Bartell Community Theatre

09/11/2026

Final rehearsal before load-in for Marjorie Prime.

A white lie. A faded memory. And something not quite…human.

Can a machine truly understand our memories?

09/06/2026

Coming to the Bartell in September and October! What’s exciting you the most?

Check our website for more upcoming events.

09/05/2026

Insights into the rehearsal process with director Steve Noll. Marjorie Prime cast got their scripts in June. Rehearsals are for 4-weeks, given experienced actors and a 90-minute script.

Week 1: read-thru and table work with extensive discussion on ethics/dangers of AI. Then a rough walk-thru.

Week 2: block the show, experiment with it, plus identifying symbolism and other details to add into the movement and the space.

Week 3: off-book runs while tightening up blocking and timing. Add more character moments and symbolism. Make sure blocking reflects meaning of the script including audience mis-directs to build suspense.

Week 4: clean up everything, add in tech elements like costumes, sound, and music.

Then load-in, tech rehearsals, and opening night on September 18.

What’s your rehearsal process?

09/03/2026

At this month’s Technical Committee meeting, Bartell Foundation President Stephanie Monday had the privilege of presenting the 9th Sarah Whelan Blake Award to Technical Committee Chair Jon Miner.

Jon has led the Tech Committee for almost 17 years, and has overseen the maintenance of the Bartell’s technical gear, processes, and people. He has shepherded generations of talent through their shows, and built on the foundation laid down by the original crew of volunteers over his many years of service.

If you want to learn about how to keep a theatre alive and humming, you can find Jon at the Bartell on the first Wednesday of the month, where he’ll tell you to have a seat and probably hand you a beer for your time.

09/02/2026

This October, see Sarah Ruhl’s beautiful re-translation of the story of mythology’s most ill-fated lovers in Madison Theatre Guild’s EURYDICE.

Tickets are on sale now at BartellTheatre.org. Reserve your seats today!

“We’ve known each other for centuries! I want to reminisce!”

There’s something beautiful about watching two humans truly connect. At the read-through of "Eurydice", actors Malika and Marc brought that connection to life in a way that reminded us why we tell stories in the first place.

Eurydice and Orpheus are so deeply in love that they refuse to let anything, not even death, keep them apart. Their story is one of connection, love, longing, and grief… and we can’t wait for you to experience it with us.

Come witness the magic for yourself. Get your tickets and join us for "Eurydice", Oct 2nd-17th.

Tickets available at https://www.madisontheatreguild.org

09/01/2026

We’re brewing up a series of movies for the week before Halloween including a Hitchcock classic, a demented sequel and the recent restoration of Re-Animator (playing Friday, October 30).

So whatever you do, don’t watch the trailer for it. Like we’re warning you, just don’t…. 😈

When medical student Dan Cain advertises for a roommate, he finds o...

08/31/2026

Would you use AI to help a loved one keep their memories? What if the AI didn't know fact from fiction. Marjorie's family has painful secrets, and now their AI is about to tear the truth apart.

Marjorie Prime. Running Sept 18-26. Tickets: https://bartelltheatre.org/2026/marjorie-prime/

The Bartell Theatre in Madison Wisconsin. Madison's home for live, local, theatre, and more!

08/27/2026

Seen at Act 2 of the Sarah Whelan Blake memorial.