To Our Community,

 

The Sturgeon Bay School District’s auditorium has been a place of inspiration and creativity, bringing people together to experience the power of the arts for many decades. When first built in 1968, the auditorium was designed as a lecture hall with two alcoves serving as classrooms. Now that the space is used for all district performances and large presentations, it is widely acknowledged that our auditorium is well-loved but past-due for upgrades and enhancements, specifically regarding accessibility, seating, sustainability, entertainment technology, and finishes that have reached the end of their life.

 

The strongest advocate for the renovation of our auditorium has always been former high school principal Bob Nickel. During his time at Sturgeon Bay High School, Mr. Nickel was often seen at the piano, accompanying students or playing in the pit orchestra for theater productions. Mr. Nickel believed that the space could be an auditorium for all: “where students, staff, family and community members will feel the Clipper Pride.” After retiring, Mr. Nickel was diagnosed with cancer and regrettably passed away in 2022. Renaming the performance space to the Robert H Nickel Auditorium was proposed to Mr. Nickel shortly after his cancer diagnosis.

 

Mr. Nickel’s passing and the district’s wish to honor his legacy has provided Sturgeon Bay with an opportunity to make an investment in the infrastructure and experience within the school’s auditorium, making it a place worthy of being named in honor of Mr. Nickel’s service.

For the past several months, an auditorium steering committee including Mr. Nickel’s wife, Mary, has partnered with theatrical consultant, Bill Conner, and architects, PRA, to envision the upgrades in the existing performance space.

 

The theme of this campaign: Launching A Legacy pays tribute to essential pillars of the Sturgeon Bay community: the performing arts, the iconic steel bridge, and Sturgeon Bay High School’s very own Robert H. Nickel and his passion for education.  A bridge connects distant places, just as the performing arts educate and connect diverse communities through shared experiences. Supporting the performing arts through the renovation of a creative community space helps maintain these connections, strengthening our community members through shared experiences.

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With your support, we aim to bring a refreshed, state-of-the-art, more accessible performance space to all within our community; creating a theater that will not only elevate the creative content of performances but also create an unforgettable experience for audience and performers alike.

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Please help us Launch a Legacy!