OUR STORY

Attic Theatre began with a spark of inspiration in the summer of 1950, when Zoe Cloak—a Northwestern University graduate with a master’s degree in speech and drama—set out to create a space where local talent could shine. She believed deeply in the creative spirit of the Appleton community and advertised for a new, yet unnamed, summer theater troupe. The only problem? Finding a place to perform.

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The answer, fittingly, came from above. The Cloak family opened their attic on North Union Street to host the first acting classes and rehearsals. It was there—among conversations, laughter, and dreams taking shape—that the name “Attic Theatre” was born. As the story goes, the group debated names while lying on the floor of the attic, when someone casually suggested “Attic.” At the same time, Zoe had been reading a book titled "The Attic Theatre," a reference to ancient Greek theatre in Attica. She described the name as “ambitiously but amusingly appropriate”—and it stuck.

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From those humble beginnings, Attic Theatre has grown into the longest-running community theatre in the Fox Valley. In our early years, Attic performed in a variety of locations—school gymnasiums, church basements, and anywhere a stage could be found. A significant turning point came when Attic formed a long-standing partnership with Lawrence University, performing summer productions at the Music-Drama Center and taking full advantage of the vibrant academic setting.

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In more recent years, Attic Theatre found a home in the beautiful Communication Arts Center at the UW Oshkosh–Fox Cities Campus. This state-of-the-art venue allowed Attic to expand its artistic range and connect with wider audiences. Sadly, this chapter came to a close as the UWO-Fox Cities campus prepared to shut its doors in June 2025.

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Yet, as always, Attic Theatre is adapting with creativity and community at its core. In celebration of the 75th season, Attic Theatre is excited to launch new partnerships with local businesses across the Fox Valley, bringing theatre into fresh spaces and continuing our mission to provide meaningful and accessible performances for all.

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For 75 years and counting, Attic has been telling stories, nurturing talent, and building community—one show at a time.