Resident Companies
At Overture Center, we're honored to host nine amazing resident companies that bring a variety of art forms to life. From dance and opera to symphonic and chamber music, to visual art and theater for all ages, these groups make Overture their home. We're proud to be the place where such diverse and vibrant creativity thrives!
Children's Theater of Madison
Celebrating a legacy of imagination and community
MISSION: Founded in 1965 by Nancy Thurow, Children’s Theater of Madison’s mission is to spark imagination and build community through the creation and experience of theater.
FAVORITE THING ABOUT OVERTURE CENTER: We feel absolutely blessed to be the leading youth arts provider in Madison and an original resident company in a truly premier performing arts facility, Overture Center for the Arts! We’ve been a part of Overture from the beginning. We’ve held annual shows in the elegant Capitol Theater, including the beloved holiday tradition, “A Christmas Carol,” and perform regularly in the truly intimate Playhouse. For many years before Madison Youth Arts (MYArts), Overture hosted our Summer Stage program, welcoming nearly 600 kids each summer.
OH! MOMENTS:
Pre-Pandemic - Our last show before the pandemic, “Mockingbird,” was a groundbreaking performance in The Playhouse, featuring a young actor on the autism spectrum in a lead role—an unprecedented event in Madison.
Post-Pandemic - Following the pandemic, we triumphantly reopened with “Stellaluna,” led by a deaf/Hall of Fame actor, in The Playhouse. These moments encapsulate our mission and values.
"The intimacy of The Playhouse stage allows actors to engage directly with the audience. Memorable moments include Matilda’s swings over the audience and Dorothy calling ‘Auntie Em!’ in ‘The Wizard of Oz.’ The line between make believe and reality dissolves, enveloping our young audience in the story."
Roseann Sheridan, Artistic Director Emeritus
Forward Theater Company
Celebrating local talent and unforgettable moments
MISSION: Forward Theater Company is dedicated to creating a home base for Wisconsin theater professionals and audiences, enriching the cultural and economic life of the greater Madison area.
FOUNDERS: Forward Theater was established in 2009 by a passionate group of Wisconsin-based actors, directors and designers.
FAVORITE THING ABOUT OVERTURE CENTER: The intimacy of The Playhouse theater, which allows our audiences to have deeply personal experiences at our shows. No one is ever more than eight rows from the stage!
OH! MOMENT: Transforming The Playhouse into a theater in-the-round for our production of “Every Brilliant Thing,” starring David Daniel. This unique setup created an intimate and immersive experience for both artists and audiences, making it a standout moment in our history.
"On opening night in Madison, a man seated near me sighed so audibly it was as though he’d been holding his breath the entire time. It was as though the audience had been brought to a precipice, and invited to take a leap, too."
Forward Theater Patron
James Watrous Gallery
Showcasing Wisconsin's artistic excellence
MISSION: The James Watrous Gallery, a program of the Wisconsin Academy of Sciences, Arts & Letters, is dedicated to celebrating Wisconsin artists and the diverse, vibrant culture of our state. The James Watrous Gallery’s program of solo and curated exhibitions brings people together to explore and learn from artists’ creative processes and lived experiences, building connections that encourage respect and empathy. We believe art can increase our understanding of ourselves, one another and the world we share.
FOUNDERS: The Wisconsin Academy of Sciences, Arts & Letters was founded in 1870 and began presenting exhibitions in its modest office building in the mid-1970s. The Wisconsin Academy Gallery developed a reputation for excellence and soon became a fixture on the Madison arts scene. When the gallery moved to Overture Center in 2004, it was renamed in tribute to James Watrous, a printmaker, muralist and UW-Madison art history professor recognized for his tireless efforts to encourage and support Wisconsin art and artists.
FAVORITE THING ABOUT OVERTURE CENTER: The diverse range of performances and events at Overture Center allows us to reach people who might not typically visit a contemporary art gallery. For instance, parents with small children often discover the Watrous Gallery while exploring the building on Saturdays during Kids in the Rotunda. Artists also appreciate how their work is beautifully showcased in this gorgeous space.
OH! MOMENT: Portaging a birchbark canoe through Overture Hall for the 2013 exhibition “Vital Skills” because it wouldn’t fit in the freight elevator.
Kanopy Dance Company
Celebrating 48 years of exquisite and powerful dance
MISSION: Kanopy cultivates the dynamic growth of modern dance–advancing artistic benchmarks–by training emerging talent, presenting original works, building creative partnerships with internationally renowned multicultural guest artists, and promoting the sheer power and joy of live dance performance.
FOUNDERS: Established in 1976, our organization was sparked by the energy and imagination of Colin Jefcoate, Christine Stevens and others at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Kanopy’s current leadership team includes Robert E. Cleary, Lisa Thurrell and Susanne Voeltz.
THE VALUE OF OVERTURE CENTER: Overture Center boasts state-of-the-art performance venues for local arts organizations, creating a dynamic cultural environment that fosters collaborations among resident groups. A notable feature is Kids in the Rotunda, a critical community asset that introduces children to dance, music, theater and cultural traditions from around the world.
OH! MOMENT: We were one of only five companies internationally vetted to participate in the 100th anniversary celebration of the Martha Graham Dance Company. We’ve brought dance luminaries like Pascal Rioult, Miki Orihara, Lloyd Knight, Sandra Kaufmann and Donlin Foreman to our stage.
“Kanopy Dance connects new audiences and dancers with a rich cultural history and has brought a stream of international choreographers and dancers to Madison.”
