By Lynn Binnie
Whitewater Banner volunteer staff
whitewaterbanner@gmail.com

Since its opening in 1993, the Young Auditorium on the UW-Whitewater campus has been known locally and in surrounding communities as a “jewel” — an unusually large premier performing arts venue for a community of Whitewater’s size. The facility has 1300 seats and a 400 square foot stage, and is fully accessible. It hosted dozens of dance, music, theatre, comedy, and university events every year. The auditorium is fortunate to be in close proximity to Milwaukee and Madison, as oftentimes touring groups that are on the schedule at venues there have added a stop in Whitewater, usually with a more affordable ticket price. Guests also appreciate the convenient, free parking.

Since the start of the pandemic the Young has been largely dark, with a notable exception of the Holiday Gala on December 3, and until recently it had lost nearly all of its staff. That is in the process of changing, particularly with the appointment, effective December 5, of Jay Craggs as director. Jay’s twenty-five year tenure at UW-W has included serving as assistant director for facilities, University Center; technical director of Young Auditorium; and as a music and communication instructor. Craggs holds an M.A. in arts, entertainment and management from Columbia College and a B.M. in music education from UW-W. He’s had experience on both sides of the entertainment industry, as both a performing artist (electric guitar/vocals) and in booking events. In announcing Jay’s appointment, Eileen Hayes, dean of the College of Arts and Communication, said, “We look forward to benefiting from his depth of experience in the arts and entertainment industry as well as his business acumen as he joins the hardworking and dedicated staff of the Young Auditorium.”

The Young staff also includes longtime staff member Michael Morrissey, now serving as Event Manager; Brian Breezer, Marketing Specialist; Harley Faustrum, Stagehand; Heather Haywood, Office Manager; and Josh Werner, technical director.

Craggs told the Banner that he is excited for this new opportunity, and is already actively seeking bookings, hopefully even on late notice for the spring semester. Watch for further information in the near future.