If you love to perform, this is the opportunity YOU are looking for! UW students of any major, background or experience level are encouraged to audition for this outstanding UW entertainment company. As a Wisconsin Singer, you will enjoy the thrill of the stage, the fun of sharing great times with people who have the same passion to entertain and get to represent our world-renowned University throughout the state and nation. With a higher than average GPA, Singers students are known on our campus as exemplary leaders and shining stars with a high standard for excellence in everything they do.
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A. Love the stage? Interested in becoming involved in one of UW Madison’s most comprehensive leadership experiences? Wisconsin Singers is where you will find the thrill of performing for more than 50,000 people each year while representing the Wisconsin Experience. If you play an instrument, sing, dance, love to work behind the scenes in the areas of lighting/sound/stage management or want to learn how to promote the UW through PR, marketing, graphic arts and administrative internships, Wisconsin Singers is YOUR place to shine!
Furthermore, after you graduate you’ll carry with you lifelong friends, a network of career connections in many different areas, and a comprehensive set of skills including leadership, communication, organizational, and teamwork. Becoming involved in the Wisconsin Singers means developing a sense of belonging and making a difference while at the UW and, with the Singers, you can pursue YOUR passion and purpose!
Q. What is a Wisconsin Singers show like?
A. The Singers bring their own unique brand of pop, Broadway, jazz, rock, and country to audiences across the state and nation each year. Professional arrangers write their Broadway-style revue especially for these collegiate musicians and each year, the show includes music that entertains people of all ages with song, dance, comedy and big band sound.
Q. Who can be a Wisconsin Singer?
A. Any UW-Madison student, including freshmen and transfer students, is eligible to audition. It doesn’t matter what your major is ... we are looking for students with any combination of vocal, dance and acting skills (singer/dancers), band members who play one or several different instruments (drum set, electric bass, guitar, keys, synth, saxophone, trumpet, or trombone) OR have an interest in backstage management. Internships are also available for students interested in public relations, marketing, graphic arts and administration/business.
Q. How does the Wisconsin Experience relate to Wisconsin Singers?
A. Wisconsin Singers aren’t just performers! This 41-year-old popular music performing troupe is the UW’s “Official Ambassador of Goodwill.” A program of the Offices of the Dean of Students, the Wisconsin Singers extends the learning experience outside of the classroom (most students are not music majors!) as a student-run entertainment “business” that tours to nearly 40 communities each year. The Singers has a positive impact on the statewide community by bringing a professional Broadway-style revue that helps to raise tens of thousands of dollars annually for service organizations, music boosters, and UW alumni chapters. All Wisconsin Singers qualify for a UW LEADERSHIP CERTIFICATE as a part of their official transcript.
Q. What is the advantage of becoming involved in the Wisconsin Singers?
A. The Singers program has an outstanding reputation for preparing students to step into the “real world” with life skills that can only be developed by involvement in a quality leadership opportunity. Understand that Singers values your academics above all else. All new troupe members are assigned an experienced peer mentor who will help with campus resources, social networking and academic guidance.
Wisconsin Singers students excel in their academics with a 3.35 average GPA, exceeding the average GPA of other UW students. 46% of the 08-09 troupe has been on the Dean's list and/or participated in an honors program at the UW. Participating in the Wisconsin Singers is a proven way to find your niche by surrounding yourself with other talented achievers!
Singers is a social network unto itself. The friendships that develop as a result of sharing time and effort together are ones that last a lifetime.
Q. When do you rehearse?
A. Students learn the entire show in two sessions during the summer. Vocal Camp, where the entire troupe assembles to get to know each other and to learn the vocal score (band and techs too!) takes place the third weekend in July. This late Friday through Sunday night time together is filled with bonding activities, vocal rehearsals, orientation to the UW and to the Singers as well as costume fittings and photography sessions.
Production camp, when the entire troupe learns the entire show, takes place from Aug. 16 through the Sunday before Labor Day. Students are provided with housing if necessary and work with industry professionals to mount the new show.
First semester rehearsals are on Sundays from 11:00 am - 6:00 pm. There are no separate second semester rehearsals.
Q. What is the performance schedule like?
A. We have the unique opportunity to perform for nearly 40 different communities throughout our year together. Since all students are full-time at the UW, they all share the same intent to balance a busy involvement schedule with academic achievement. Studies are most often completed during the week though there is plenty of time to study on the bus too.
Q. Do any Singers have jobs or participate in other student organizations?
A. Absolutely. Many Singers hold down part-time jobs during the school year. Our students are happiest when they are involved in organizations with a purpose and often participate in other groups at the UW such as the Marching Band, Greek life, and student orgs.
Q. What other opportunities does Singers offer?
A. Besides performance, the Singers offers a number of positions of leadership within the organization called, collectively, the “student staff.” Positions available include Company Manager, Assistant Music Director, Production Manager, Dance Captain, Vocal Captain, and a host of specialized internships.
Q. How do scholarships work?
A. Scholarships are awarded based on seniority, staff position, and years on staff, if applicable. First-year Singers receive their scholarships during second semester, while Singers in their second year or more receive scholarships during both semesters. The amount of scholarships available varies from year to year but our Executive Board is working to establish an endowment fund in the near future to finance full tuition scholarships.
Q. How do summer shows work?
A. 4-6 summer shows are scheduled during the break between Spring and Fall semesters. Since the show is already performance-ready, students all hold down full time jobs, often in their hometowns, and travel to the concert site.
Q. Does it cost anything to be a Wisconsin Singer?
A. All music and costumes are provided for our performers. Concert sponsors provide hot meals when we are on site. Performers have to put down a refundable deposit, which is returned at the end of the year when their full costume is turned in. Occasional meals on the road are the only other expense. Travel, housing and meals are provided while on Spring tour to Florida.
A. Auditioning NOW for drumset, electric bass/guitar, trumpet and male singer/dancers for 2010-2011 season. Call 608.332.8245 for information.
Q. Where are auditions held?
A. Auditions are held in the Humanities Building on the UW campus. The street address is 455 N. Park St.
Q. How do I schedule an audition?
A. Contact the Wisconsin Singers office at 608-849-6884 to schedule your audition time. Auditions cannot be scheduled via email. Audition appointments will be taken any time.
Q. I live out of state and can't make it to Wisconsin in May. Can I still audition?
A. Initial vocal / instrumental videotapes may be sent in lieu of a live audition for out-of-state enrolling students. Deadline date is May 1, 2010. Contact our office for further details.
Q. I live nearby but can't make it to those dates. Can I still audition?
A. Do not hesitate to contact our office if you have a conflict with the scheduled dates. We will do our best to accommodate you.
Q. What if I have to change or cancel my audition?
A. Contact our office as soon as possible if a conflict comes up. We will do our best to accommodate you.
