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.
Come to a show
Madagascar
Nov. 6-9 at 7:30 pm
Join Alex the Lion, Marty the Zebra, Melman the Giraffe, Gloria the hip hip Hippo and, of course, those hilarious, plotting penguins as they bound onto your stage in the musical adventure of a lifetime. Based on the smash animated motion picture, Madagascar - A Musical Adventure follows all of your favorite crack-a-lackinʼ friends as they escape from their home in New Yorkʼs Central Park Zoo and find themselves on an unexpected journey to the madcap world of King Julienʼs Madagascar. (Description adapted from Musical Theatre International)
Where the Light Gets In
Feb. 19-21 at 7:30 pm; Feb. 22 at 1:30 pm
Where The Light Gets In is a student-directed, movement-driven performance that explores the different ways people experience and overcome hardship. Through three distinct characters, one battling sadness and isolation, one fueled by anger, and one representing hope and guidance, the show tells a story of how resilience can look and feel different for everyone. This hour-long performance invites audiences to reflect on their own experiences of strength and recovery, and how the cracks in our lives often lead to the most meaningful transformation.
Twelfth Night
Apr. 16-17 at 7:30 pm; Apr. 18 at 1:30 pm; Apr. 19 at 7:30 pm
A shipwreck, a disguise, and a whole lot of romantic confusion— Twelfth Night is a delicious blend of wit, mischief, and tangled hearts. Join Concordia University Players as they explore Shakespeareʼs tale of mistaken identities and bittersweet longing, and discover where love crosses boundaries, reason is no match for desire, and, in the end, joy wins the day.
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.