TNW ENSEMBLE THEATER
Established in 1985, TNW Ensemble Theater creates, produces and performs original works, collaborating with artists working in the disciplines of theater, tap dance, visual arts and music; brings the arts to audiences of all ages and backgrounds; encourages participation in the arts through outreach; and enriches the lives of individuals and communities.
Adult Tap Dance class
Location: 1957 Winnebago Street on Madison's Eastside
Contact: Please call 608-770-0826
The Caffeinated Book Club of Chestnut Street Performs the U.S. Constitution
Get in on the action when a funny, opinionated bunch of book club members confronts the contradictions of American democracy!
November 6-15
TNW Ensemble Theater
1957 Winnebago Street
Madison
When they’re asked to take part in a community center Open House, a book club tackles the U.S. Constitution. As they prepare their performance, book club members find themselves in conflicts echoing America’s painful past, but a deeper dive into what’s at stake brings them face-to-face with the dangers of America’s present. The group’s response points to a way forward for all.
Mixing friendly banter and pointed political commentary, this brisk comic play takes a whimsical approach to bringing history to life. The TNW performance space is playfully transformed into the Chestnut Street Community Center. A copy of the Constitution is created with kitchen parchment paper and a Sharpie. In a dream sequence, actors with bad wigs pull their pant legs up to look like knickers.
This production is part of World Premiere Wisconsin, a statewide festival celebrating new plays and musicals running throughout 2026.
Performances are at 7:30 PM on Friday and Saturday nights and at 2:30 PM on Saturday and Sunday afternoons.
General admission tickets are $25, available through TicketTailor.
Liz's Circus Story
Ever feel like running away and joining the circus?
Find out what happens next for someone who did!
Friday, May 15, 7:30 pm
TNW Ensemble Theater
1957 Winnebago Street
Madison
Liz's Circus Story, an autobiographical, one-actor play, written and performed by Liz Bussey Fentress, spans 23 years. It tells the story of one woman's real-life experiences under the big top and on stage.
At 21, having just graduated from UW-Madison, Liz takes a job as ring mistress, organist, and puppet show performer with the brand-new, one-ring, Franzen Bros. Circus.
While portraying herself and an array of other circus characters and animals, Liz shares the trials and triumphs of the fledgling circus and her own efforts to pursue her dream of working in theatre.
Liz's Circus Story is one night only, Friday, May 15, at 7:30 pm, at TNW Ensemble Theater’s performance space at 1957 Winnebago St. at Schenk’s Corners.
General admission tickets are $20, available through TicketTailor.
The Terminated
Laid Off and Ticked Off,
Pink Slipped and Well-Equipped
Friday, April 17-19 and 24-26
TNW Ensemble Theater
1957 Winnebago Street
Madison
They’re from the government. But they’re not here to help. They’re here to get even. They’re a team of fired federal workers assembled to pull off a daring caper in The Terminated, the latest production from TNW Ensemble Theater. Blending comedy, beloved bits from heist films, and political satire, this new play shows what seemingly average people can pull off when it’s time for justice.
The Terminated opens Friday, April 17, with performances Friday and Saturday nights at 7:30 pm and Saturday and Sunday matinees at 4 pm April 17-19 and April 24-26 at TNW Ensemble Theater’s performance space at 1957 Winnebago St. at Schenk’s Corners.
The Terminated is written by Danielle Dresden and directed by Francisco Torres. The cast features Kiki Em, Ethan Richard, Edric Johnson, Peggy Rosin, and Dresden, with Emily Morrison-Weeks as multi-function stage manager.
This production is part of World Premiere Wisconsin, a statewide festival celebrating new plays and musicals running throughout 2026. To learn more, visit www.worldpremierewisconsin.com.
General admission tickets are $25, available through TicketTailor.
FRIDAY - SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 7-9 |
PROMENADE HALL AT THE OVERTURE CENTER
The Rhythm Project
Celebrating Ways to Keep the Beat
Southern Spain, Africa, Ireland, and the antebellum American South – what do all these regions have in common?
They’re all places that gave birth to unique forms of percussive dance – dances where the dancers make sounds as well as shapes with their bodies.
See and hear all these forms in action with The Rhythm Project, a new interdisciplinary production featuring Irish dance, body percussion, Flamenco, and rhythm tap – plus live music.
WHAT WE DO
"Don't stop to measure the pain or the pleasure. The fun is just about to begin."
— Neil Allen Peckett
The Neil Allen Peckett Memorial Fund offers individuals financial assistance in pursuing the study of tap dance and/or other educational activities of TNW Ensemble Theater, as well as providing free tickets to performances and other special projects.
OUR PARTNERS THAT MAKE THIS POSSIBLE
