Local Performing Arts Groups Announce the MKE Performing Arts Homecoming Celebration, September 24 – October 4

UPAF | September 8, 2021

The lights are turning back on, the curtains are being raised and the doors will be open to all for the MKE Performing Arts Homecoming Celebration. Fifteen of the United Performing Arts Fund (UPAF)’s world-class Members and Affiliates are welcoming community members back to their venues after a challenging year with 11 days of free performances, interactive workshops, venue tours and more. Information on specific events can be found at mkearts.com.

 

“The performing arts organizations in our area have persevered as a source of entertainment and a unifier over the last 18 months while demonstrating innovation in the face of significant challenge,” said Patrick Rath, UPAF president & CEO. “It is because of the great donor support from our local community and valuable public funding that these organizations are prepared to once again open their doors and we look forward to showing our gratitude during the Homecoming Celebration.”

 

“While we have been incredibly fortunate to have had the ability to provide entertainment to the people throughout the region over the last 18 months in new ways, nothing will replace enjoying a live performance” said Chad Bauman, Milwaukee Rep executive director. “We look forward to now welcoming audiences back into our beautiful venues to thank them for their ongoing support and enjoy exceptional entertainment.”

 

Highlights of offerings include an open house of the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra’s new home, the Bradley Symphony Center, a free day of theater at Milwaukee Rep, First Stage Theater Academy workshops and a celebration of World Ballet Day with the Milwaukee Ballet.

 

The MKE Arts Homecoming Celebration will take place from Sept. 24 – Oct. 4, coinciding with Historic Milwaukee’s Doors Open events. Participating organizations include Danceworks, First Stage, The Florentine Opera, Marcus Performing Arts Center, Milwaukee Chamber Theatre, Milwaukee Ballet, Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, Milwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra (MYSO), Next Act Theatre, Present Music, Renaissance Theaterworks, Milwaukee Rep, Sharon Lynne Wilson Center for the Arts, Skylight Music Theatre and Wisconsin Conservatory of Music.

 

Schedule of MKE Arts Homecoming Celebration Offerings

Additional information on each event can be found at mkearts.com.

 

All Week Long:

Danceworks: DanceLAB: Rhythmworks

Next Act Theatre: Production of Three Viewings

 

Friday, Sept. 24:

Sharon Lynne Wilson Center for the Arts: Gallery Reception for Guitars for Vets: Operation Art Strings

Saturday, Sept. 25:

Present Music: LIVE at Tanner-Monagle

Wisconsin Conservatory of Music: Doors Open Tours

 

Sunday, Sept. 26:

First Stage: Adventures with the Three Little Pigs Performance

First Stage: Theater Academy Workshops

Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra: Community Day of Music

Wisconsin Conservatory of Music: Doors Open Tours

 

Tuesday, Sept. 28:

Renaissance Theaterworks: A Sneak Peek of The Cake by Bekah Brunstetter

Skylight Music Theatre: Skylight Season Sampler

The United Performing Arts Fund: UPAF Campaign Finale

 

Wednesday, Sept. 29:

The Florentine Opera: Versed: Rigoletto

Milwaukee Chamber Theatre: Stew Open Rehearsal

 

Thursday, Sept. 30:

Milwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra: MYSO Rehearsal Open House

Skylight Music Theatre: The Show Must Go On

 

Friday, Oct. 1:

Milwaukee Ballet: World Ballet Day Celebration

 

Saturday, Oct. 2:

First Stage: Step Kids, an Amplify Series Performance

Marcus Performing Arts Center: Milwaukee Jazz Institute | Pre-Show Concert

Milwaukee Repertory Theater: Free Day of Theater

 

Sunday, Oct. 3:

First Stage: Step Kids, an Amplify Series Performance

 

Monday, Oct. 4:

The Florentine Opera: Rigoletto: Open Rehearsal

 

About UPAF

The United Performing Arts Fund (UPAF) has been setting the stage since 1967 by providing critical investment in our region’s vibrant performing arts scene. UPAF’s mission is to secure community resources, promote the performing arts as a regional asset and improve the quality of life through responsible investment in and financial support of the performing arts in Eastern Wisconsin. In 2020, dollars generated through fundraising totaled $11,358,693, with an additional $304,000 raised in grant revenue. UPAF proudly bears Charity Navigator’s highest distinction for nonprofits – a four-star rating – and is the No. 1 united arts fund in the country in terms of dollars raised.

UPAF works in partnership with its 14 Members and numerous Affiliates to ensure more than one million people are inspired each year through performances, educational outreach, special events and community partnerships. UPAF Cornerstone Members include First Stage, Florentine Opera Company, Milwaukee Ballet, Milwaukee Repertory Theatre, Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra and Skylight Music Theatre Members include Bel Canto Chorus, Black Arts MKE, Danceworks, Milwaukee Chamber Theatre, Milwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra (MYSO), Next Act Theatre, Present Music and Renaissance Theaterworks.

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