The Green Room

Did you know that the Wisconsin Union Theater has venues available to rent? Not only does the theater team present a season of performing arts events throughout the year, but we also support hundreds of campus and community events that happen in our performance spaces. So whether you are hosting a speaker, putting on a talent show, or showcasing the performing arts, the Wisconsin Union Theater offers a variety of first-rate professional rental spaces to accommodate your event. 

“The Wisconsin Union Theater strives to provide a customer-focused and comprehensive rental experience for every group,” said Wisconsin Union Theater General Manager Kendra Ramthun. “With decades of cumulative experience, our staff members offer guidance and support, working with each customer to achieve their event goals and to ensure smooth production and day-of logistics.”

Available Spaces:

• Historic Shannon Hall is our largest venue, with an 1,165-person capacity. This theater is an excellent option for music or dance performances, theatrical productions, or large lectures.
• The Play Circle Theater seats a maximum of 184 people (or 300 standing room) and is ideal for more intimate shows or events, such as poetry readings, stand-up comedy, or plays.
• The Festival Room is available as a rehearsal or warm-up space and can be used to host workshops or studio classes in connection with a theater booking.

Learn more.

Past Events:

If you can think of it, we can probably host it! Our theaters have hosted multi-disciplinary theatrical performances, campus student organization activities, and cultural celebrations. Past events include:

• Guest lectures
• Theatrical performances
• Music performances of all types - classical, jazz, band, a cappella groups, and more
• Student-produced variety shows
• Comedy shows
• Dance recitals
• Film screenings
• Graduation and awards ceremonies
• Multimedia events
• Livestreamed events

What Our Guests have to Say: 

“Thank you so much for your help managing the Go Big Read author event Wednesday night. I sincerely appreciate your help to make this event a positive experience for our attendees. It was lovely to see 300+ campus and community members join us in‐person (We had another 400+ on the web stream.) for this great university tradition. I know everyone is busy and stretched thin at work. I thank you for giving your time to help with the program.”
Sheila Stoeckel, teaching & learning programs
Go Big Read Program | University of Wisconsin‐Madison Libraries
“An Evening with Yaa Gyasi - 2021 Go Big Read” | Nov. 3, 2021,  in Shannon Hall

“I just wanted to write and say thank you so much for all your collaboration and hard work to make the ceremony on Saturday go so smoothly!! You are all so great at what you do!”
Stella Molde, student services coordinator
Office of Academic Affairs | University of Wisconsin‐Madison, School of Veterinary Medicine
Veterinary Medicine Investiture Ceremony” | May 14, 2022, in Shannon Hall

“Thank you so much for all your help. We had never hosted anything in the theater before, so it was all new to us, but we had a great experience and will definitely consider Shannon Hall for future events."
Heidi Hakseth, executive assistant and administrative specialist
Mercile J. Lee Scholars Program
“MJLSP Program Meeting & Fireside Chat” | Jan. 28, 2022, in Shannon Hall

Eligibility:

UW-Madison registered student organizations, UW-Madison departments, government agencies, and Wisconsin Union corporate members can rent our performance spaces. Groups that do not fit one of these categories may rent a Wisconsin Union Theater space if a university department sponsors them.

Let’s Get Started:

If you are interested in learning more about renting a Wisconsin Union Theater space, please complete the rental request form. A member of the theater team will follow up with you! You can also learn more about pricing here.