Madison offers so much when it comes to live performances: Concerts, Shows, Venues, Events, Improv and Comedy, Jazz, Theater, Musicals, Drama, Dance, and more! No matter what you are in the mood for when looking for live performances, you will get your money’s worth. Let’s dive into the live scene of this town …
1. THE OVERTURE CENTER OF THE ARTS:
The Overture Center features seven state-of-the-art performance spaces and five galleries where Broadway tours, national and international touring artists, nine resident companies and hundreds of local artists engage people in educational and artistic experiences each year. About 40 percent of these experiences are through their free or low-cost community and education programs, including Kids in the Rotunda, OnStage Student Field Trips, Overture Galleries and the Jerry Awards. Weather it’s a concert, musical, show or comedy, there is a wide range of life performances at Madisons’ Overture Center.
2. CAFE CODA:
Cafe Coda is Madison’s Premiere Jazz Club. They offer a wide variety of creative and cultural arts to entertain Madison’s community. Whether it’s musical performances, workshops or master classes, they got you covered. Cafe Coda is dedicated to the presentation of traditional, contemporary and creative music and their mission is to manifest the presence of music, to inspire and broaden the cultural scope of the community.
3. THE SYLVEE:
Madison is so lucky to have this amazing premier concert venue and event space with a 2,500-capacity. It features an industrial-chic design with a standing-room-only main floor and balcony seating, The Sylvee hosts a variety of concerts and private events. The Sylvee has become a venue for emerging artists, established cultural icons, and community events right in the heart of Madison. The Sylvee’s stage has hosted music icons including Lizzo, Lana Del Rey, Billy Strings, Shinedown, Vampire Weekend, Lil Wayne, Zeds Dead, Smashing Pumpkins, Greta Van Fleet, Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats, Ghost, Noah Kahan, The Head And The Heart, and so many more. Beyond live music, The Sylvee has also become a space for book fairs, craft markets, trade shows, weddings, fundraisers, and private events.
4. THE ORPHEUM THEATER:
The Orpheum Theater in Madison is a historic, 1,750-capacity venue in downtown Madison. Opened in 1927, this landmark is known for its Art Deco exterior and French Renaissance interior, hosting live concerts, comedy acts, and private events, and it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The venue was renovated to preserve its historic character while providing modern amenities for entertainers and guests. It is a premier spot for live entertainment in Madison.
5. THE MAJESTIC THEATRE:
The Majestic Theatre in downtown Madison is our oldest operating theater, opened in 1906. It is a renowned and has an intimate 600-capacity. the Majestic is Madison’s iconic address for live music, DJ’s, shows, concerts and private events featuring a historic golden proscenium arch, tiered flooring, and a lively, vintage atmosphere. Known for its intimate, historic, and lively vibe, the Majestic theatre is often described as a quintessential part of Madison’s entertainment scene.
6. THE BARTELL THEATRE:
The Gerald A. Bartell Community Theatre Foundation is a unique collaboration between five theatre companies. Within the theatre’s walls, Madison artists tell stories about themselves and their world. Audience members are transformed, enlightened, entertained, and invited into the conversation about who and what this community is. The Foundation is governed by a board of directors selected in an co-op style arrangement practically, unique in the United States. The Bartell has been the home of dozens of theatre and dance companies in the Madison area. Some no longer are with them and some have outgrown the space. The Bartell community now consists of the MADISON THEATRE GUILD which is Madison’s oldest community theatre group (located in a historic firehouse on Monroe Street), with productions ranging from classic musicals to contemporary dramas. There is the MERCURY PLAYERS THEATRE specializing in new, unusual, and original plays with a leaning towards black comedy and surprise. They have STAGEQ which is dedicated to celebrating and advancing LGBTQ representation by producing plays and musicals by queer artists. There is the MADISON SHAKESPEARE COMPANY which is dedicated to the production and performance of classic theatrical works for audiences in Madison. The company produces both full-length works and short-form performances including their signature Valentine’s Day productions and Shakespeare in the Park series. Finally they home MADISON PUBLIC THEATRE which is a theatre of and for our community. MPT entertains, and challenges audiences with theatrical productions that range from the classics to new works to original works.
