Fox Cities Performing Arts Center Ranked Among World's Top Theaters

Appleton venue earns global recognition for ticket sales and gross revenue.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 6:07pm

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The Fox Cities Performing Arts Center in Appleton, Wisconsin has been recognized as one of the top performing arts venues in the world, ranking 43rd globally for worldwide gross sales and 47th for total ticket sales according to data released by Pollstar. The PAC's president and CEO, Maria Van Laanen, said this is a significant industry commendation that places the regional theater among some of the most elite venues globally.

Why it matters

This recognition highlights the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center's status as a world-class destination for live entertainment, drawing performers and audiences from around the globe to the Appleton area. It also underscores the vibrant arts and culture scene in the Fox Valley region, which has fostered strong community engagement and appreciation for the performing arts.

The details

The performance data was collected from November 2024 to November 2025, with the Fox Cities PAC ranking 43rd worldwide for gross sales and 47th for total ticket sales out of the top 200 performing arts institutions. PAC president Maria Van Laanen said this places the Appleton venue alongside major metropolitan theaters in cities like London, New York, and Sydney.

  • The performance data was collected from November 2024 to November 2025.
  • The Fox Cities PAC rankings were recently released in early 2026.

The players

Fox Cities Performing Arts Center

A regional performing arts venue located in Appleton, Wisconsin that hosts a variety of live entertainment, from concerts and plays to musicals and comedy shows.

Maria Van Laanen

The president and CEO of the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center, who commented on the venue's global recognition and its significance for the local arts and culture scene.

Pollstar

A leading industry publication that tracks and reports on data related to the live entertainment and performing arts sectors worldwide.

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What they’re saying

“For the Fox Cities to be in the top 50 in both of those lists, of all the venues in the world, is quite an accomplishment.”

— Maria Van Laanen, President and CEO, Fox Cities Performing Arts Center

“Those of us who live here know this: We've got something really special here in the Fox Cities. People love to engage with each other. They really enjoy those live experiences, and they absolutely have an appreciation for the arts.”

— Maria Van Laanen, President and CEO, Fox Cities Performing Arts Center

What’s next

The Fox Cities Performing Arts Center plans to continue expanding its programming and community engagement efforts to build on this global recognition and cement its status as a world-class performing arts destination.

The takeaway

The Fox Cities Performing Arts Center's ranking among the top performing arts venues worldwide is a testament to the vibrant arts and culture scene in the Appleton region, which has fostered strong community support and appreciation for live entertainment. This recognition highlights the PAC's ability to attract top talent and audiences from around the globe, solidifying its reputation as a premier regional arts institution.