Tom Neujahr, Urban Land Interests
MISSION: Li Chiao-Ping Dance is committed to supporting, producing and promoting original, inventive and thought-provoking contemporary choreography. Our mission, led by Artistic Director Li Chiao-Ping, is to enhance lives through dance by improving health, expanding knowledge, fostering acceptance and inspiring through our "Dancing Through Life" philosophy.
FOUNDED: Founded in 1991 by Li Chiao-Ping, Artistic Director.
FAVORITE THING ABOUT OVERTURE CENTER: Overture Center offers a rich variety of high-quality arts experiences for all ages, fostering vibrant and empathetic communities through opportunities to engage as participants, performers and spectators.
OH! MOMENT: The world premiere of “Here Lies the Truth” in 2022 at Overture Center. This mixed media dance theater concert featured live music, spoken text and projections, exploring themes of race, power and equity. The audience's enthusiastic response and the ability to connect with our community post-COVID made it unforgettable.
"Emotional, raw and open...cathartic – both draining and a relief.”
Neal Patten, Oregon Observer
Madison Ballet
Celebrating 43 years of grace and innovation
MISSION: Established in 1981, Madison Ballet is dedicated to fostering a deep appreciation for ballet and making this beautiful art form accessible to all. We inspire and train the next generation of dancers, artists and professionals through the dynamic performances of the Madison Ballet Company, the comprehensive education provided by the School of Madison Ballet and extensive outreach efforts in partnership with community groups.
FAVORITE THING ABOUT OVERTURE CENTER: Overture Center is a magical place that brings communities together. It offers an unparalleled opportunity to meet and connect with people who share a love for the performing arts. The excitement and support for every artist performing at Overture make it a truly special venue.
OH! MOMENT: In 2024, when we returned to the Capitol Theater with our “Timeless” program, we experienced the audience's overwhelming support and enthusiasm for our artistry, from classical to contemporary ballet, culminated in a thunderous standing ovation. It was an unforgettable experience that reaffirmed our commitment to excellence.
"The momentum Madison Ballet is building with extraordinary artists, dynamic programming, brilliant new creations, exciting collaborations and time-honored traditions is truly exciting."
Ja'Malik, Artistic Director & Interim Executive Director, Madison Ballet
MISSION: Madison Opera is dedicated to producing opera of the highest artistic standards.
FOUNDERS: Madison Opera was founded in 1961 by Arline and Roland Johnson, along with a dedicated group of volunteers.
OH! MOMENT: We have an “Oh!” moment every time we see a smile on an audience member’s face and know that we have made them happy, whether they are a teenager or a senior citizen, whether it is their first opera or their hundredth.
FAVORITE THING ABOUT OVERTURE CENTER: We love so many things: the perfect acoustics of Overture Hall, the enchanting design of the Capitol Theater, the mix of art galleries and theaters, and the way the lobbies come alive as audiences from every kind of artistic performance mingle together.
“Join us inside the theater to laugh, to be moved, and above all, to feel the human connection that only happens when we share opera together.”
Kathryn Smith, General Director
MISSION: Experience the emotion, energy and joy of Madison Symphony Orchestra concerts in beautiful Overture Hall. This year, you’re invited to our 99th Symphony season, featuring eight classical concerts, two movie presentations and the 20th anniversary of our Overture Concert Organ series with four exciting performances. Looking ahead, we will celebrate 100+ years together in music throughout the 2025/26 season. We’re composing a new future connecting community and expanding musical horizons. Share our love of music. Join us — everyone can be a part of it!
FOUNDED: The Madison Civic Symphony, the forerunner of today’s Madison Symphony Orchestra (MSO), was founded in 1926 by the Madison Civic Music Association (MCMA) and an energetic Orchestra Committee chaired by Susan Seastone. Dr. Sigfrid Prager was hired as the first music director.
OH! MOMENT: “I can honestly say that in the 14 seasons I played in Overture Hall, I never failed to get a thrill every time I walked on stage: it was always just a little unbelievable that an orchestra playing in a medium-sized Midwestern city got to work and perform in a truly world-class hall!” – Michael Allsen, MSO musician.
"Overture Hall has simply been transformative for me and the musicians of the MSO. Playing in this magnificent center for the arts has been a non-stop thrill for 20 years. Here’s to the next 20!"
John DeMain, Music Director
MISSION: Established in 1959 as the Madison Summer Symphony by conductor Gordon Wright, the organization became the Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra later under David Lewis Crosby with a mission to strengthen communities through innovative, high-quality artistic experiences that entertain, inspire and unite diverse audiences.
FAVORITE THING ABOUT OVERTURE CENTER: “It’s a strong organization with a strong identity in the community. The staff, from the front and back of house, stage managers, stagehands, security and ushers, treat us as a resident company and our musicians with respect and dignity. I am always impressed with their professionalism and the quality of their work, from ‘Masterworks’ to the ‘Nutcracker.’ They make it a joy to enter the building and create a welcoming working environment.” – Andrew Sewell, Music Director
OH! MOMENT: “When Overture Center opened in 2004, and a year later when the Capitol Theater opened in 2005, our opening concerts defined us. The 2004 concert with Art Garfunkel and the 2005 concert with Kathleen Battle and Stewart Goodyear were two seminal moments.” – Andrew Sewell, Music Director
“It is always a joyous experience to go to WCO concerts.... great programming, great musicians, great receptions."
2024 WCO Concert Attendee