The Wisconsin Union Directorate Performing Arts Committee (WUD PAC) is a student-led committee at the University of Wisconsin–Madison that curates and programs events for the Wisconsin Union Theater (WUT). As part of the Wisconsin Union’s student programming board, WUD PAC members select, plan, and promote a diverse range of performing arts, including music,dance and theater.
WUD PAC is thrilled to announce its newly elected director, Kalia Gordon, who will lead the 2026-2027 committee.
A third-year student at UW–Madison, originally from Milwaukee, Wis., Kalia is majoring in education policy studies with certificates in dance and dance education. She aspires to teach dance professionally in the future.
Beyond her work with WUD PAC and her academics, Kalia is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., and a recipient of the First Wave Scholarship. She previously served as WUD PAC’s marketing associate director (AD).
- What makes WUD PAC special, or why does it stand out to you?
WUD PAC is special because we have the opportunity to work directly with the Wisconsin Union Theater, which is something other departments in WUD do not get to do.
We also get the opportunity to work behind the scenes of the shows and work with artists or their managers, which is something that I think is truly special.
WUD PAC gets a direct say in who gets to perform at Shannon Hall, so it is incredible to see your own ideas come to life. For example, Digable Planets was an artist I wanted to see perform at Memorial Union, and I was lucky enough to make that happen.
- What has been your experience with WUD PAC?
WUD PAC and First Wave Scholarship recipients work closely together. A previous recipient of the First Wave Scholarship was also a previous director of WUD PAC, which encouraged me to join. I worked as a marketing AD, creating flyers for events and running the social media. I loved being involved and the opportunities that the committee offered, so I decided to apply for the director position.
- In three words, how would you describe your vision for working with WUD PAC?
Intentional
Collaborative
Special
One goal I have for WUD PAC is to drive more students and student engagement to the WUT shows. They are incredible shows and a great way to discover new artists.
- What do you think people would be surprised to know about your role?
Previously, I was the Marketing AD; however, WUD PAC did not always stick to its designated roles.
There are around five of us who work collaboratively together to make decisions to ensure that all of our voices are being heard.
We want every member to feel passionate about the decisions we are making. I hope to carry this philosophy of collaboration into my new position as the new director.
- Is there a particular performance or artist that shaped your love for the performing arts?
No specific performance or artist has shaped my love for the performing arts. I grew up dancing since I was 3 years old, and it has been my passion ever since. The arts became a huge part of my life. I love live music, and just listening to music feeds my soul.
- If you could book any act in the world to perform at the Union, who would be your "dream" guest?
My dream guest would be Lizzy McAlpine, as she is one of my favorite artists and has a magical voice. I would also love for Jazmine Sullivan to perform.
- Is there anything I didn’t ask you that you would like our blog readers to know?
There is a common misconception that performing arts is just related to singers. But it is so much more; it’s dance, comedy, theater. I am excited to bring my own personal touch to WUD PAC and WUT and show that performing arts have no boundaries.
How To Get Involved
If you would like to get involved in the fun, the committee meets weekly on Tuesdays in Memorial Union from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. during the academic year. The Committee encourages anyone interested in programming the performing arts to get involved, because it just might be one of the best decisions you could make.
Learn more about WUD PAC here.
Give to support a broad range of WUT efforts, including helping students produce performances and making student professional development possible.