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Wisconsin Union Theater Madison Concert Venue Where Tradition Meets the Unexpected

🎻Classical, Jazz, International Music Welcome to the Wisconsin Union Theater page!

This is Madison’s historic hall, located on Lake Mendota right next to the Memorial Union’s famed Terrace. The greats have been playing and speaking here since 1939. In the 21st Century, the Wisconsin Union Theater continues to flourish with ideas and programs, energy and vision. We are proud to support Madison's performing arts scene with some of the best artists in jazz, classical music, dance, theater, and more. Our vision becomes a reality hundreds of times each year, when the theater is reserved for use or its doors open to a lively and inquiring audience. Over and over the mission of the theater is validated by applause as an artist is celebrated, or by a significant silence as an important idea is considered or a profound experience felt. The Union Theater remains warm, lively and inviting, while the magic of great performances and the ferment of ideas continue to fill it.

10/19/2026

Looking for a little spooky-season magic?‍🎃 Join us for Manual Cinema’s "Frankenstein" on Friday, October 23 at Shannon Hall!

Mary Shelley’s classic comes to life through shadow puppetry, live music and more. Orchestra seats are already limited, so gather your fellow Halloween lovers and experience this one-of-a-kind theatrical performance.

🎟️ Get your tickets at bit.ly/4yQwiSG

Set in Southern California in the early 1960s, UW-Madison University Opera’s "La Cenerentola" brings Rossini’s humorous,...
10/16/2026

Set in Southern California in the early 1960s, UW-Madison University Opera’s "La Cenerentola" brings Rossini’s humorous, enchanting take on the classic fairy tale Cinderella to life with surfer style, bouffant hairdos, and incredible talent.

Experience the family-friendly opera at Shannon Hall on November 6, 8, and 10. Get your tickets today at https://bit.ly/3TEIBlz

🎭 Shadow puppetry, handmade puppets, live actors, cameras, projections and live music come together to bring Manual Cine...
10/14/2026

🎭 Shadow puppetry, handmade puppets, live actors, cameras, projections and live music come together to bring Manual Cinema’s “Frankenstein” to life. Watch Mary Shelley’s classic story unfold through a one-of-a-kind blend of theater and filmmaking, created in real time right before your eyes! Enjoy the show on Friday, October 23 at Shannon Hall! Get tickets at bit.ly/4yQwiSG

Following the performance, you're invited to attend "puppet time," where you can meet the performers and get a closer look at how they create such a unique experience.

LIMITED TICKETS REMAINING: Take an hour to slow down with Somi at the first ArtsRx UW Well-Being Concert on Tuesday, Oct...
10/12/2026

LIMITED TICKETS REMAINING: Take an hour to slow down with Somi at the first ArtsRx UW Well-Being Concert on Tuesday, October 13 at 5:30 PM! Combining live music with guided mindfulness and relaxation, this free concert is designed to support your self-care.

Following the concert, we invite you to enjoy a free student pasta dinner hosted in Great Hall by the Wisconsin Union Directorate (WUD). Learn more at bit.ly/4hVQevP

*UW–Madison student-only event. Admission is free, but tickets are required for entry at bit.ly/4yKX8uv

More than 200 years after Mary Shelley first published "Frankenstein," the story continues to be reimagined for new gene...
10/10/2026

More than 200 years after Mary Shelley first published "Frankenstein," the story continues to be reimagined for new generations. Manual Cinema puts its own spin on the classic, connecting Shelley’s real life with the story of Victor Frankenstein and his creation.

📰 The Green Room Blog explores why "Frankenstein" has remained relevant for centuries and how Manual Cinema is bringing the story to life in an entirely new way. Read the full story at bit.ly/4ehmybm

Then, see Manual Cinema’s "Frankenstein" at Shannon Hall on Friday, October 23 at 7:30 PM. Learn more at bit.ly/4yQwiSG

LAST CHANCE! After taking the stage at Lollapalooza in 2025, bLAck pARty brings his smooth, signature neo-soul sound to ...
10/07/2026

LAST CHANCE! After taking the stage at Lollapalooza in 2025, bLAck pARty brings his smooth, signature neo-soul sound to the Play Circle on Thursday, October 15.

Student tickets are only $10! Get yours today at bit.ly/4Az1eYG

bLAck pARty's new album ‘The Last Dance’ out now - Listen here: htt...

There’s something special about experiencing Raveena’s music live. ✨ Hear her shimmering blend of neo-soul, R&B and pop ...
10/07/2026

There’s something special about experiencing Raveena’s music live. ✨ Hear her shimmering blend of neo-soul, R&B and pop at the Wisconsin Union Theater on October 16. 🎟️ Get your tickets at bit.ly/46wBMFi

Plus, join us before the concert for a free Interdisciplinary Arts Community Session (IACS) featuring a guided meditation and conversation with Raveena (6-7 PM in the Play Circle).

The first woman of Indian heritage to perform solo at Coachella, Raveena creates her own brand of “blissed-out” (Pitchfork) neo-soul.

10/05/2026

We want to help bring your creative vision to life! Applications are officially open for the next round of André De Shields Fund grants.

UW–Madison undergraduate students can apply for funding and mentorship to support original artistic works that inspire transformation. Learn more and apply by February 1, 2027, at bit.ly/3Mj3rCN

Want to support the next generation of student artists? You can contribute to the André De Shields Fund at bit.ly/47zxj52

André De Shields - artist page

10/04/2026

Support the next generation of performing artists through the André De Shields Fund! Your donation helps provide UW–Madison undergraduate students with funding and mentorship to develop, produce and perform original work that aims to inspire social change. Donate to the André De Shields Fund today at https://bit.ly/47zxj52

You can also support the André De Shields - artist page Fund by purchasing tickets to "THE POISONER" in the Play Circle, October 8-10 at https://bit.ly/4xf0i8G. All proceeds from ticket sales will benefit the Fund.

Don't Miss: Each night of "THE POISONER" features a different opportunity to go beyond the performance and connect more ...
10/03/2026

Don't Miss: Each night of "THE POISONER" features a different opportunity to go beyond the performance and connect more deeply with the artists, the creative process, and the set:

• Thursday, Oct. 8 | Talkback: The Role of Independent and Investigative Journalism

• Friday, Oct. 9 | Talkback: Celebrating the André de Shields Fund

• Saturday, Oct. 10 | The Poisoner Touch Tour (Advance reservations are required by emailing [email protected] by 5 PM on October 9.)

Learn more about each event and purchase your tickets to the play at bit.ly/4xf0i8G

"THE POISONER" runs October 8–10 in the Play Circle.
Note: These special events are only open to ticket holders.

Inspired by the Flint, Michigan, water crisis, the neo-noir play "The Poisoner" raises universal questions about local politics, public trust, and community safety.

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800 Langdon Street
Madison, WI
53706

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