The Green Room

By Abby Synnes

It’s never too early or too late for UW–Madison students to find their place on campus. Whether they’ve just begun their first year as a UW–Madison student or it’s their final semester, why not make the Wisconsin Union Theater their new home away from home?

One way for students to get involved in the Wisconsin Union Theater (WUT) is to join the Wisconsin Union Directorate (WUD) Performing Arts Committee (PAC). WUD PAC is one of 11 committees and six clubs that make up the Wisconsin Union’s student leadership and programming board. WUD student leaders program more than 1,000 free and low-cost events during the year for students and the Madison community to enjoy.

WUD PAC students work closely with WUT staff to bring influential performing artists to the UW-Madison campus. Committee members gain valuable leadership skills while learning the ins and outs of event programming. Students take the lead during every step of the booking process, from artist selection to promoting and presenting events as showtime approaches.

In addition to providing hands-on experience, WUD PAC offers students an opportunity to form lasting connections, creating a tight-knit university community.

“My fellow WUD PAC members are some of my closest friends,” said Abigail Arkley ‘22, former assistant director of general programming. “It’s the brightest spot in my week coming to meetings and running shows together.”

Joining WUD PAC couldn’t be easier; all students have to do is show up! WUD PAC meetings are every Thursday at 6 p.m. in Memorial Union. Students can email WUD PAC Director Dawry Ruiz at performingarts@union.wisc.edu if they have questions.

Another way to immerse themselves in WUT is by joining the team as a student employee, where they gain first-hand experience while working alongside professional staff. Students can work up to 25 hours per week during the academic year. Student positions in WUT include administrative assistants, rental assistants, house managers, ushers, box office clerks, stage managers, and technical crew.

Student employees earn a starting wage of at least $15/hour, work flexible hours, and enjoy a 30% discount on food and non-alcoholic beverages at Wisconsin Union dining locations. For more information on available student employment positions and benefits, visit union.wisc.edu/get-involved/jobs.

Lastly, students can get involved with the performing arts by attending a WUT event. Did you know that UW–Madison students can purchase discounted tickets (usually $8-12) to Wisconsin Union Theater performances? Single tickets for this season’s events are available online or at the Memorial Union Box Office.

We invite UW–Madison students to join us in our performing arts spaces this year, whether as a WUD PAC member, a student employee, or an audience member.

Thank you to our patrons for supporting the performing arts, student leadership, and student employment. None of these would be possible without your generosity. When you purchase Wisconsin Union Theater tickets, become a Wisconsin Union member, make purchases at Memorial Union or Union South, or donate to the theater, your contributions make a difference. Thank you for making experiences for a lifetime possible.