26/27 Productions
Burn This by Lanford Wilson
Directed by Bruce Cohen
Oct. 1 at 7:30 p.m.
Oct. 2 at 7:30 p.m.
Oct. 3 at 7:30 p.m.
Oct. 4 at 2 p.m.
Hicklin Studio Theatre
In a loft filled with grief, passion, and unresolved longing, Lanford Wilson's "Burn This" explores what happens when the lives we've carefully constructed collide with emotions we can no longer suppress. As grief gives way to desire, certainty unravels, and carefully built defenses begin to crumble. What emerges is an emotionally charged portrait of love, vulnerability, and the impossible choices we face when our hearts demand more than our plans allow. As love and loss blur the line between freedom and responsibility, this searing drama asks a timeless question: What are we willing to leave behind in our pursuit of escape—and what will it ultimately cost? Intimate, raw, and deeply human, Wilson's acclaimed drama reminds us that escaping reality often comes at a price.
Summer and Smoke by Tennessee Williams
Directed by Robyn Accetta
Nov. 19 at 7:30 p.m.
Nov. 20 at 7:30 p.m.
Nov. 21 at 7:30 p.m.
Nov. 22 at 2 p.m.
Hicklin Studio Theatre
In Tennessee Williams' "Summer and Smoke," two neighbors in a small Southern town find themselves torn between desire and duty as they struggle to reconcile the lives they long for with the expectations placed upon them. As each searches for an escape from expectation, they discover that every choice carries a cost and the painful consequences of choices left unmade. Poignant, lyrical, and deeply human, this timeless drama invites audiences to reflect on what we sacrifice when fear keeps us from embracing the lives we truly want.
Cabaret
Book by Joe Masteroff
Based on the play by John Van Druten and
Stories by Christopher Isherwood
Music by John Kander, Lyrics by Fred Ebbb
Directed by Bruce Cohen
Musical Director Robert Gehrenbeck
Feb. 26 at 7 p.m.
Feb. 27 at 7 p.m.
Feb. 28 at 2 p.m.
March 3 at 7 p.m.
March 4 at 7 p.m.
Hicklin Studio Theatre
Welcome to the Kit Kat Club, where dazzling performances, unforgettable music, and carefree indulgence offer a temporary escape from the uncertain world of late Weimar Germany. As the lives of its patrons and performers intertwine, the boundaries between entertainment and reality begin to blur. Bold, provocative, and deeply moving, "Cabaret" explores what happens when people seek refuge in love, entertainment, ambition, and distraction as the world around them begins to change. It asks what we gain—and what we risk—when we turn toward comfort in times of uncertainty.
The 39 Steps
Adapted by Patrick Barlow
From the novel by John Buchan
From the movie by Alfred Hitchcock
Licensed by ITV Global Entertainment Limited
And an original concept by Simon Corble and Nobby Dimon
Directed by Robyn Accetta
April 8 at 7:30 p.m.
April 9 at 7:30 p.m.
April 10 at 7:30 p.m.
April 11 at 2 p.m.
Hicklin Studio Theatre
When an ordinary man becomes the target of spies, police, and an international conspiracy, there's nowhere to hide—and no choice but to keep running. Packed with outrageous characters, ingenious theatricality, and nonstop laughs, Patrick Barlow's hilarious adaptation of "The 39 Steps" transforms Alfred Hitchcock's classic spy story into a wildly inventive stage adventure. You won't want to miss this whirlwind escapade full of clever comedy, edge-of-your-seat fun, and unexpected twists with every escape.
DanceScapes ‘27
Artistic Director: Celia Weiss Bambara
April 30 at 7:30 p.m.
May 1 at 2 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.
May 2 at 2 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.
Hicklin Studio Theatre
Experience the creativity, athleticism, and artistry of the next generation of dance in "DanceScapes '27." Performed by talented student dancers, this dynamic concert features original works by student choreographers, faculty, and a distinguished guest artist, offering a diverse range of dance forms and perspectives. With three unique programs presented across five performances, no two experiences are exactly alike—making every performance a chance to discover something new.
Scene and Costume Shops
Jobs are available in our scene and costume shops for all students regardless of major. Contact our faculty for more information.
Ruth Conrad-Proulx
Technical Director
conradpr@uww.edu | 262-472-1561
Beth Wallace
Costume Shop Supervisor
wallaceb@uww.edu | 262-472-1602
Auditions
CABARET — SUPPLEMENTAL AUDITIONS
UW–Whitewater Theatre/Dance | Spring 2027
Due to continued interest, we're holding an additional round of auditions for Cabaret, directed by Bruce Cohen, with musical direction by Robert Gehrenbeck and choreography by Piper Morgan Hayes.
