Evergreen Theater Will Host Benefit for Willow Besaw
The Green Bay performance on October 4, 2026, aims to support the local teen following her cancer diagnosis.
Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Children’s Theater
Evergreen Theater will hold a benefit performance for 14-year-old actor Willow Besaw on October 4, 2026. The event serves to support Besaw and her family after doctors discovered a spinal cord tumor in October 2025.
Why it matters
The theater community is uniting to provide financial and moral support for a young actor following a serious health challenge. Organizers hope to rally the community to aid the family during a difficult recovery process.
The benefit event will showcase 80 young actors ranging from kindergarten to 9th grade on the University Theater stage. Organizers are targeting full capacity for the 450-seat venue at the UWGB campus.
The players
Willow Besaw
Willow Besaw is a 14-year-old local actor who was diagnosed with a spinal cord tumor in 2025.
Evergreen Theater
Evergreen Theater is a community performance group in Green Bay that focuses on youth theater productions.
The details
The performance features 80 students ranging from kindergarten through 9th grade who are coming together to support their peer. Attendees are encouraged to provide donations in lieu of set ticket prices to assist the Besaw family.
Timeline
Doctors identified a spinal cord tumor in Willow Besaw in October 2025.
Willow performed during the opening night of The Lion King Jr. in mid-August 2026.
The benefit performance is set for October 4, 2026, at 5 p.m.
Industry Dynamics
This event follows the established pattern of local theater organizations utilizing communal performances to mobilize support for members in need. It reflects a wider cultural trend where performance troupes function as essential social support networks within their local communities.
The public can attend the performance by providing a donation instead of paying a traditional ticket price. The event is scheduled to take place at the University Theater on the UWGB campus.
The takeaway
Community members looking to assist should arrive early to ensure seating in the 450-seat venue. The event serves as a reminder of how youth arts organizations can effectively leverage their platforms for local social support.
Further reading
For more information on local arts events, visit the Children’s Theater section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WLUK.
