TAPIT/new works

TNW Ensemble Theater

TNW Ensemble Theater (formerly known as TAPIT/new works Ensemble Theater) was founded in 1985 with the twin goals of artistic innovation and community connection. We pursue these goals through creation and performance of multi-disciplinary productions, arts education, and outreach. We have developed, produced and performed 39 new plays, 15 tap and jazz music performances, and 11 works for young audiences, touring throughout the U.S. and abroad. Through short and long-term residencies, we have reached thousands of under-served arts audiences, from older adults to youth from disadvantaged backgrounds.

TNW is committed to going beyond the “One Night Only” approach to the performing arts, and we continually strive to deepen and expand the ways in which people from different backgrounds connect with our work.

Productions

A Rare Opportunity!

Cabaret At Its Best!

A dynamic, humorous, and engaging cabaret of song, dance, and theater

"Kiki Moritsugu dances, sings, and jokes about her life story. Touching and amazing."

She's telling her life story and taking it on the road -- straight to you! See triple-threat performer Kiki Moritsugu's solo show A Woman Is... a cabaret about becoming who you are.

Kiki explores her relationship with her larger-than-life mother, Canadian actress Jo Hutchings, and shares her personal journey from summer stock to every shopping mall in Canada to Broadway and beyond.

A Woman Is . . . gets real about it all. Guts, talent, and heart make this piece a must-see.

Click here for more information

Performances

Catch A Woman Is... at the Toronto Fringe Festival July 5-16 at the Tank House Theatre, 50 Tank House Lane, Toronto

Click here for tickets!
Click here for program!

Sketchy Ideas,
Coming to the Overture Center!

Sketchy Ideas began as a series of illustrated letters Wisconsin-based visual artist Randall Berndt started experimenting with more than four years ago.

But now TNW Ensemble Theater, under the guidance of Danielle Dresden and Donna Peckett, is presenting this exploration of the relationship between narrative and image on stage in a multi-disciplinary production at Madison’s Overture Center.

As Berndt’s drawings are projected, four actors, Anthony Novich Leonard, Liz Light, Andrew Lonsdale, and Patrick Mahoney, share Berndt’s droll perspectives on everything from “the secret life of plants” to “extravagant thinking in a time of plague.” Sketchy Ideas is produced by TNW and directed by Danielle Dresden and Donna Peckett, with staging by Peckett. Violinist Paran Amirinazari underscores and enhances the words and images, making this a thoroughly mixed media event.

Previously produced at the company’s Studio Theater on Winnebago Street, Sketchy Ideas was so successful the company is delighted to bring it to this larger venue!

Click for more information...

7:30 PM, Friday, and 3:00 PM
Saturday and Sunday, February 10-12
Madison’s Overture Center
in the Wisconsin Studio.

Questions?
Contact TNW Ensemble Theater at
608.244.2938
or info@tnwensembletheater.org

Tickets are $30 in person at the Overture Center Box Office. Overture Center charges a surcharge for tickets ordered online or by phone at 608.258.4141.

Fall 2023
Adult Tap Classes, schedule now available

Donna Peckett teaches beginning adult tap classes Tuesdays from November 14 - December 5, 2023, 6:30 - 7:30 PM, and private lessons by appointment.

Shona Mitteldorf (see profile below) teaches intermediate adult tap classes Thursdays from September 21 - November 9, 2023, 6:00 - 7:00 PM.

Click schedule link below for info.

Check the Fall Schedule!

TNW Welcomes Teacher Sean Frenzel

Sean Frenzel is a tap dancer and choreographer from Arlington Heights, Illinois. He has studied tap for over 20 years, learning from Corey Lozier, Mark Yonally, Jeannie Hill, and Madison’s own Katherine Kramer.

In 2020 he received his BA in Dance and Arts Management with a Minor in Communication from the University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point. While there, he choreographed, performed in, and directed many of the dance productions at the university while also serving as an aide in their tap classes. After graduating, he spent two years teaching tap and hip hop at Dance Education Center before moving to Madison to continue his dance career with Katherine Kramer, TNW, and Fred Astaire Dance Studio. Sean strives to create a relaxed and fun atmosphere where his students can safely explore tap dance technique, improvisation, choreography, and history.

TNW offers classes and workshops for ages 10-85+

Masks and proof of vaccination are required. See you soon!

TNW Welcomes Teacher Shona Mitteldorf

Shona Mitteldorf started taking dance classes at a young age and has continued her training ever since. From early on, tap has been her primary dance form, but she has also trained in hip-hop, jazz, ballet, and contemporary. During her college years at Johns Hopkins University, she was active in student dance organizations, and she received the Homewood Arts Certificate in Dance. Focusing on tap classes for adults, Shona has been teaching dance classes in the Madison, Wisconsin area since moving here in 2014.

She also currently co-directs Breakthrough Dance Company. Apart from her dance life, Shona has been studying Education Policy at UW–Madison, and she works seasonally as a food tour guide.

The true story of the woman who became the celebrity sex therapist.
She was a bold sex therapist on TV and radio, a sharp-shooter, writer, humorist, educator, Holocaust survivor, and so much more. Dr. Ruth Westheimer is one of a kind and still working at the age of 94. See her story brought to life by playwright Mark St. Germain in Becoming Dr. Ruth, a solo performance by Atlanta-based actor, Eileen Koteles.

Born in Tampa Florida, Eileen has enjoyed a varied career in theater, dance, choreography, and voice work. She began her career when she was seven years old. Eileen holds a BFA in Theater from the University of Florida. She has received many accolades for her work in arts-based education and theater.

October 13, 14, 16 – 7:30 pm
Tickets $25
The Brink Lounge – 701 E. Washington Ave.
Questions?
Contact TNW Ensemble Theater at
608.244.2938
or info@tnwensembletheater.org
Get your tickets now!

Typhoid Mary

What do an Irish immigrant cook in the early 1900s, a French-Canadian flight attendant in the 1980s, and a mysterious 21st century outbreak striking foreign students and mosque attendees have in common?

Fish Fry

Comedy, Opera, and a Secret Recipe

Wit & Wisdom: Monologues of Ruth Draper

This immersive, cabaret-style performance introduces audiences to the work of Ruth Draper, the most famous actress you’ve probably never heard of.

Ben Franklin & Baron von Steuben vs. the Paine County School Board

Individuals of all political persuasions invoke the “Founding Fathers” to justify their positions – but have you ever wondered what the Founding Fathers themselves would think?

Calendar