These auditions are open to students who were unable to attend the original auditions, as well as other interested performers.
Dance Auditions
Friday, October 23 | 6–8 p.m.
Greenhill Center of the Arts — Dance Studio
Acting and Vocal Auditions
Saturday, October 24 | 11:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
Greenhill Center of the Arts — Barnett Theatre
Preparation
Please prepare a short monologue and 16–32 bars of a musical theatre song. An accompanist will be available Saturday; bring marked sheet music. Wear appropriate clothing and footwear for the dance call.
We are particularly interested in expanding our pool for principal and featured roles, including Herr Schultz, Cliff Bradshaw, Ernst Ludwig, and the Kit Kat Klub ensemble. All interested performers are welcome.
Students who auditioned previously may also be invited for additional consideration and will be contacted separately.
Cabaret performs February 25–28 and March 3–4, 2027.
For questions, contact Bruce Cohen at cohenbe@uww.edu.
Unified Auditions: Cabaret • The 39 Steps
Barnett Theatre Auditions: Saturday, October 17, 2026, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Callbacks: Sunday, October 18 — Dance Call (10 a.m. – 12 p.m.) and Show-Specific Callbacks (3 p.m. – 4 p.m. 39 Steps, 4 p.m. – 5 p.m. Cabaret)
This is an open call, and the entire campus and Whitewater community are invited. You do not have to be a Theatre/Dance major or a UW–Whitewater student to audition.
About the Unified Audition
This single audition process will be used to cast both Spring 2027 shows. All roles are cast without regard to conventional gender norms. Singing and movement are part of Cabaret.
PLEASE NOTE: All admitted BFA Performance students and all pre-BFA Performance students are expected to audition for all productions and perform as cast. Non-participation in a department mainstage audition and refusal to accept a role if cast constitutes a breach of the BFA degree track expectations and may damage and/or prevent progress toward achieving the BFA Performance degree. Please refer questions about this policy to Prof. Eric Appleton (Chair) or Prof. Robyn Accetta (Head of Acting).
Production Details and Character Breakdowns
Cabaret
Book: Joe Masteroff | Music: John Kander | Lyrics: Fred Ebb | Directed by: Bruce Cohen
Musical Director/Conductor: Dr. Robert Gehrenbeck | Choreographer: Piper Hayes
Rehearsal Dates:
January 18, 2027 – February 24, 2027
Rehearsal Times:
Monday – Friday, January 18 – January 22: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Mondays – Friday beginning January 25: 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Saturdays: 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Performance Dates:
Thursday, February 25 at 10 a.m. (Student Matinee)
Friday, February 26 at 7 p.m.
Saturday, February 27 at 7 p.m.
Sunday, February 28 at 2 p.m.
Wednesday, March 3 at 7 p.m.
Thursday, March 4 at 7 p.m.
Strike:
Friday, March 5: 1 p.m. - 5 p.m. (Shop Hours)
Show Description:
Berlin, 1929. As the Weimar Republic begins to unravel, the Kit Kat Club offers a world of music, laughter, and escape while political extremism steadily transforms the city beyond its doors. Through the lives of performers, artists, lovers, and ordinary citizens, Cabaret explores love, identity, complicity, and the choices people make during times of profound social change. Inspired by the 1998 Sam Mendes revival, this production emphasizes strong acting, dynamic movement, bold ensemble storytelling, and musical performance.
Content Advisory:
Cabaret contains mature language and themes, sexuality and intimacy, antisemitism, homophobia, political extremism, violence, and references to substance use. Established intimacy and safety practices will be incorporated throughout rehearsals.
Character Breakdown
Principal Roles
- The Emcee – Charismatic, seductive, and unsettling master of ceremonies. Strong actor, singer, and mover.
- Sally Bowles – English cabaret singer; magnetic, impulsive, and emotionally complex. Strong singer, actor, and mover.
- Clifford Bradshaw – American writer whose Berlin experience becomes a political awakening. Strong actor and singer.
- Fraulein Schneider – Boarding house owner; practical, resilient, and quietly romantic. Strong actor and singer.
- Herr Schultz – Jewish fruit merchant; warm, optimistic, and compassionate. Strong actor and singer.
- Ernst Ludwig – Charming German whose political loyalties become increasingly apparent. Sings.
- Fraulein Kost – Outspoken boarding house resident and nightclub worker. Sings.
- Max – Sophisticated patron of the Kit Kat Club. Sings.
Featured Kit Kat Performers
- Bobby
- Victor
- Frenchie
- Helga
- Lulu
- Rosie
- Texas
Featured Kit Kat performers are part of the ensemble and should possess strong singing, movement, and ensemble acting skills and will portray multiple characters throughout the production.
