Children's Theater of Madison

The Trials

Black banner reads: "The Trials." An illustration at the center depicts a golden traditional scale with a burning planet earth on the lower side and a green plant in the other.

Friday, May 2 - Sunday, May 11

Starlight Theater at MYArts

Age Recommendation

13 & up

Content Disclosure

Involves strong language, mild physical intimacy, a queer relationship and a dystopian future where children can vote to sentence adults to death.

The near future. The climate emergency is at a tipping point, and the older generation is being judged. The jurors are children. But are they delivering justice – or just taking revenge? The Trials addresses the climate emergency and intergenerational conflict, as the jury of 12 to 17-year-olds hold the stage alongside three adult defendants. This play will spark discussion and debate on climate change, responsibility and accountability.  

Directed by Marcella Kearns 
A Play by Dawn King 

Presented by special arrangement with Berlin Associates. 

Upcoming Theater Events

  • January 29 - February 15

    Cyber Weekend, Forward Theater, Theater Ironbound

    Playhouse

    An immigrant fighting for a better life learns what’s fleeting and what lasts in this clear-eyed and darkly funny portrait spanning 22 years. “Ironbound” is a meditation on hope, love and staying human.

    Multiple Showtimes
  • February 7 - February 22

    Children's Theater of Madison, Family Friendly, Theater The Hobbit

    MYArts Starlight Theater

    When homebody Bilbo Baggins is whisked away by a band of dwarves and a very mysterious wizard, he finds himself facing trolls, goblins and a fire-breathing dragon—with only his courage and a bit of luck to guide him!

    Multiple Showtimes
  • February 13 - February 15

    Classical Music, Madison Opera, Music, Theater Everlasting Faint

    Capitol Theater

    Based on the true story of the 1897 “Greenbrier Ghost,” “Everlasting Faint” is a ghost story, a maternal love story, a true crime drama and an all-American opera. Don’t miss this world premiere by Madison composer Scott Gendel and librettist Sandra Flores-Strand.

    Multiple Showtimes
  • February 28

    Saturday

    2025/26 Season, Fringe Festival, Overture Presents, Theater, Variety Dinosaur World Live

    Overture Hall

    Dare to enter a prehistoric realm where lifelike dinosaurs roar before your eyes. From the mighty T. Rex to the towering Giraffatitan, meet incredible creatures up close in an interactive family show. Don’t miss this thrilling Jurassic adventure live on stage!

    3:00 PM
  • February 28

    Saturday

    2025/26 Season, Comedy, Fringe Festival, Overture Presents, Theater, Variety Caitlin Cook - The Writing on the Stall

    Promenade Hall

    Caitlin Cook's hit bathroom graffiti musical transforms stall scribbles into the lyrics of her original songs and trail markers along her journey in this confessional, immersive and uproarious one-of-a-kind show.

    Multiple Showtimes
  • February 28

    Saturday

    2025/26 Season, Comedy, Fringe Festival, Overture Presents, Theater, Variety The Naked Magicians

    Capitol Theater

    Brace yourself for a magic show like no other! Direct from Las Vegas and London’s West End, Australia’s “The Naked Magicians” deliver world-class illusions and nonstop laughs—while wearing nothing but a top hat and a smile. 18+ only.

    7:00 PM
  • March 7

    Saturday

    Dance, Educational/Talks, Family Friendly, Folk Music, Free Events, Music, Theater, Variety, Visual Arts International Festival

    Multiple Venues

    Celebrate the rich cultural heritage within our community and enjoy nearly 30 FREE performances throughout Overture by artists who call Dane County home. Indulge in cuisines from around the world, browse stunning arts and crafts available for purchase and learn about the many local businesses with global connections.

    10:00 AM
  • March 7 - March 22

    Children's Theater of Madison, Family Friendly, Theater Tiara’s Hat Parade

    MYArts Starlight Theater

    A heartwarming one-woman show celebrating creativity, resilience and the importance of community. Based on Kelly Starling Lyons' award-winning best-selling children's book, this touching story shows how one small gesture can impact an entire community and that kindness is always in fashion.

    Multiple Showtimes
  • March 28 - March 29

    Educational/Talks, Theater New Works: On Deck

    Playhouse

    Experience "Steady She Goes" and "Dan Seavey: Confessions of a Great Lakes Pirate" as part of the Four Seasons Theatre's production "New Works: On Deck."

    Multiple Showtimes
  • April 4

    Saturday

    2025/26 Season, Music, Overture Presents, Theater An Evening with Audra McDonald

    Overture Hall

    Overture Center is honored to welcome the incomparable Audra McDonald to Madison for an unforgettable evening of music and artistry. The Tony, Grammy and Emmy winner stands alone as one of the most celebrated performers of our time.

    7:30 PM
  • April 9 - April 26

    Forward Theater, Theater Lady Disdain

    Playhouse

    Shakespeare’s “Much Ado About Nothing” gets a makeover in this fierce and sexy comedy about the hottest books on the market and standing up for those you love—including yourself.

    Multiple Showtimes
  • April 24 - April 26

    Classical Music, Madison Opera, Music, Theater Così fan tutte

    Overture Hall

    Two sisters, two suitors and a drunken wager about the nature of fidelity—what could possibly go wrong? Mozart’s deliciously risqué romantic comedy is full of sublime arias, sparkling ensembles and the complications that ensue when young love and flirtation encounter reality. 

    Multiple Showtimes
  • May 2 - May 17

    Children's Theater of Madison, Family Friendly, Theater Disney’s Newsies The Musical

    MYArts Starlight Theater

    When powerful New York newspaper publishers raise distribution prices at the newsboys' expense, Jack Kelly rallies his ragtag group of “newsies” to fight back. Inspired by true events, this high-energy musical tells the story of young people discovering their voice.

    Multiple Showtimes