The UW Marathon County, Center for Civic Engagement is the physical embodiment of the “Wisconsin Idea” – a political philosophy which holds that research conducted at the University of Wisconsin System should be applied to solve problems, improve quality of life, and promote dialogue and civic participation for all citizens of the state. The new 2-story, 38,910 SF facility houses The Wisconsin Institute for Public Policy and Service, Wisconsin Public Radio, continuing education and outreach, and the UWMC Theatre Program, a full featured theatrical facility for the Performing Arts.  Advanced technology in the 365 seat theater permits a wide range of production possibilities, including full fly rigging system, dimmers and “intelligent” lights, high definition video projectors, three fixed video cameras for recording and broadcasting, and a new digital soundboard.  Moving beyond the basic lecture presentation classroom model to a convergence of audio visual and information technologies, the small experimental Black Box theater classroom is a flexible performance space with moveable seating risers and is equipped with state-of-the-art lighting and audio equipment.