The ensemble is the heart of the production, portraying Kit Kat Club performers while transforming into patrons, sailors, waiters, boarding house residents, workers, party guests, and citizens of Berlin. Strong acting ability is essential. Singing and movement experience are encouraged, though performers of varied backgrounds are welcome.
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The 39 Steps
Adapted by: Patrick Barlow, from the novel by John Buchan and the movie by Alfred Hitchcock | Directed by: Robyn Accetta
Rehearsal Dates:
March 1, 2027 – April 7, 2027
*NOTE: Actors cast in The 39 Steps will be required to attend the Pig Iron Workshop Weekend December 4, 5 and 6, 2026.
Rehearsal Times:
Mondays – Fridays: 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Saturdays: 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Performance Dates:
Thursday, April 8 at 7:30 p.m.
Friday, April 9 at 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, April 10 at 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, April 11 at 2 p.m.
Strike:
Monday, April 12: 1 p.m. - 5 p.m. (Shop Hours)
About the Show:
Set in London, Edinburgh and the Scottish Highlands in 1935, The 39 Steps follows the ordinary, and unsuspecting, Richard Hannay as he is swept into a dangerous international conspiracy. Pursued across Britain by police, spies, and a mysterious organization known only as “The 39 Steps,” Hannay must clear his name and uncover the truth, all while finding a little romance along the way.
Performed by an ensemble of 4, portraying more than 150 characters, the play transforms Alfred Hitchcock’s classic suspense story into a fast-paced celebration of theatrical invention. Through physical comedy, rapid character changes, imaginative staging, and ensemble work, The 39 Steps creates train chases, plane crashes, narrow escapes, and cinematic spectacle.
Character Breakdown:
*NOTE: All performers must be collaborative, physically engaged, and comfortable working at a fast pace. The designations Clown One and Clown Two do not indicate traditional circus clowns.
- Richard Hannay (male presenting) - A handsome, well-mannered Canadian living in London who finds himself unexpectedly caught in a dangerous international conspiracy. Unlike the other tracks, Hannay remains one character throughout the play and serves as the audience’s anchor amid the escalating theatrical chaos. The actor must be able to play the reality and stakes of the story while also possessing strong comic instincts. This role requires considerable stamina, physical comedy, and the ability to maintain clarity and momentum through nearly continuous stage time.
- Annabella Schmidt/Pamela/Margaret (female presenting) - Actor portrays three distinct women and must create clear physical, vocal, and emotional distinctions among the characters while moving confidently between heightened comedy, suspense, and genuine human connection. Annabella Schmidt is a mysterious and sophisticated international spy who draws Hannay into the conspiracy. Pamela is intelligent, independent, skeptical, and more than capable of challenging Hannay. Initially convinced that he is a dangerous criminal, she becomes his unwilling traveling companion and eventual romantic counterpart. Margaret is the lonely young wife of a stern Scottish crofter. Warm and observant, she offers Hannay compassion at a moment when he desperately needs it.
- Clown One (any gender)
- Clown Two (any gender) - The Clowns are a comic duo responsible for creating nearly the entire world surrounding Hannay. They collectively portray numerous characters across age, gender, status, nationality, and temperament, and sometimes several within the same scene. These roles demand exceptional comic timing, vocal and physical versatility, precision, generosity, and an appetite for transformation. The performers must be able to make bold choices. Strong ensemble instincts are essential. Experience with physical theatre, clowning, mime, improvisation, dialects, stage combat, or devised work may be useful, but is not required.
*A Note About Dialects
Dialect work is an essential part of the storytelling in The 39 Steps. The play moves rapidly across Britain and features characters from a wide range of geographical, cultural, and social backgrounds. Performers will be asked to explore multiple dialects. Previous dialect training is not required. Dialect coaching and resources will be provided during the rehearsal process.
Audition Requirements (applies to both shows)
Saturday, October 17 — Initial Auditions
- 5-minute slot per performer
- Present either:
- Two contrasting monologues (≤3 minutes total) OR
- One monologue and 16–32 bars of a song
- If singing:
- Marked sheet music preferred (accompanist provided)
- Backing track allowed (please bring your own playback device)
- Musical auditions will be scheduled in a block for efficient pianist use
Sunday, October 18 — Dance Call and Callbacks
- Morning: Dance Call (Cabaret — will consist of choreography done to one of the songs from the show)
- Afternoon: Show-specific callbacks
- 3 p.m. – 4 p.m. Hicklin Theatre, 39 Steps
- 4 p.m. – 5 p.m. Barnett Theatre, Cabaret
Sign-Up
Bring a resume and headshot (clear shoulders-up photo acceptable). Arrive five minutes early. Walk-ups accepted as time allows.
Questions
Scripts:
Available in the Theatre/Dance Department office.
