Frequently Asked Questions

Performing Arts Center

1. Why is a Performing Arts Center (PAC) needed?

1. To strengthen arts-related activities for the schools and the surrounding communities (concerts, theater, summer music camps and festivals, gallery for visual arts).
2. To provide a home for the creative spirit.
3. To enrich the concert and theatre experience for performer and patron.
4. Arts are a vital component for all communities and persons. Quality arts programs and performance venues attract tourism dollars.
5. To attract families to the area.
6. To showcase the talents of young people of the Westby and surrounding communities.
7. To provide space for other community/area groups to hold meetings, reunions, seminars, conferences, conventions, etc.

2. Why can't the old gymnasium be remodeled?

1. Westby High School still uses the old gym for many functions and it will remain available for those uses.
2. The proposed PAC will have an adequate stage, orchestra pit, theater seating, lighting, acoustical enhancements : all of which are costly to retrofit, and the result will be a space that does not enrich the experience of the patron or performing artist.
3. To make the old gym acoustically adequate would take a huge sum of money that could just as well be spent on a new addition with all the right engineering.

3. Isn't the Temple Theater in Viroqua adequate?

1. While the Temple Theatre is a wonderful theater, the facility is limited in what can be presented in the hall, and the size of the productions.
2. The Temple seating is fixed to 525 seats. Our PAC design has variable seating configurations that allow for seating from 100 to 550. This provides the right size hall for the performance, therefore providing an environment that helps students of the art form to experience success in the right size venue.
3. Other limitations to the Temple are: no wing or fly space, no orchestra pit for musicals, limited sound system for touring acts, sound engineering is not part of the hall/audience, small stage size, multiple stage configuration is not possible. The theater is not practical for the Westby school students due to transportation and rehearsal logistics. 4. How will ongoing expenses be covered?
   1. The FAF will fund-raise to establish a Sustaining Endowment Fund to support the Performing Arts Center. Rent will be charged to groups using the facility. Some costs may be shared by the schools using the facility. It is the intention not to pass that the burden on to taxpayers.

   5. Who will get priority in scheduling?

   1. The Westby Area Schools will have priority at selecting dates during the school year. After that, it will be on a first come, first serve basis with a deposit and contract format to assure the commitment of the renter.

   6. Who do you expect will use the facility for what types of programs?

   1. Westby High School would use the facility for musicals, plays, band, and chorus performances, and any other area school could rent the facility for similar uses.
   2. It would be a great facility for multi-school functions like honors choir or band performances, or for competitions.
   3. It could be rented by groups for community theater, film festivals, music concerts, seminars, and meetings.
   4. The facility could host a summer music camp or clinics for various instruments. There are already many professional musicians who live in the area who could bring their energy and resources to this project. We are close to the University of La Crosse and Viterbo and could work with their music staffs and students.
   5. It could be used for Lyceum and in-service programs, civic organization meetings or presentations.
   6. Churches.
   7. Area schools.

   7. Who will be responsible for maintenance, upkeep, and custodial care?

   1. The school or a collaboration of the school and a separate facility administration.
   2. The Westby school board has made a verbal commitment to the FAF to provide maintenance and custodial care. This will be made clearer when we are closer to construction.
   3. Any larger maintenance expenses will be covered by the endowment fund.

   8. Won't the facility be sitting empty much of the time?

   1. When talking with other communities that have built a facility like this, we found it is booked year-round. Summer will provide an opportunity for the facility to be used for summer music camps and instrumental clinics. Other year-round uses will include community theater groups, concert series events, film festivals, civic organizations, corporate meetings, and so on.

   9. Will the PAC be attached to the Westby school? Isn't there a better location?

   1. Yes, the PAC will be attached to the school. There are several reasons that make this location very appealing.
   2. The site has already been prepared for the addition of an a PAC, i.e., duct work, electrical, and plumbing access.
   3. The attachment to the school will provide the most efficient use by students.
   4. Existing school space would also be available in conjunction with the use of the PAC. Restrooms, concession area and foyer are already in place and this will be a huge savings in costs.
   5. The school is donating the land.
   6. There is sufficient parking already available at this location.

   10. We voted this down in the past. Why do you keep coming back?

   1. This is not a taxpayer-funded issue. Private funding is being sought to build the entire project and fund any major expenses thereafter. We feel that this facility is still needed and will be supported by the community. The PAC will help to direct the future economic development of our community. This will be accomplished by supporting the arts, by attracting performing artists to the area, and by building a regional following of supporters for the programs that are held. The PAC will give Westby Schools a special characteristic that has the potential to draw new students and families, as well as quality teachers.

   11. Need for a community center has been identified. Has a partnership with other organizations been explored?

   1. After lengthy discussion with community center proponents, it was determined that our mission and purpose were not the same. Theirs is a different community need, requiring a building with a flat floor for displays, dancing, banquets, etc. A Community Center will not need the quality of acoustics needed for a PAC. Their main focus is for meetings and large group events. A Community Center will not have auditorium seating, orchestra pit, dressing rooms, etc.

   12. What is the role of the Fine Arts Foundation of the Westby Area?

   1. The Fine Arts Foundation is an arts organization dedicated to artistic excellence, providing multicultural programming with a distinctive, learning-centered focus for the diverse surrounding communities.
   2. To accomplish this mission the FAF will raise funds for the construction of the PAC, will liaison with the school board to achieve the mission of the Fine Arts Foundation of the Westby Area, and will raise endowment funds to support operating costs of the PAC.