Stiemke Studio
The Stiemke Studio is located on the ground floor of the Associated Bank River Center Rotunda in the northwest corner near the gold escalators. Typically seating just over 200, patrons may be seated in sections with various configurations including thrust, in the round or traditional banks of raked seating. The Stiemke Studio black box is a blank canvas for designers; everything in this space can be changed to suit the director’s concept for the show and no two shows in this space are alike.
The outer lobby of the Stiemke Studio, where one first enters, includes a Guest Services Desk where you can check out assistive listening devices, check your coat or pick up a large print program. The lobby includes seating, standing cocktail tables, and bar offering drinks and concessions.
History Of The Stiemke Studio Name
Olive and Walter Stiemke had a passion to improve their community. Walter worked as an engineer and industrialist and served as the driving force behind three successful engineering companies. His philanthropic interests and excitement for civic and charitable giving led him to create a private foundation. When Walter died at the age of 74 in 1967, Olive succeeded him as chairman of the Walter and Olive Stiemke Foundation until her death in 1982. In 1985 the Foundation gave a gift to name the black box theater the Stiemke Studio in honor of Olive and Walter.