7. COMEDY ON STATE:
Comedy on State is a female-owned and operated premier comedy club in downtown Madison. The club has a reputation for bringing in top-notch comedic talent from around the country. Its intimate setting creates an up-close and personal experience for the audience, making it a favorite spot for performers and comedy enthusiasts. Comedy on State also hosts The Mic on State, which has become one of the hottest spots for aspiring comedians to showcase their talents, as well as one of the largest open mics in the country. With its lively atmosphere and talented performers, the showroom is consistently packed with a diverse audience who come to witness the next big thing in comedy.
8. THE CAPITAL CITY THEATRE (A PRODUCTION COMPANY):
Capturing the imagination of audiences in the Madison area, Capital City Theatre brings professional Broadway and community talent together, through its unforgettable performances and distinguished Conservatory training. This theater presents diverse, cutting-edge and classic works, employ top national and local talent, and educate future stars. Capital City produces live musical theater productions, cabaret-style shows, and concerts. While they hold productions at various locations, the organization operates in Madison.
9. THE FORWARD THEATER COMPANY (AT THE OVERTURE CENTER):
Located within the Overture Center of the Arts, the Forward Theater Company provides Madison-area audiences with exceptional theater productions, and local professional artists with an artistic home base. They are inspired by the Wisconsin Idea of service to the broader community, and tie onstage work to expansive engagement efforts throughout each season. The plays are fresh, fun, and thought-provoking, bringing the very best of contemporary theater from Broadway and beyond to local audiences. The Forward Theater experience is all about connection. They offer free pre-show lectures and post-show talkbacks with their artists.
10. THE BARRYMORE THEATRE:
The Barrymore is Madison’s historic 971-capacity, independent, live music and entertainment venue featuring live music, comedy, film, plays and community events. It is widely considered a staple of local culture and one of Madison’s premier venues for live entertainment. The Barrymore is known for its intimate atmosphere, diverse programming, and community-driven roots as a renovated 1929 movie palace. It acts as a key cultural hub, hosting rock concerts, films, and community events.
11. THE WISCONSIN UNION THEATER:
As the premier performing arts presenter at the University of Wisconsin, the Wisconsin Union Theater (WUT) brings extraordinary music, dance, and theater to life through its annual season. More than a stage, it serves as a learning lab for student leaders. Students gain hands-on experience in artistic curation, artist services, and event promotion, honing invaluable skills with guidance and mentorship from professional staff. Beyond presenting a vibrant season, WUT welcomes university departments, student organizations, and the greater Madison community, who rent the state-of-the-art venue for performances, symposiums, graduations, and conferences. Whether bringing world-class artists to the stage or empowering students behind the scenes, WUT is at the heart of Madison’s cultural scene.
Performance spaces include Shannon Hall, Play Circle, and the Festival Room, a large rehearsal space/dance studio.
12. THE BROOM STREET THEATER:
The Broom Street Theatre is an innovative, non-equity, black box theater in Madison fostering artistic freedom, growth, and expression through non-traditional experimental and/or original artistic forms. Known for its “pay-what-you-can” walk-up tickets (although tickets can be pre-purchased online for a set price), it offers affordable, intimate theater experiences with a focus on uncensored creative expression. They typically produce 9-10 plays per season, often featuring local writers and directors. The theater has been a hub for experimental work for decades and is a staple of the Madison arts scene.
13. THE UNIVERSITY OF MADISON THEATRE (AT THE MITCHELL & HEMSLEY THEATER):
The University Theatre serves as the producing wing for the Department of Theatre and Drama at University of Wisconsin, Madison. Classroom theory and techniques are put into practice on stages. Students can work as actors, designers, and technicians to learn their art and craft. The general public can purchase tickets and attend University of Wisconsin, Madison Theatre productions, which take place in the Mitchell or Hemsley theaters on campus.
14. THE DIANE BALLWEG THEATRE (AT EDGEWOOD UNIVERSITY):
The Diane Ballweg Theatre is a 120-capacity, state-of-the-art black box theatre located at Edgewood University in Madison. It serves as the primary performance venue for the Edgewood College Theatre Department, hosting four mainstage productions annually while providing students with technical training. In addition to university productions, the venue hosts other local events and acts as a cultural center for the surrounding community.
