The Wisconsin Union Theater (WUT) has announced the 2026 recipients of the André De Shields Fund, awarding grants to University of Wisconsin–Madison undergraduate students to support the development and presentation of original, transformative performing arts projects.
The 2026 recipients represent a range of disciplines, including music, dance and interdisciplinary performance. The recipients are Jake Artang, Teja Davis, Valeria Martinez and Marissa Stolt.
The fund, named for Tony Award-winning Broadway star and UW–Madison alumnus André De Shields, supports student artists in bringing their creative visions to life. Awardees receive funding, mentorship and other resources to advance their projects.
Artang, a music performance and computer science major, is composing, recording and performing an original album that blends jazz and rap. The project combines improvisational elements of jazz with hip-hop production techniques, including synthesizers, funk and R&B grooves, and neo-soul harmonies, with collaboration from fellow student artists.
Davis, a student majoring in environmental studies and geography, is creating “3 Months In The Ether,” a multidisciplinary performance integrating poetry, storytelling and visual expression. The project explores the themes of memory, perception and identity.
Martinez, a music education major, is forming a Latin music ensemble, performing original arrangements across multiple genres, such as cumbia, bachata, salsa, samba and merengue. The project includes research into the historical and stylistic foundations of each genre and is anticipated to culminate in a public performance in fall 2026.
Stolt, who is majoring in economics, mathematics and dance, is developing a performance that integrates mathematical animation with contemporary dance. The project features equation-driven projections created in collaboration with visual designers. Stolt plans to premiere the project publicly in spring 2027.
“The André De Shields Fund is designed to help students move their ideas from concept to creation by providing both financial support and mentorship,” WUT Director Elizabeth Snodgrass said. “The selection committee recommended these projects for funding because they reflect the fund’s mission to be transformative and support students with a vision to use the performing arts for social change.”
The André De Shields Fund provides grants typically ranging from $1,000 to $3,000 to support project costs, such as materials, production expenses and artist fees. The André De Shields Fund is made possible with lead gifts from Jonathan and Susan Lipp and Jun and Sandy Lee, with special support from Deirdre Garton.
More information about the André De Shields Fund is available at union.wisc.edu/visit/wisconsin-union-theater/andre-de-shields-fund.