The Green Room

By Madeleine Carr

Photo by Andy Manis

Did you know that some of the planning minds behind each Wisconsin Union Theater show belong to students? 

That’s right! Each Theater performance is planned, prepped, and promoted by the talented student leaders of the Wisconsin Union Directorate (WUD) Performing Arts Committee (PAC). 

This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity brings together students of all majors under their shared passion for performing arts and desire to create artistic experiences that truly touch Madison-based audiences – and even redefine genres.

“Wisconsin Union Theater is on the pulse of artists who are reinventing tradition, innovating new sounds, new narratives, and ways of moving an audience,” says Azura Tyabji, associate director of programming for WUD PAC. “It’s remarkable the kind of diversity the Theater has brought over the years, actively working to bring artists of marginalized identities to the stages they deserve, and showcasing a diversity of genres, from classical to soul to spoken word.”

With advising and assistance from Theater staff, WUD PAC student leaders have the reins in planning the season, building up their resume skills and making new friends in the process. Committee members don’t have to be planning on a career in the arts – or even be an arts major – just as long as they have a love for performing arts! 

“WUD PAC helped me unapologetically embrace my desire to work in arts administration,” Azura says. “Carving out a career in the arts feels limitless at best and impossible at worst. But WUD PAC has put students at the helm of booking and professional development opportunities where now I can see my passions as possible.”

The extensive process behind bringing an artist to the Theater means that students are often planning a year in advance to make artistic magic happen, introducing Madison audiences to new styles alongside beloved icons.

“We look for both established and up-and-coming artists alike, and we love betting on artists who we think will blow up in the next year – such as GRAMMY winner Samara Joy – and book them ahead of the curve,” Azura says. “We also try to plan educational experiences students can have with the artists.”  

Whether planning beloved events – like Jazz Fest, Concert Series, and Jazz Series – or enrapturing performances featuring arts avenues like experimental theater and poetry, WUD PAC plays an integral role in each step.

While Azura’s love of performing arts may have begun with rap, R&B, and spoken word, the poet and First Wave Hip Hop & Urban Arts Learning Community scholar found an interest in jazz upon joining WUD PAC. One of her most anticipated performances of the season was that of Immanuel Wilkins, who has collaborated with Azura’s personal icon, Solange Knowles, and whose album “The 7th Hand” she describes as “home and heaven at the same time.”

“How jazz musicians imbue a saxophone, piano, clarinet, etc with so much personality and emotion without ever needing lyrics is a feat to behold,” Azura says. “Imani Winds made me cry – I’m so serious!”

One of the biggest pieces of knowledge Azura has gained from her time with WUD PAC has been familiarizing herself with the thought process behind booking an artist, what the committee and advisors call “the aesthetic contract.” 

“Whenever you program an event, ask yourself: how can I present the best possible art form, with the best possible audience, in the best possible circumstance?” she explains. “Each show WUD PAC presents is the result of our aesthetic contract and dozens of people’s hard work to actualize it. I didn’t fully know what to expect with joining WUD PAC, but through my role I was empowered to consider which artists to book, which audiences they would speak to, and the best possible venue and collaboration they could flourish in.”

It can be a long process attaining an artist for a Theater performance, but the satisfaction of everything being confirmed and falling into place makes it all worth it, Azura says.

It’s rare in the performing arts sphere that students have the chance – even after graduation – to make large-scale decisions regarding performance series and event planning, but that unique skillbuilding opportunity is a fundamental element of the WUD committee experience. Students’ influence enhances the experience of Theater shows, bringing nuanced artists to the stage – often right before they become household names – and changing the shape of the Madison arts scene.

Learn more about the Wisconsin Union Directorate Performing Arts Committee, visit union.wisc.edu/get-involved/wud/performing-arts/.

Visit the Wisconsin Union Theater website throughout the year to stay up-to-date on Theater events.