The Green Room

Wisconsin Union Theater performances don’t just happen by magic. (Though, they may feel magical.) Each one requires a team of talented individuals who dedicate their time and hard work to ensure that every step of the process runs smoothly, both on and beyond the stage. One of these skilled team members is Christina Majchrzak, who began in the role as director of ticketing in September 2022. 

Ever since Christina graduated from the University of Wisconsin–Madison in 2000 with a bachelor’s degree in philosophy, Christina has been immersed in the performing arts world. Prior to starting at the Wisconsin Union Theater, she served as head assistant manager for the Orpheum and Majestic Theatres; theater manager for Sundance Cinemas; and show manager for the popular Wisconsin Public Radio (WPR) quiz show “Whad’Ya Know.” As show manager, Christina coordinated the logistics of live shows, including the show’s final broadcast in 2016, which was recorded live from Memorial Union’s Shannon Hall!

Little did Christina know at the time that, just six years later, she would return to Memorial Union—this time as director of ticketing for the Wisconsin Union Theater.

Christina oversees all of Campus Arts Ticketing at the Theater, including the Memorial Union Box Office and ticketing operations. You can learn more about her in our conversation below.

What does a typical day look like in your role as director of ticketing?

Ha! In the performing arts world, unusual is the typical. My daily tasks usually include a lot of emails and meetings about ticketing for currently scheduled events, creating ticketing for new events, and planning with partners like the Mead Witter School of Music, UW–Madison’s Dance Department and the Wisconsin Film Festival. I also assist the student box office staff and oversee the box office on the night of an event.

What’s something that people might not know about the ins and outs of the ticketing process?

Theater staff are usually just as excited about the shows and performances as the attendees are! Also, the box office is always too small.

I understand that you previously worked for organizations such as The Orpheum and Majestic Theaters, Sundance Cinemas and WPR. How has your management and marketing experience helped you in your role as director of ticketing operations?

All of those roles centered around customer service and event logistics in an entertainment setting, which is the bulk of what I do now. I prefer to be behind the scenes, facilitating a wonderful experience for guests and performers.

When did you first know that you wanted to pursue a career in the performing arts?

One of my first jobs was at a movie theater in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. I started as an usher and quickly worked my way up to projectionist. Before starting a film, I would look down into the audience from the booth and see kids and adults looking up with excitement and anticipation. I was hooked by seeing the joy on their faces as I started the movie, and I knew that I wanted to continue bringing joy, wonder and entertainment to people in a behind-the-scenes role. We can always use more joy and wonder in the world, so lucky me!

I hear that you’re a former Badger! Do you have any advice for current UW–Madison students who want to get involved in the performing arts after graduation?

Take advantage of all the opportunities and experiences that you can while you’re here. You have so many great performances, discussions and workshops from across the globe available to you. These forms of art can help you see the bigger picture of the world we live in, and that perspective is invaluable.

What do you enjoy most about working at the Wisconsin Union Theater?

I love having a theater to call my home again, and the team here is phenomenal! I also enjoy the readily available ice cream…

What are your favorite things to do for fun around Madison in your free time?

I love watching movies, listening to live music (big surprise!), playing tabletop games, riding my bike, and going out for ice cream with my kids.

We want to thank Christina for taking the time to speak with us and for all that Christina does in the role of director of ticketing. Want to see Christina’s hard work come to life? Stay tuned to the Wisconsin Union Theater website here for season updates.