Dr. Ida Balderrama-Trudell
ACES opens doors to arts careers for 28 local students
September 3, 2025
This summer, 28 students from 13 Madison-area middle and high schools discovered what it’s like to build a future in the arts through our Arts Career Exploration Spotlight (ACES) program.
Over two three-week sessions, participants experienced 32 field trips, panels and workshops led by Overture Center staff and 23 community partners. Overture served as the main meeting place with field trips to American Players Theatre (APT), Electronic Theatre Controls (ETC), Madison Youth Arts (MYArts), UW-Madison and Wisconsin Youth Symphony Orchestra (WYSO).
From day one, students were immersed in a variety of arts roles. They met professionals in lighting, sound, design, performance, administration and more. One student reflected, “I liked how we were able to explore every art profession, and that we were able to network with local artists and art organizations.”
Workshops stretched their creativity and skills, from poetry and spoken word to ballet and contemporary/popular dance, from costuming and piano to songwriting, wellness and financial literacy.
Another student shared, “Some of the most enjoyable aspects were the technical, interactive parts. This program has kindled my interest in the technical side of the arts, something I had no idea I loved.”
Students also experienced the thrill of live performance, attending “MJ the Musical” and “Wicked” at Overture Center and “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” at American Players Theatre. Along the way, students expressed how much they enjoyed making new friends, experiencing new things, being at Overture Center and discovering the diversity of careers in the arts.
It wasn’t just the students who grew—ACES staff did too. One counselor stated, “I loved teaching the workshops and helping facilitate discussions. It was so great to help the students develop into more confident versions of themselves!”
ACES ended with a joyful celebration on Friday, August 1 at Overture Center. More than 100 guests gathered to honor the students’ accomplishments, and each participant received a stipend in recognition for their dedication.
ACES proves that the arts are more than performances—they're pathways. And for these 28 students, the journey has only just begun.
Learn about ACES at www.overture.org/ACES.
ACES is generously supported by Nelnet and Old National Bank.
As an independent nonprofit organization, Overture Center depends on donor support to offer free and affordable programs that enrich lives and connect our community through the arts.