Kids in the Rotunda
Get ready for toe-tapping rhythms, mind-blowing magic, incredible dancing, engaging cultural arts performances, silly sing-alongs and more!
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Join the Kids in the Rotunda mailing list!
We'll send you information, tips and reminders about upcoming Kids in the Rotunda events. Click the button and select “Kids in the Rotunda News”.
Unleash the magic of family fun with Kids in the Rotunda!
We are excited to welcome you to Kids in the Rotunda series, designed to captivate families of all ages. From renowned folk singers to dynamic percussion groups, and hilarious kid-friendly improv to vibrant Indian dance, our handpicked lineup guarantees an unforgettable experience for your family. While tailored for children ages nine and younger, these performances will mesmerize both kids and adults alike. Performers subject to change.
While you're here, don't forget to visit the Rotunda Café for a quick coffee or a delicious snack, and explore our little library from REACH-A-Child for a free book to take home.
But the fun doesn't stop there! After select performances, stick around for Art After Overture at the Madison Public Library and free creative yoga from little om BIG OM.
Unless noted, there are three show times to choose from: 9:30am, 11am and 1pm.
Kids in the Rotunda is a free, family-friendly event. No tickets required. Please come early to get the best seats. When maximum capacity is reached, no more guests may enter the area. The 1pm performances are American Sign Language interpreted. Email kidsintherotunda@overture.org at least one hour prior to the performance to be seated within view of the interpreter.
Can't make it in person? No worries! We've got you covered with livestreamed performances every month, ensuring you never miss a moment of the magic. Plus, view our recorded performances from past seasons.
Unsure what to expect? Check out our pre-visit video below. Feel free to email kidsintherotunda@overture.org with any questions you may have.
Coming Up
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Saturday, October 18 | Multiple ShowtimesWhoopensocker
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Saturday, October 25 | Multiple ShowtimesThe Jerry Ensemble
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Wednesday, October 29 | Multiple ShowtimesWayne the Wizard
Tips to help you plan your attendance
- Please arrive early to get the best seats. When maximum capacity is reached, no more guests may enter the area.
- Strollers are also not allowed but a “stroller parking” area is provided.
- Capacity is limited and the 1pm performance is typically the least attended. Visit the Kids in the Rotunda Facebook page for seating updates the day of performances.
- Masks are welcome but not required for all performances. Find out more.
- You are welcome to bring a cozy blanket from home to sit on and create a comfortably distanced seating area to enjoy the performance.
- Please call 608.258.4447 if you need to be seated within sight of the interpreter or have other access needs to discuss. Sensory kits and wobble seats are available.
Coming to Kids in the Rotunda
Join the Kids in the Rotunda mailing list
We'll send you information, tips and reminders about upcoming Kids in the Rotunda events.
Watch Kids in the Rotunda
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The Lullaby Project
April 26, 2025
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Birds of a Feather
March 22, 2025
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Mark Hayward
January 11, 2025
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The Handphibians
December 14, 2024
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Cash Box Kings
November 29, 2024
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Monkey Business
October 30, 2024
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The Jerry Ensemble
May 4, 2024
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Madison Ballet
March 30, 2024
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L.E.X
February 17, 2024
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Fox & Branch
December 16, 2023
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DanzTrad
November 4, 2023
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Ken Lonnquist
October 25, 2023
Ready to dance, sing and get silly? Our Kids in the Rotunda playlist features songs from upcoming performers to spark curiosity, imagination and joy. With just a few tunes to kick things off—and more added throughout the year—it’s the perfect way to introduce your child to the arts and build excitement for free Kids in the Rotunda performances at Overture. Listen together, sing along and celebrate the lifelong power of the arts!
Want to Perform at Kids in the Rotunda?
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and the upcoming season (which runs October – April) is finalized in February of each year.
Questions?
Reach out to us at kidsintherotunda@overture.org with any questions you have about Kids in the Rotunda.
Kids in the Rotunda is supported by
Upcoming Kids in the Rotunda Events
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October 18
Saturday
Comedy, Family Friendly, Free Events, Improv Comedy, Kids in the Rotunda, Theater Whoopensocker
Rotunda Stage
Whoopensocker arts residency program and performing ensemble works with emergent readers and writers to create original theater pieces. This show is a combination of sketches, songs and physical theater. It is a fantastic culmination of creativity, celebrated with students, staff and community.
