Creating with joy
For 70-years, CUW Theatre has been empowering tomorrowʼs Theatre artists with servant hearts, well-rounded skill sets, and life-changing experiences on stage and off. Through award-winning shows, holistic training, and a foundation set in Christ, we boldly carry this legacy into the future, confident that the formation students receive here will lead them to excellence in a diversity of vocations.
An academic approach to faith-filled performing arts
Join CUW Theatre faculty Lori Woodall and students Aidan and Paige as they take us behind-the-scenes of their crafting process for the production of "Twelfth Night."
Come to a show
Little Shop of Horrors
Nov. 5 - 7 at 7:30 p.m.; Nov. 8 at 1:30 p.m.
Join CUW Theatre for this deviously delicious sci-fi smash comedy that’s been devouring the hearts of theatre-goers for over thirty years. The meek floral assistant Seymour Krelborn stumbles across a new breed of plant he names "Audrey II" after his coworker crush. This R&B-singing carnivore promises unending fame and fortune to the down-and-out Krelborn…as long as he keeps feeding it. (Synopsis adapted from MTI.)
The Importance of Being Earnest
Feb. 11 - 13 at 7:30 p.m.; Feb. 13 - 14 at 1:30 p.m.
Middle/High School Matinee: Feb. 12 at 10 a.m. Email luke.hahn@cuw.edu for more information.
Brimming with satire, Victorian panache, and ridiculously funny dialogue, Oscar Wilde's timeless masterwork will leave you laughing and in an impossibly good mood. Two young men take on the alias Ernest as they seek to win their beloveds' hearts. Social chaos ensues, only to be untangled when all realize that love only comes when they can truly be "Earnest.”
Get Tickets
Waiting for the Parade
April 22 - 25 at 7:30 p.m.; April 24-25 at 1:30 p.m.
Senior Matinee: April 23 at 10 a.m. | Get tickets to our Senior Matinee.
This warm, wise, and winning play by a leading Canadian playwright is about World War II from the point of view five women left behind to wait and to work for their men. A tribute to those who serve and their families, it shows the walking wounded are not always at the front. (Synopsis adapted from Concord Theatricals.)
Get TicketsCUW Theatre Summer Camp 2027
Show TBA!
July 19 - 31 from 9 a.m. - noon each weekday
Performances on July 30 at 7 p.m. and July 31 at 2 p.m.
Registration opens in early 2027.
Getting here
Address: 12800 North Lake Shore Drive, Mequon, WI 53097
Directions
From I43: From north- or south-bound lanes, take exit 87. Head east on Highland Road, and turn left at the universityʼs main entrance. Turn left onto the campus loop, and follow signage to the Todd Wehr Auditorium.
Buses: After turning east onto Highland Road, turn left onto Lake Shore Drive. Turn right into our gated entrance (gate will be open), and follow signage to the Todd Wehr Auditorium. Buses can park in Lot J, just to the left as you enter through our gated entrance.
Past performances
"Throughout the classes and performances I was involved in, my confidence and abilities continued to grow, and I find that I am still growing in many ways today because of it. [...] I have seen the program touch the lives and hearts of those that have gone through it, and it definitely shows with every performance that we put on." (Adam Czaplewski, CUW Theatre Alumnus)
About CUW Theatre
CUW Theatre is a Christian, collegiate Theatre arts program committed to equipping students for service to Christ through the theatre arts. CUW Theatre does this through a holistic approach to the Theatre arts, exploring how they relate to service in the church and the world. A degree in Theatre does so by strengthening oneʼs faith, convictions, and action by developing necessary critical thinking, communication, and interpersonal relationship skills useful for a variety of vocations.
Frequently asked questions
- Do I have to be a Theatre Minor to participate?
No! We encourage students in a variety of backgrounds to act in our productions and take Theatre classes. Theatre coursework even counts towards your required Creative Arts classes, which are a part of the core requirements for all majors. Depending on your level of involvement, participating in Theatre does require a significant time commitment, particularly for Minor-level scholarship students. That said, we do our best to work with students and advisors to help all interested students find ways to participate. - Can I be involved in all aspects whether it be on stage or off?
Yes! There are so many exciting parts of theatre that go beyond just acting. They range from set design to stage management. We strongly encourage everyone to try all aspects of theatre.
Contact us
For other questions about the Theatre department, please contact Prof. Lori Woodall at lori.woodall@cuw.edu.
Our faculty
Lori Woodall, MFA | Professor of Theatre
Professor Lori Woodall has taught Theatre at Concordia University since 2006, and has led the program since 2013. She has directed over 30 plays at the University including recent favorites Pride and Prejudice, Singinʼ in the Rain, Death of a Salesman, A Christmas Carol and Medea, to name only a few. Prior to teaching at CUW, she had taught at the California Institute of the Arts, California Arts Institute, First Stage Milwaukee, Childrenʼs Theatre of Madison and Performing Arts Workshops Los Angeles, and has been dedicated to teaching youth, college, and adults in the Theatre Arts and Film/TV acting. She holds an MFA from the California InstituteWebpage draft5 of the Arts in Acting, and a BA in Theatre Acting Specialist) and African-American Studies from UW-Madison. Lori has been a professional Theatre artist for over 30 years, having worked as an actor, director, singer-dancer, playwright and choreographer in various companies in Wisconsin, California, and abroad. She has worked as a TV/Film actress, having appeared in over 50 regional, national, and local commercials and Industrials, and has had a prolific career in radio voice over. She has been represented by Howard Talent West (Los Angeles), Shirley Hamilton, Inc. (Chicago), and Jenniferʼs Talent and Ford Models and Talent in Milwaukee. Prof. Woodall has served as a Board member for Milwaukee Youth Theatre and MorningStar Productions, and has been involved in various Drama ministry endeavors throughout the Milwaukee area. In her spare time, she enjoys time her husband and two children, and writing songs and screenplays.