National Geographic Live Series

Diving the Great Barrier Reef with Marine Biologist Erika Woolsey

Tuesday, April 15

7:30pm

Capitol Theater

$25 - $65

Age Recommendation

6 and up

Meet the Artist

Stay after the show for a brief informal Q&A session in the theater with the performers.

Plunge into the vibrant depths of the Great Barrier Reef alongside marine biologist Erika Woolsey. Experience the annual spectacle of coral reproduction, an incredible display that disguises a harsh truth: climate change is bleaching much of the Great Barrier reef’s vast natural landscape. Discover how scientists and citizens are fighting to protect reefs of the world in this inspiring journey of conservation and hope.

Banner reads: "Oh, the choices you'll make!" A troupe of dancers in yellow and red outfits hold up one dancer with one leg extended. The photo is digitally placed in a large yellow "O" with an image of a school of fish underwater behind.

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Photos

  • A women with light complexion wearing a diving wetsuit, scuba googles and mouthpiece underwater. Coral reefs can be seen around her as she holds a clipboard and pen.

  • Photo by Taylor Mickal
  • A coral reef of yellow and pink coral under the ocean.

Meet the Speaker

Marine Biologist

Erika Woolsey

Dr. Erika Woolsey is a marine biologist, divemaster and virtual reality filmmaker. Her research and career have taken her to reefs all over the world. Woolsey carried out her Ph.D. research in Australia, where she studied the Great Barrier Reef. She is the chief scientist and CEO of The Hydrous, a non-profit organization on a mission to inspire ocean empathy and marine stewardship. She uses 360-degree photography to create immersive virtual reality videos to help people understand the ocean and reefs from anywhere in the world. She is currently a Visiting Scholar at Stanford’s Virtual Human Interaction Lab.

Thank you to our Overture Presents partners

 

Title Partners

 

Community Partners

 

Leading Partners

 

Supporting Partners

  • Findorff Building Beyond
  • Hausmann Group Logo Color Horiz
  • Lake Ridge Logo
  • Rare Steakhouse

Upcoming Educational Events

  • January 19

    Monday

    Educational/Talks, Free Events 41st Annual Madison & Dane County MLK Day Observance

    The Rotunda & Capitol Theater

    The King Coalition was established in the fall of 1985 as a community group to plan the official City of Madison and Dane County observance of the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday along with other events to commemorate the life and accomplishments of Dr. King.

    5:00 PM
  • January 20

    Tuesday

    2025/26 Season, Educational/Talks, National Geographic Live, Overture Presents Wild Cats Revealed with Filmmaker Sandesh Kadur

    Capitol Theater

    From towering Himalayas to dense jungles, India is home to the world’s most diverse wild cats. Join filmmaker and National Geographic Fellow Sandesh Kadur as he unveils rare felines—like the grumpy-faces Palla’s cat and the fishing cat—through captivating images and video.

    7:30 PM
  • February 2

    Monday

    Dance, Educational/Talks Step Afrika! Community Panel

    Promenade Hall

    Overture Center and our Community Advisory Council invite you to a dynamic community conversation inspired by Step Afrika!’s “The Migration: Reflections on Jacob Lawrence,” presented in collaboration with the UW-Madison Dance Department and company members from Step Afrika!

    5:30 PM
  • March 3

    Tuesday

    2025/26 Season, Educational/Talks, National Geographic Live, Overture Presents The Untold Story of Sharks with Marine Biologist Jess Cramp

    Capitol Theater

    Dive into our planet’s waters and observe the fascinating lives of sharks with marine biologist Jess Cramp. Fifty years after “Jaws,” discover the real story of these ancient predators, the trailblazing women of shark science and Cramp’s mission to protect them.

    7:30 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 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
  • May 30

    Saturday

    2025/26 Season, Educational/Talks, Family Friendly, Overture Presents Wild Kratts LIVE 2.0

    Overture Hall

    Dive into another classic Wild Kratts adventure with the Kratt brothers as they combine live action and animation, with Martin and Chris Kratt live on stage and the rest of the Wild Kratts team on screen, at the Tortuga HQ.

    Multiple Showtimes