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You're Invited To Join First Nighters! 

Traditionally opening night of theatre and dance performances include celebrating with friends and family. Following this tradition we invite you to join our First Nighters series. This is a great way to see terrific theatre and dance, get to know our students, meet new friends and enjoy a delicious meal before the show!

We look forward to welcoming you to our remarkable 2017-18 production season!

Joan Karlen, Chair

Department of Theatre and Dance

                                                                                                                      

Our First Nighters Season has three packages to suit your schedules and tastes. Your best value is the combined Studio/Jenkins package of five productions. It is a great price for dinner and a show!
 

5:15 p.m. Cash Bar Refreshments
NFAC Courtyard

6 p.m. Director's Remarks and Dinner
NFAC Courtyard

7:30 p.m. Performance
 Jenkins Theatre or Studio Theatre

The deadline for ordering First Nighters season packages has passed.

Click here

to purchase a ticket to a
First Nighters event!



"First Nighters is a wonderful night-out
and something that we look forward to
each season.At each performance we
meet up with friends, enjoy an exceptional
meal, and are entertained while seeing
performers grow as professionals over
the years. The experience of being a
First Nighter is great! Hope you
consider joining us as part of the
opening night crowd."

Sarena Melotte and Bill Schierl   


2017-2018 Season

Student Body

Friday, October 13   -  Studio Theatre

A group of college students find a video of what looks like a rape at a party they attended. Was the rapist somebody they know? Does someone in the group know more than they’re willing to admit?
Directed by: Stephen Trovillion Smith

Spamalot

Friday, November 10   - Jenkins Theatre

Lovingly ripped off from the classic film comedy MONTY PYTHON AND THE HOLY GRAIL, SPAMALOT retells the legend of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table.
Directed by: Mark Hanson

Metamorphoses

Friday, March 2   -  Jenkins Theatre

Metamorphoses brings the familiar tales of Roman poet Ovid to stunning theatrical life. Set in and around a pool of water onstage, Metamorphoses brings vibrant physicality to timeless mythological stories of love, loss, and transformation.
Directed by: Alan Patrick Kenny

Danstage 2018

Friday, April 13  - Jenkins Theatre

Gorgeous dancing, inspiring premieres!
Choreography by: Michael Estanich, Jeannie Hill,
Joan Karlen  and a renowned guest artist.

Company

Friday, May 4  - Studio Theatre

On the night of his 35th birthday, confirmed bachelor, Robert, contemplates his unmarried state. The habitually single Robert is forced to question his adamant retention of bachelorhood during a hilarious array of interactions.
Directed by: Tyler Marchant

 

​Contribute to Backstage

Ticket sales are strong, yet cover only a portion of our production costs. Each year we rely on Backstage patrons’ support to create exceptional productions and endowments for student scholarships.
During the 2016-2017 season, BACKSTAGE patrons supported:

  • BFA Acting and Musical Theatre Senior Showcase travel to New York City
  • Students attending the American College Dance Association Conference
  • Student scholarships

Thank you to participating businesses for their willingness to match employee contributions. If your employer has a matching gift program, please include the matching gift form with your reply.
Suggested Contribution Levels

  • Angel - $1000+
  • Producer - $750+      
  • Artistic Director - $500+    
  • Managing Director - $250+    
  • Director - $100+
  • Stage Manager - $50+    

To make a contribution, please click here: https://give.uwsp.edu/give-now

  • Select Designation
  • Choose Other Specific Fund
  • In box type Backstage Fund #4618

Or contact Maggie Marquardt, COFAC Director of Development at Maggie.Marquardt@uwsp.edu
or 715-346-3056. Your contribution will be acknowledged in each production program,
unless you wish to remain anonymous.