The Experience Venue
Our Mission
Our nonprofit’s mission is to connect people through entertainment, social and educational experiences. Our vision is to be a world-class historic, yet modern, experience venue providing a vital creative space for and with our community. The Bend is operated by a 501c3 organization – so we happily accept donations to fulfill our mission and vision. Contact us today for opportunities to support the creative arts in our community.
Frequently Asked Questions
We have a full liquor license and we know how to use it. That said, we’re keeping things simple. Cash is accepted but credit is preferred. Tipping is highly encouraged as taking care of 300+ thirsty concertgoers is no easy job.
We have one main bar area on the main floor (opposite the bathrooms we mentioned under “Coat Check”) and on busy nights we will convert the movie concession area to a limited service bar. Those on the second floor (most of you) will be treated to an ingenious and efficient beverage station in the second floor historic lobby. Bubblers (we’re very proud of our Wisconsin heritage) are located opposite the bar by the restrooms. Stay hydrated.
If something spills, please alert an usher. Unruly guests will be escorted from the premises and not be allowed to return—ever.
Beer
Draft: We have four draft lines and two sizes of beer. These lines are dedicated to craft offerings—you’re likely to find Spotted Cow, something hoppy, something seasonal, and something weird.
Cans: We’re serving up tall boys (16 ounces of liquid joy). Please drink responsibly.
Wine
By the “glass”: We have a selection of house wines by the glass (no actual glass during concerts) at the main bar.
By the bottle: We’re working on a bottle program for those who like something a little nicer. Ask your bartender at the show and you’ll get a little nicer “glass.” Cheers.
Other
Soft drinks: Coke products.
Hard seltzer: For sure.
N/A beer: You bet.
Coffee: If we remember.
Special requests: Let us know.
To connect on social: #TheBend
To support our cause: info@historicwestbendtheatre.org
To get involved: volunteer@thebendwi.org
HIstory of the Bend
The Historic West Bend Theatre, Inc. (HWBT, 501(c)3), otherwise known as The Bend, is an experience venue in Downtown West Bend, WI. Our purpose is restoring the West Bend Theatre, located at 125 Main Street, West Bend, Wisconsin, to a safe and functional historic building for use by both public and private entities, and to create opportunities within that space to benefit the greater Washington County area in the form of education, entertainment, and the arts. Specifically, our organization will procure and promote opportunities for arts education designed to facilitate cultural awareness and build creative self-confidence for all who enjoy our venue, to present a broad and diverse array of performing and visual arts, and to act as a gathering place for and with the community around us.
Get Involved Through Volunteer Opportunities
The Bend exists because of community support from people like you! One of the easiest ways to support our nonprofit is by volunteering. If you have never volunteered at The Bend before, you’ll need to sign up for an orientation before your first shift. If you’ve completed orientation check out our upcoming volunteer needs. Thank you!
Management & Staff
Leona Knobloch
Shaun Tanner
Megan Cox
Joe Polizzi
Jim Dietz
Hannah Fitch
Bill Buettner
Board of Directors
Nic Novaczyk
Kine Torinus
John Torinus, Jr.
Pat O'Connor
Leona Knobloch
Barry Bertram
Erin Burgess
Bob Devenport
Dan Dineen
Rick Fox
Kathleen Menter
Teri Milligan
Brooke Novaczyk
John Sancomb
Jay Tamez
Joe Zaremba
Shawn Graff
Tonnie Schmidt
Sharon Ziegler
Chris Wenzel
Thank You to Our Sponsors
