The green room. Every venue in show business has one. It's a place for performers to relax before, during and after a show and the energy varies, depending on which artist walks through the door: Excited, nervous, calm. We welcome you to join us and take a look at what goes on behind the scenes look at the theater. Welcome to the green room!
By Charlie Pingel
Taiko drumming is an ancient art form approximately 1,600 years old, and it remains one of the most prominent cultural traditions in Japan. Passed down through generations, the raw energy and power of Taiko performances have captivated audiences across the globe.
In our evolving, ever-changing world, one constant is advocating for societal change. This includes posting on social media, speaking at an event, calling your local congressman and talking to your extended family during the holidays. Ensuring your voice is heard comes in many forms, but especially in the arts.
We are thrilled to announce that the iconic Brooklyn-based hip-hop duo, Smif-N-Wessun, will perform at the Play Circle on Thursday, Feb. 13! Known for its groundbreaking beats and lyrical prowess, Smif-N-Wessun has been a staple in the hip-hop community since the release of its iconic album, “Dah Shinin’.” This performance is part of the Wisconsin Union’s Black Box Sessions, bringing the best of early-aughts hip-hop to Madison.
“You must imagine it to manifest it.” – André De Shields
University of Wisconsin–Madison undergraduates can now apply for the Wisconsin Union Theater’s (WUT’s) André De Shields Fund grants to realize their artistic visions aimed at inspiring social change.
The 2024-25 Wisconsin Union Theater season brings talent from across the world this spring semester, presenting Madison with extraordinary performances through May. A combination of Grammy Award-winning and nominated artists, including Gil Shaham, Roomful of Teeth and Branford Marsalis Quartet, to name a few, are coming for one-day-only performances. You do not want to miss this accomplished lineup!
PUBLIQuartet is an innovative string quartet on a mission to reimagine classical music through a multicultural and genre-blending lens. Applauded for their ability to blur the lines between classical, jazz, and contemporary music, the ensemble—Curtis Stewart (violin), Jannina Norpoth (violin), Nick Revel (viola), and Hamilton Berry (cello)—has garnered critical acclaim, including two GRAMMY nominations.
By Charlie Pingel
Since 1939, the Wisconsin Union Theater seasons have showcased a multitude of genres and artistic mediums, from classical music and dance to theater and jazz. This year, we are thrilled to bring the vibrant and dynamic styles of Hip Hop to the theater for the 2024-25 Season with our new series, the Black Box Sessions.
As the air grows crisp and shadows lengthen, it’s time to embrace the spirit of spooky season! 🎃This month on Thursday, Oct.17, join us at Shannon Hall for a night of thrilling artistry as Manual Cinema presents its captivating adaptation of Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein.”
The Wisconsin Union Theater’s Shannon Hall is steeped in history and mystery, with stories of ghostly encounters adding a spooky element to its legacy. One of the most well-known traditions in theater is the use of a "ghost light," a single bulb left burning on stage when a theater is unoccupied. According to lore, the light serves two purposes: practically, to make it easy for theater workers to navigate the space, but also to ward off mischievous spirits.
By Charlie Pingel
Aug. 2, 2024, would have marked legendary writer and activist James Baldwin’s 100th birthday. In celebrating his legacy, 12-time Grammy-nominee Meshell Ndegeocello has crafted a powerful tribute through her 14th studio album and latest release, “No More Water: The Gospel of James Baldwin.” On Sept. 28, she will bring this deeply personal and resonant work to life on stage at Shannon Hall.
