American Players Theatre Continues Site Improvements

May 2004 - Spring Green, Wis. - American Players Theatre (APT), a professional, classical repertory theater, is the second most popular (based on attendance) outdoor classical repertory theater in the country. Currently they are in the process of completing phase II of a multi-phased site development project. APT hopes to better accommodate their patrons and employees after the site expansion and the addition of two new buildings is complete. Westbrook Associated Engineers is helping them through the process and has provided design to construction management services. 

Three years ago, APT began “down-the-hill” site improvements with the construction of the Bravo Center. The Bravo Center contains costume, props and scene shops, storage areas, offices and an air-conditioned rehearsal hall. This construction followed “up-the-hill” improvements including: a rebuilt stage, new amphitheatre and seating, and improved lobby area. When constructing the Bravo Center they knew they were going to need more storage room and an additional rehearsal area. However, further development had to wait while plans were developed.

Improvements down the hill began in the fall of 2003 with the tearing down of the existing farm buildings, which had formerly housed theater offices and shops, to allow for an expanded picnic ground, a shuttle stop, and erosion control.   APT also began planning for the new rehearsal hall, storage and maintenance facilities, and a new box office that would improve access for patrons and include indoor toilet facilities for picnickers as well as a gift shop down the hill.

This spring, APT continued phase II with the site preparation for two new buildings on their property. One building will be used for maintenance and storage of props and stage scenery. The second building will serve as an additional rehearsal hall. When planning the site, APT made the practical decision to incorporate a site development plan large enough for future expansion.

Currently, the site preparation is complete and ready for building construction. Eric Greiling, APT General Manager, said, "Improvements to the site include better accessibility for the patrons, expanded picnic areas, a larger employee parking lot, improved walking paths, erosion control measures and sites ready for new building construction. Westbrook’s team has been involved from the concept phase to the final design site plans. They provided all design, construction staking, surveying services, and onsite construction supervision for the site development.” Westbrook designed a site development plan for APT that would fit their current and future needs along with their budget.

Construction of the buildings is scheduled to begin after the close of the season in the fall, pending final approval and planning.