Multiple Showtimes -
October 25
Saturday
Family Friendly, Free Events, Kids in the Rotunda, Music, Theater The Jerry Ensemble
Rotunda Stage
The Jerry Ensemble of Southern Wisconsin, a premier performance group representing the Jerry Awards, will perform Disney's "Finding Nemo KIDS!" Join us and witness the future stars of musical theater in action!
Multiple Showtimes -
October 29
Wednesday
Family Friendly, Free Events, Kids in the Rotunda, Variety Wayne the Wizard
Rotunda Stage
Get ready for spooky fun and silly surprises! Wayne the Wizard brings Halloween to life with colorful magic, comedy ventriloquism and lots of audience participation.
Multiple Showtimes -
November 1
Saturday
Educational/Talks, Family Friendly, Free Events, Kids in the Rotunda Zoozort
Rotunda Stage
Do you love learning about wildlife? Then join us for Zoozort's live animal program, where you'll discover special abilities, behaviors and habitats of some of the world’s most amazing animals.
Multiple Showtimes -
November 8
Saturday
Family Friendly, Free Events, Kids in the Rotunda, Music Birds of a Feather
Rotunda Stage
Birds of a Feather (Little Miss Ann + Suzi Shelton) will perform classic favorites and new songs from their debut album "Rock Together," featuring themes of friendship, adventure and community.
Multiple Showtimes -
November 15
Saturday
Family Friendly, Free Events, Kids in the Rotunda, Music Beni Daiko
Rotunda Stage
Beni Daiko will introduce Japanese culture through powerful Taiko drumming, traditional lion dance and modern interpretations. Get ready for an interactive experience with audience participation!
Multiple Showtimes -
November 22
Saturday
Family Friendly, Free Events, Kids in the Rotunda, Music Ken Lonnquist
Rotunda Stage
Enjoy a delightful performance by Ken Lonnquist, who writes and sings humorous, literate and thoughtful songs about nature, the environment and current issues.
Multiple Showtimes -
November 28
Friday
Family Friendly, Free Events, Kids in the Rotunda, Music Cash Box Kings
Rotunda Stage
The Cash Box Kings bring the classic Chicago blues era to life, tailored to teach children about this timeless genre. This be-bopping blues party promises to get everyone on their feet and grooving!
Multiple Showtimes -
November 29
Saturday
Family Friendly, Free Events, Kids in the Rotunda, Music Yid Vicious
Rotunda Stage
Yid Vicious brings klezmer for all ages to the Rotunda Stage. Get ready to dance as we celebrate the wonders of the season with Yiddish dance beats, special guests and shenanigans galore.
Multiple Showtimes -
December 6
Saturday
Family Friendly, Free Events, Kids in the Rotunda, Music Stuart Stotts
Rotunda Stage
Stuart Stotts is an energetic singer and storyteller who loves engaging audiences. In a family-friendly setting, you'll find yourself singing, moving, sharing ideas and laughing together.
Multiple Showtimes -
December 13
Saturday
Family Friendly, Free Events, Kids in the Rotunda, Music The Handphibians
Rotunda Stage
The Handphibians will bring the vibrant sounds of Rio de Janeiro, Salvador and Recife, Brazil, to life with their songs and traditional drumming rhythms.
Multiple Showtimes -
December 20
Saturday
Family Friendly, Free Events, Kids in the Rotunda, Music Fox & Branch's Will Branch
Rotunda Stage
Get ready to sing, dance and laugh with Fox & Branch's Will Branch! This lively duo brings families together with a high-energy mix of traditional and original songs played on guitar, fiddle, banjo and washboard.
Multiple Showtimes -
January 10
Saturday
Family Friendly, Free Events, Kids in the Rotunda, Music David Landau
Rotunda Stage
David’s personal appearances are upbeat musical programs that keep children engaged and constantly thinking. The kids sing some, move some, dance some, shout just a little bit and laugh a bunch.
Multiple Showtimes -
January 17
Saturday
Family Friendly, Free Events, Kids in the Rotunda, Music Panchromatic Steel
Rotunda Stage
Panchromatic Steel fuses island styles with pop hits, rock and jazz into a high-energy blend that's easy to love. At the heart of their sound is the steelpan, an instrument from Trinidad and Tobago, adding vibrant Caribbean flair.
