Northern Sky Theater is a non-profit (501c3) professional theater company. Northern Sky’s mission is to create, develop, and present professional musical and dramatic productions which will further the knowledge and appreciation of the culture and heritage of the United States. We create all original musical shows. Everything you see on our stage has been created specifically for Northern Sky audiences. Shows are performed here before being seen anywhere else.
The story begins with a group called “The Heritage Ensemble.” Dave Peterson, a professor at the University of Wisconsin – Madison, created this group after discovering a pine-rimmed theater while camping at Peninsula State Park. Feeling the magic in this wooded setting, he assembled a group of singers and musicians to perform on the stage. The Heritage Ensemble would go on to perform on the Peninsula State Park stage for the next 20 years. During these 20 years, the troupe produced and per formed original concerts and reviews covering many aspects of Midwester folklore.
In 1990, long time members of The Heritage Ensemble morphed into American Folklore Theatre when it separated from the university. Over 25 years, AFT evolved from a story-telling concert-centric ensemble to a full-fledged theater organization. Our focus is on the creation and presentation of original full-book musicals appropriate for folks of any age.
In 2015, the name was changed to Northern Sky Theater to reflect the broader scope of the company. Northern Sky continues to provide heartwarming original musicals to delight folks of every age to tens of thousands each summer and fall.
Absolutely. Many of our performers are members of the Actors Equity Association (AEA). AEA is a labor union that represents over 45,000 actors and stage managers working across the United States. Northern Sky conducts professional auditions in New York, Chicago, Minneapolis and Wisconsin. Many company members now perform regularly on and off-Broadway and at major regional theaters throughout the country.
During our summer season, we perform outdoors on Northern Sky’s stage at Peninsula State Park in Fish Creek, WI. The amphitheater is not covered – we perform under a canopy of stars. Seating at the amphitheater consists of sturdy wooden benches with backs, and seat cushions are available for rental. During the fall season, Northern Sky heads indoors to perform at its new Creative Center Gould Theater on the corners of County Roads A & F in Fish Creek.
It is not necessary to have a State Park sticker to enter the park to see a Northern Sky summer performance. However, this exemption is applicable only up to one hour prior to performances. If you plan to spend extra time in the park prior to showtime, day park passes cost around $8 for WI state residents and $11 for non-residents.
Located in Peninsula State Park, there are two entrances – the Fish Creek entrance and the Ephraim entrance. There will be many signs directing you to the amphitheater from both entrances. The parking lot for the amphitheater is actually the overflow parking lot for Nicolet Beach. Once you are parked in the lot, it’s only about a three or four minute walk to the amphitheater. Driving Directions…
Summer Amphitheater Location
Handicapped parking and seating is available. Handicapped signs at the amphitheater entrance indicate designated parking areas. To reserve a backstage handicapped parking spot, please contact the Northern Sky office during business hours prior to the show to reserve space.
Northern Sky also provides golf cart shuttle transportation from the parking lot to the amphitheater for our patrons who have difficulty walking the distance. Service is available starting 45 minutes prior to showtime, up to 10 minutes prior to showtime. Please meet at the park bench next to the parking lot steps.
Sound enhancement devices are available at the Merchandise Stand to assist hearing impaired individuals. They can be checked out by leaving your driver’s license with staff.
Fall & Winter Indoor Locations
The New Creative Center Gould Theater entrance is on County Road A in Fish Creek. The theater is a state of the art comfortable and climate-controlled environment. Handicapped parking and seating is available. Handicapped signs at main entrance near the auditorium indicate designated parking areas. Accessible for wheelchairs.