Theatre and Drama Programs

Internationally recognized for our theatre conferences, workshops, and publications, we serve theatre and drama professionals as well as the general public. Our performance and international study programs annually reach thousands of people with enriching theatre experiences. Contact us by calling 608-263-2790 or by e-mail

Mailing List: Join the mailing list for the theatre programs that interest you most!

Theatre programs include:

Madison Area Classes -Theatre classes are back! Acting, scene design, improv and more! These classes are often held in the evenings and weekends and are open to enthusiasts with all levels of experience. Class descriptions and online registration is found in the UW-Madison Continuing Studies catalog.

NEW I wanna be a producer (March 24, 2012)
NEW The play's the thing: Love Stories (Mondays, March 26-April 2, 2012)
Wisconsin Wrights: playingwriting intensive (Thursday-Sunday, May 31-June 3, 2012)

Drama Institute - Educators and theatre professionals study different aspects of the theatre and education in these annual summer workshop intensives. In the past these have included Directing, Improvisation, Costuming, Shakespeare, Technical Theatre, and more! Each workshop meets for one week in Madison, Wisconsin. Graduate level credits optional, CEUs available.
WI High School Theatre Festival - Held each November, this three-day event for high school students and their directors includes theatre-related workshops plus live performances. Produced cooperatively by UW-Madison Department of Liberal Studies and the Arts, the Wisconsin High School Forensic Association and the Alliance for Wisconsin Theatre Education. Check our website for further information for theatre advisors, participants, workshop leaders, and exhibitors.
The Wisconsin Wrights New Play Project was created to foster the development of new works by Wisconsin playwrights. Held annually, this endeavor awards three individual playwright residencies as well as a weekend of readings.
Wisconsin Theatre Auditions and Technical Interviews -Held each February in Madison, Wisconsin, the auditions offer an opportunity for actors, technicians, dancers and management personnel to audition and interview with upper Midwest theatre producers. An opportunity to upgrade your audition skills is also available through workshops taught by theatre producers.
National Community Theatre Directors Conference - Issues confronting professionals in the field are the focus of this biennial conference. Theatre administrators from around the country come to Madison, Wisconsin for 2.5 days in November where, with the help of facilitators, they discuss their concerns and share resources.
Educational Travel - Annual educational travel tours to performing arts festivals in the USA and Canada.

Also of interest

Educational travel - For over 30 years, enthusiasts of the performing arts have traveled with us throughout the U.S. and Canada. These escorted tours include tickets to performances, lectures with theatre professionals, and educational materials as well as air, transportation and hotel arrangements.

Wisconsin Union Theater

UW-Madison Department of Theatre and Drama

University Theatre

Playwrights Ink

Contact information

Sarah Marty, 608-263-2790, or email smarty@dcs.wisc.edu.