Because of the strong support of community members like you, the lights are turning back on, the curtains are being raised and the doors will be open for the MKE Performing Arts Homecoming Celebration, a jubilant return to the spotlight after a long, difficult year. Revel in 11 days of free performances, workshops, tours and much more from United Performing Arts Fund (UPAF) Performing Arts Members, Affiliates and Partners!
All Day
Danceworks, Inc.
This event is fully virtual and free. Patrons will be able to view the performance for the duration of the entire homecoming week (Sept. 24-Oct. 4).
Danceworks invites the Milwaukee arts community to join us as we reunite with rhythm! DanceLAB: Rhythmworks, directed by Danceworks’ new Artistic Director Christal Wagner, originally premiered in-person on August 7, 2021 at Danceworks Studio Theatre. If you weren’t able to join us in-person, you can now see the full length performance *VIRTUALLY* in honor of the MKE Arts Homecoming Celebration.
Times Vary By Date
Next Act Theatre
THREE VIEWINGS: A Midwestern funeral parlor is the setting for three darkly funny and touching stories. Reserve your complimentary seats for performances between Sept 24 – Oct 3. Directions: Select your date, click Reserve Tickets, enter the promo COMEBACK and choose the starred seats on the map, while supplies last.
5:30pm–7:30pm
Sharon Lynne Wilson Center for the Arts
The Wilson Center and Guitars for Vets invites you to a gallery reception of our exhibit, Operation Art Strings. Local artists have taken guitars and transformed them into works of art. Reception will include live music provided by Guitars for Vets as well as light refreshments.
10:00am–5:00pm
10:00am & 11:00am
(2) Performances: 10:00 AM & 11:30 AM
First Stage
Audiences ages 3-7 and their families will bring the well-loved story of The Three Little Pigs to life through storytelling, songs, dances, and tactile experiences in this 40-minute presentation.
(2) Workshops: 1:00 PM & 2:00 PM
First Stage
Students in grades 3-12 can participate in a 25-minute theater workshop introducing them to Acting Theory, Improvisation, and Musical Theater. A script and music from a well-known Broadway show will be the inspiration for this class. Held at the Milwaukee Youth Arts Center.
10:00am–5:00pm
Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra
The Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra proudly opens the doors to our community for a FREE and open-to-the-public event showcasing the newly-completed Bradley Symphony Center. Explore the MSO’s new home and revel in a day of fun activities and live music.
10:00am–5:00pm
7:00pm
Skylight Music Theatre
Get a sneak peak of songs from Skylight Music Theatre’s 2021/2022 season (performed by many Skylight regulars) and join Artistic Director, Michael Unger, for a tour of the Broadway Theatre Center. This will be a casual evening of music, behind the scenes insights, fun facts and history about Skylight Music Theatre.
5:00pm–8:00pm
Renaissance Theaterworks
Join us at the first rehearsal of The Cake by Bekah Brunstetter—the first full-length show presented by Renaissance Theaterworks in our new home at 255 S. Water Street. The evening will consist of light refreshments, a sneak peek of the designs, and the first read-through of the play. Please RSVP!
5:30pm
2021 UPAF Campaign Finale
Please join UPAF live for this virtual event and help us recognize the successes of the 2021 UPAF Community Campaign and celebrate the return of the performing arts for the 2021-22 season.
Milwaukee Chamber Theatre
Join Milwaukee Chamber Theatre for an open rehearsal of the first production of the 21/22 season: 2021 Pulitzer Prize Finalist STEW by Zora Howard. Get a sneak peek at STEW and the table work process of a play on the production’s second day of rehearsal, and be among the first in Milwaukee to hear some of this hilarious and heartwarming new American play in person!
5:00pm
The Florentine Opera
5:00pm–7:00pm
Milwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra
Thursdays are MYSO’s heaviest rehearsal days with ensembles that represent the wide span of MYSO’s programming – from Progressions (entry-level string program for city of Milwaukee children with no musical background) to advanced strings, steel pan bands, and jazz. Tours will be conducted. Come see these amazing kids.
12:00pm
Skylight Music Theatre
Get a behind the scenes look at an open understudy rehearsal for Skylight’s production of The Full Monty (appropriate for all audiences). This is an actual working rehearsal as production stage manager, dance captain, and artistic director work with ensemble performers in case they have to step into a main role.
5:00pm – 7:00pm
Milwaukee Ballet
6:00pm
Marcus Performing Arts Center
The students of Milwaukee Jazz Institute perform a free concert outdoors at the Marcus Center. MJI promotes jazz through education and performance, building awareness of the ability of Jazz to transform lives. Special discount available for the 8pm concert Duets – Dianne Reeves, Chucho Valdés & Joe Lovano for Performing Arts Homecoming Celebration.
12:00pm–7:30pm
Milwaukee Repertory Theater
Milwaukee Rep’s “Free Day of Theater” features 11 events with Rep artists and staff. A variety of performances and interactive opportunities include concerts, new play project previews, a Professional Training Institute youth showcase, a panel discussion, a master class and behind-the-scenes demonstrations. Visit website for a detailed schedule and to RSVP.
(2) Performances: 4:00pm & 7:00pm
First Stage
Part of Amplify, First Stage’s BIPOC Short Play Series, STEP KIDS tells the story of a group of seemingly unconnected high school students who find common ground in the most unlikely of places—the audition for their school’s competitive step dance team. As the students become unified through the power of rhythm and dance, experience the joy of finding your tribe in this energetic performance. Recommended for families with young people ages 10 and up.
(2) Performances: 1:00pm & 4:00pm
First Stage
Part of Amplify, First Stage’s BIPOC Short Play Series, STEP KIDS tells the story of a group of seemingly unconnected high school students who find common ground in the most unlikely of places—the audition for their school’s competitive step dance team. As the students become unified through the power of rhythm and dance, experience the joy of finding your tribe in this energetic performance. Recommended for families with young people ages 10 and up.
7:00pm
The Florentine Opera
Join us at the newly renovated Uihlein Hall for a behind-the-scenes look at the Italian blockbuster Rigoletto! Enjoy the rarely seen final week of rehearsal of a Grand Opera as we share Act 1 of this Verdi masterpiece with you before we open on October 8.
Programs and dates subject to change. Safety protocols for each event can be found using the Event Details links above.
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