee Series provides educational opportunities to the youth of the South Shore school districts, as well as those who may be home-schooled. The Free Summer Concert Series takes the SMPAC to Franciscan Villa and the South Milwaukee Downtown Market to provide free outdoor concerts during the summer months. Lastly, the SMPAC rents the theatre to a variety of organizations to provide performances from artists such as, BoDeans, Cantare Chorale, Jesse Cook, Tommy Emmanuel, Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra and the Grant Park Players.