15. THE MITBY THEATRE (AT MADISON COLLEGE):
The Mitby Theater at Madison College’s Truax campus is a contemporary, state-of-the-art performance venue capable of hosting a wide variety of events. With a 975-capacity in a continental seating style, the theater presents an intimate performance environment while comfortably holding a large number of people. The theater was originally designed as a home for the Madison Symphony Orchestra, therefore the acoustics are outstanding. Mitby currently hosts student performances for the Madison College’s Performing Arts department as well as live local and national touring productions and other events.
16. THE DINNER DETECTIVE TRUE CRIME MYSTERY:
Join the Dinner Detective True Crime Mystery dinner show in Madison for a crime murder mystery experience that is very different from a traditional murder mystery dinner show. Their actors are not dressed in costumes and are hidden in the audience! This results in a fun, social and interactive evening suitable for all adults. Each ticket includes the theater’s signature award-winning murder mystery dinner show, along with a full plated dinner, waitstaff gratuity, and plenty of surprises during the show. What’s more, they specialize in custom private events for companies, groups, and organizations of almost every size. They can host the event onsite at the theater or bring a show to a private home, business, or venue.
17. THE CHILDREN’S THEATER OF MADISON:
The Children’s Theater of Madison (CTM) is located within MYArts which is a dedicated and purpose-built youth arts center in Madison for young people to inspire and be inspired, discover the arts, make connections, and explore their creativity. This theater produces exceptional productions for family audiences and an array of educational programs. As a theater for young audiences, education is at the core of all they do. Their year-round educational program includes classes for pre-K through grade 12, serving beginners through advanced students, building life skills through stage skills. They strive to make all programs accessible to all youth, and offer tuition assistance and reduced-price tickets to all classes and productions. Their theater productions include both adult and youth performers. A typical season includes the annual holiday production of A Christmas Carol, as well as musicals and plays for various age groups.
18. ENCORE STUDIO FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS (TRAVELING):
Encore Studio for the Performing Arts celebrates 25 years as Wisconsin’s first professional theatre company for people with disabilities, and is one of the very few in the United States! Encore offers an innovative, inclusive, and professional environment where all people work together in the pursuit of artistic and theatrical excellence. Encore opened its doors in 2000 and the same year on October 14th, Encore premiered it’s first production, “Not Stubborn… Not Strong-Willed” at the world-class Monona Terrace convention center to an uproarious standing ovation. Encore has since traveled all over Wisconsin and beyond with a full performance schedule. The original work Encore has produced has garnered local, regional, and national attention.
19. THE STROLLERS THEATRE (AT THE BARTELL THEATER):
Strollers Theatre, Ltd. is a community theatre company that sets out to enrich and elevate artists and performers, create networking opportunities for the artistic community, and offer the best live theater to the general public. This is accomplished with its members, volunteers, and the sense of community it builds along the way. Performances are held at the Bartell Theatre. Their mission includes to enrich, elevate, and empower local artists while providing accessible, high-quality theater to the public. They produce a variety of plays, often focusing on unique or poignant narratives.
20. MONKEY BUSINESS INSTITUTE (AT GLASS NICKEL PIZZERIA):
The Monkey Business Institute is made up of uniquely talented people who have spent years of their lives growing intimately aware of what makes great improv tick and what makes the audience laugh. Many of the cast are professional musicians, one is an award-winning stand-up comedian, others are professional film-makers and voice-actors. In short, many of Madison’s most creative and humorous people appear in the cast for any given performance – and most of them have worked together for over ten years. There is no other improv comedy company quite as experienced and talented as this one. Their performance space is withing Glass Nickel Pizzeria on Atwood Avenue in Madison and they also travel when hired.
21. THE FIRESIDE THEATRE (IN FORT ATKINSON):
The Fireside Dinner Theatre is one of the Midwest’s most popular entertainment destinations and the only Actor’s Equity dinner theatre in Wisconsin. The Klopcic family is proud to celebrate over 60 years of hospitality in charming, historic Fort Atkinson. The Fireside Dinner Theatre, a favorite destination for couples, families and tour groups who will enjoy a live professional show in an intimate setting.