Multiple Showtimes -
January 24
Saturday
Family Friendly, Free Events, Kids in the Rotunda, Variety Magic Morgan & Liliana
Rotunda Stage
Magic Morgan & Liliana blend the art of illusion and comedy to create wholesome family entertainment. Expect humor, magic, mime and more as they dazzle the audience.
Multiple Showtimes -
January 31
Saturday
Family Friendly, Free Events, Kids in the Rotunda, Music Angela Puerta
Rotunda Stage
Angela Puerta and her band bring a unique blend of entertainment and education to young audiences by incorporating small instruments that kids can play along with during the show. The interactive experience not only keeps kids engaged but also fosters a love for music in both English and Spanish.
Multiple Showtimes -
February 7
Saturday
Family Friendly, Free Events, Kids in the Rotunda, Music Drum Power
Rotunda Stage
The Drum Power advanced performing group features local youth ages 12-16, showcasing drumming and dance from Guinea, Senegal and Mali in West Africa and Salvador Bahia and Rio, Brazil.
Multiple Showtimes -
February 14
Saturday
Family Friendly, Free Events, Jazz, Kids in the Rotunda, Music NOLA Tribute
Rotunda Stage
Get ready for a musical journey with the New Orleans Tribute! This talented group, featuring members from Mama Digdown's Brass Band and Madison's top jazz musicians, brings the vibrant sounds of New Orleans Jazz and Secondline music to you—no plane ticket needed.
Multiple Showtimes -
February 21
Saturday
Family Friendly, Free Events, Kids in the Rotunda, Music L.E.X
Rotunda Stage
L.E.X delivers original kid-friendly hip-hop music with positive themes like regulating emotions, being kind, chasing dreams and navigating childhood experiences.
Multiple Showtimes -
February 28
Saturday
Family Friendly, Free Events, Kids in the Rotunda, Variety Mark Hayward
Rotunda Stage
Mark Hayward's performance is a delightful mix of comedy and object manipulation. Using props like yo-yos, tops, juggling equipment and even a mousetrap, he creates a fun and witty show that everyone can enjoy.
Multiple Showtimes -
March 14
Saturday
Dance, Family Friendly, Free Events, Kids in the Rotunda Kalaanjali Indian Dance Company
Rotunda Stage
Experience breathtaking stories of the East through the graceful postures, percussive feet, vibrant costumes and dynamic expressions of the Kalaanjali dancers.
Multiple Showtimes -
March 21
Saturday
Family Friendly, Free Events, Kids in the Rotunda, Music Tom Pease
Rotunda Stage
One of the series’ most popular performers, Tom Pease engages children with imaginative songs, humor and full audience participation. Pease’s show leaves audiences with a renewed appreciation for their own sense of place and community.
Multiple Showtimes -
March 28
Saturday
Dance, Family Friendly, Free Events, Kids in the Rotunda Madison Ballet
Rotunda Stage
Don’t miss this unique opportunity to experience the Madison Ballet like never before! Audience members will have an up-close experience of a ballet class warm up, barre practice, center floor work and choreography rehearsal.
Multiple Showtimes -
April 4
Saturday
Dance, Family Friendly, Free Events, Kids in the Rotunda Trinity Irish Dance Academy
Overture Hall Main Lobby
Get ready for a high-energy showcase that will leave you breathless! In this performance, you’ll witness the incredible talent of Trinity students, some as young as 3.5 years old, as they bring traditional Irish steps and vibrant choreography to life on stage.
Multiple Showtimes -
April 11
Saturday
Dance, Family Friendly, Free Events, Kids in the Rotunda, Music Limanya Drum and Dance
Rotunda Stage
Performing traditional music from Guinea and Mali, West Africa, Limanya Drum and Dance Ensemble incorporates song, dance, drum and theater into high-energy entertainment for all audiences.
Multiple Showtimes -
April 18
Saturday
Dance, Family Friendly, Free Events, Kids in the Rotunda, Music Duke Otherwise
Rotunda Stage
Don’t miss the wildly entertaining Duke Otherwise! This playful wordsmith, spirited performer and captivating tap dancer brings music and laughter to audiences of all ages.
Multiple Showtimes -
April 25
Saturday
Family Friendly, Free Events, Kids in the Rotunda, Music Lullaby Project
Rotunda Stage
Join local musicians and teaching artists for a very special day of sharing songs created for the little ones in your life.
Multiple Showtimes