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!
We are thrilled to report that two departments within the Wisconsin Union have received grants to support upcoming programming that enriches Madison’s larger community. The Evjue Foundation has awarded a grant to the Wisconsin Union Theater (WUT) to present the Black Arts Matter Festival, which will take place Nov. 8–12. Another grant from the Evjue Foundation will help support free art-making programs put on each summer by Wheelhouse Studios.
By Erika Stevens
“Musicians of outstanding ability are such an important part of our culture. But they are like flowers that must bloom at a particular time. They have to be helped at the right moments.”
-Avery Fisher
2023 Avery Fisher Career Grant Awardees
The mission of the Wisconsin Union Theater (WUT) is to present, promote, and cultivate a lifelong appreciation of the performing arts among University of Wisconsin–Madison students. Part of what drives this commitment is creating real connections between the students and the high-caliber artists, who perform during our season. One of the most engaging opportunities the theater provides is through studio classes.
One of the best things about the performing arts is that no two performances are alike. The Wisconsin Union Theater’s (WUT’s) 2022-23 season provided members and guests with 16 unique opportunities to experience many groups and genres. As we look forward to a plethora of new season events, we invite you to take a trip down memory lane with these facts about some of your favorite performers and performances.
By Madeleine Carr
Photo by Andy Manis
Can’t wait until the fall to hear from the incredible artists of the 2023-2024 Wisconsin Union Theater season? You don’t have to!
We’ve created some playlists so that you can listen to medleys of our Jazz Series crooners, Classical Series maestros, and world music virtuosos while you count down the days until the next performance on your calendar.
As patrons of the Wisconsin Union Theater (WUT), we hope the performing arts have been an outlet for you to find joy, connect with others and tap into your creative energy. We are grateful for your attendance at our performing art events. Even if you're not the one performing on stage, you play a vital role in WUT’s mission to present, promote, and cultivate a lifelong appreciation of the performing arts, especially among University of Wisconsin–Madison students.
By Amanda Stezenski
The University of Wisconsin–Madison Symphony Orchestra (UWSO) has rehearsed all semester long in preparation for April 4, when it shares the stage with Anthony McGill, principal clarinetist of the New York Philharmonic, as part of the Wisconsin Union Theater’s 2023-24 season.
By Abby Synnes
On a September evening in 2017, two years before skyrocketing to stardom with her chart-topping hit “Truth Hurts,” rapper and singer Lizzo performed for an energetic crowd of University of Wisconsin–Madison students and community members in Memorial Union’s Shannon Hall. Fast forward to this year’s 65th Annual GRAMMY Awards, when Lizzo won the coveted award for Record of the Year and received nominations in four other categories.
