The Green Room

By Amanda Stezenski

My name is Amanda, and if you are familiar with the Green Room Blog, you have probably read various stories I’ve written over the past three years. I started as a marketing intern for the Wisconsin Union Theater (WUT) in 2021 and eventually became a full-time marketing coordinator at the Wisconsin Union. I distinctly remember an email I received as a student, searching for an intern who was passionate about a diverse array of music and the performing arts. And, well, that described me perfectly! I quickly applied and have been here ever since.

I enrolled at UW–Madison in 2019 pursuing a bachelor of music in clarinet performance, as well as a certificate in business administration. I’ve always been intrigued by what makes the performing arts world go ‘round, and, oh, boy, did I learn a lot. For example, did you know that artists can request a specific color of hand towel in a contract? Or that the stage temperature needs to stay consistent for renowned artists, who bring instruments from the 1600s? How about the fact that hundreds of lighting cues can be programmed before the performance? Or, my favorite, that all of the artists we welcome to the Wisconsin Union Theater are eager to make a personal connection with the audience, student leaders and theater team?

While I love the fast-paced, enriching environment of arts administration, my true passion is playing clarinet in pit orchestras for ballets, operas, musicals and movies. You may have heard me in UW Opera’s production of “La Calisto” or “The Light in the Piazza.” This fall, I will attend the LUCA School of Arts in Belgium to pursue a master’s in classical performance with Roeland Hendrikx. I cannot wait to take the skills and experiences I have gained at the Wisconsin Union Theater with me on my journey to becoming a professional musician. 

But, first, I wanted to share some of my favorite memories at The Wisconsin Union Theater:

Favorite Shows:

Gil Shaham (Dec. 11, 2021)

The Baroque period is what initially drew me to music. When Shaham began playing J.S. Bach’s violin Sonatas and Partitas, I couldn’t believe my ears. Neither could my music theory professor, whom I was surprised to see in the audience reading the score! You can hear Shaham and his sister, Orli Shaham for yourself next spring on April 3.

Joel Ross (Oct. 16, 2022)

This was the first show that I attended in the Play Circle at Memorial Union, and it was truly a neat experience to be so close to the artist! I couldn’t believe how powerfully Ross shredded on the vibraphone.

Sō Percussion with Caroline Shaw (Nov. 5, 2022)

Caroline Shaw seamlessly blends classical, Baroque and pop music into the most authentic compositions. I had goosebumps throughout the entire performance. Plus, my friends in the UW percussion studio got to perform alongside Sō Percussion!

Caroline Shaw, Andy Manis (2022)

UW School of Music students performing alongside Sō Percussion, Andy Manis (2022)

Anthony McGill with UW–Madison Symphony Orchestra (April 4, 2023)

Anthony McGill, principal clarinetist of the New York Philharmonic, is one of the most renowned clarinetists in the USA. Not only did he perform Debussy’s Première Rhapsodie with exceptional attention to every sound that came out of his instrument, I also had the opportunity to attend a transformative studio class with McGill and my fellow studio members.

Anthony McGill teaching a UW School of Music student, Andy Manis (2023)

Sheku Kanneh-Mason (Nov. 3, 2023)

We all know how wonderful a musician cellist Sheku Kanneh-Mason is, but it was especially inspiring to see someone my age on a grand stage in downtown Madison. 

Chief Adjuah (May 2, 2024)

The Chief Adjuah performance was unforgettable, but the real highlight for me was the opportunity to speak with Chief Adjuah, musician to musician. 

I asked him, “How do you gain the confidence to innovate in music? Do you ever feel scared that people won’t embrace your ideas?” 

His response was something I’ve repeated to myself every time I pick up my instrument: “Let the fear fuel your art.” 

Essentially, embrace the fear. After all, fear, itself, can be expressed through music!

The “never a dull moment” moments: 

Fire system check in the Shannon Hall catwalk:

One morning, the Madison fire inspection unit showed up to make sure everything in the Shannon Hall catwalk was in order. Since these inspections are conducted without prior notice, we didn’t have our theater technical team scheduled that morning. It turned into an exciting morning to navigate the Shannon Hall catwalk!

Senegalese drumming:

On a quiet Friday afternoon, we began to hear banging. We thought, is there a show on our outdoor entertainment destination the Terrace? Is the marching band doing a flash mob? Nope! This performance happened right below our feet.

Lakefront Live! With Outdoor UW and the Wisconsin Union Directorate Music Committee

A bluegrass performance on the water, from a canoe? Sign me up!

Lakefront Live! (2024)

And, of course, putting out the Terrace chairs:

Putting out the Terrace Chairs (2024)

While my time at the Wisconsin Union has been the best job on campus, it is time for me to focus on the performing part of the performing arts.

My heart is full of gratitude and memories that will last a lifetime. Thank you, to the Wisconsin Union Theater community, for an incredible journey. Maybe someday, I will return to WUT as a performer!