Madison's Performing Arts Scene

Written by Zhiyun ZhaoPhotography by Noah Laroia-Nguyen There are tons of opportunities on campus for students to showcase their talents, or to appreciate their peers' creative work. So if you are a student who is looking for opportunities to participate in or enjoy a production, I hope this guide will help you get started:TheatreUW-Madison's Department of Theatre and Drama puts on 4-5 shows each year at Hemsley Theatre and Mitchell Theatre, both of which are located at Vilas Communication Hall. Besides these University Theatre shows, theatre-related student organizations such as the Undergraduate Theatre Association and Intermission Theatre also use this space to host theatrical events. There are also groups like tThe Understudies Improv and Iceberg Improv that put on improv shows regularly.Wisconsin Union Theatre not only hosts the performances of renowned artists, but it also offers creative opportunities for students. My favorite event at Wisconsin Union Theatre is the Marcia Légère Student Play Festival, which presents several student-written plays at Play Circle each spring. These plays are also produced, directed, and performed by students. Music The Humanities Building houses three halls where music students hold concerts and events. You can find more information about these events at www.music.wisc.edu/events/. On this website,  you can find shows by University Opera, which usually presents two operas each year along with other opera-related events. If you’re an  acappella fan, you won't want to miss the shows by groups such as Fundamentally Sound, Jewop, MadHatters, Pitches and Note, Redefined, and Tangled Up in Blue.DanceInterested in dance shows? UW-Madison’s Dance Department offers multiple faculty or student concerts each year. There are also a variety of dance groups on campus that allow students of different dancing experience to participate. Be sure to check out their websites or Facebook pages for the latest events!