Opening this week, University Theatre’s summer production of “Dance Nation” invites audiences into the electrifying world of competitive dance — where glitter, ambition, and adolescent angst collide.
Written by Pulitzer Prize finalist Clare Barron, “Dance Nation” follows a team of pre-teen dancers from “somewhere in America” as they aim to claw their way to victory at the Boogie Down Grand Prix in Tampa Bay. But these young performers have more than pliés and jetés on their minds. They are also grappling with identity and navigating the challenges of growing up — all while dancing their hearts out.
“Clare Barron’s script captures the chaotic intensity of coming-of-age with remarkable honesty, humor, and heart,” says Audrey Lauren Standish, a teaching faculty member in the School of Education’s Department of Theatre and Drama. “It’s a rare play that makes you laugh, reflect, and maybe even wince with recognition.”
The production features an acting ensemble composed entirely of UW–Madison theatre students — who have been “an absolute joy to work with,” says Standish: Blake Beam, Maya Buffomante, Ava Childs, Malika Daikawa, Austin Demerath, Madison Gieryn, Megan McCarty, Jameson Milhaupt, Amelie Rosenhagen, Jayda Smith, and AJ Stoffels.
“They are not only talented and dedicated performers but also generous and compassionate collaborators,” Standish says. “I feel incredibly grateful to be directing such a thoughtful, brave, and unified ensemble.”
Ava Childs, who plays Maeve, describes their character as “strange and silly,” with intense passions for wolf preservation and cosmic exploration. Maeve often serves as comedic relief in the show’s more intense moments.
“It has been such a fun challenge balancing the genuineness of Maeve’s curiosity and the genius absurdity of Claire Barron’s writing,” says Childs.
Adding to the complexity, Childs is also the show’s assistant director. “A directing mindset and an acting mindset are very different, and learning how to switch between the two rapidly in a rehearsal environment has been a great challenge,” they say.
“It’s honestly been quite a surreal process, as Audrey taught my first class I ever attended at the university when I was a nervous freshman in acting class,” says Childs, now a rising senior. “Working alongside her has been such a fulfilling process, and the trust that my cast-mates have given me has allowed me to truly test my skills as a director.”
Dance styles in the production range from tap and pointe to Bollywood, guided by choreographers Kristin Roling and Chloe Maier. Roling, a longtime collaborator of Standish for more than 25 years, “brings not only extraordinary skill and artistry but also deep research and contextual sensitivity to her work,” says Standish. Together, she adds, Roling and Maier have “created movement that enhances the storytelling while also supporting our actors’ growth.”
Behind the scenes, a team of student and professional designers and technicians has helped bring the world of “Dance Nation” to life. Costume designer Rebekah Jacobs embraced the unique challenge of creating wardrobes for all of the actors: “I’ve given them everything they might wear from dance to street, and we’ve chosen together what pieces make sense for each moment,” she says.
Jacobs adds that she, along with costume assistant Arje Wilson and hair and makeup designer Aly Amidei, all have danced at points in their lives. “(We) had great conversations about how to reflect a wide range of personalities through a standard black leotard uniform,” she says.
The show’s creative team also includes Thea Quick (dramaturg); Juli Gessner (scenic design) — a 2022 alumna of the Department of Theatre and Drama; Megan Reilly (lighting design); and Ryan Bertelson (sound design). Rob Wagner leads technical direction, Isabel Osterhus oversees properties, and Allison Kowalczyk stage manages, assisted by Allie Figueroa and Rachel Reichard.
With its fierce performances, dynamic choreography, and powerful themes, “Dance Nation” promises a theatrical experience both entertaining and thought-provoking.
“Whether you’re a theatre lover, a former ‘dance kid,’ or someone who remembers the messy magic of growing up, this show will speak to you,” says Standish.
University Theatre’s “Dance Nation” runs July 24 – Aug. 3 in the Gilbert V. Helmsley Theatre in Vilas Hall. The production will return this fall with additional performances, Sept. 11–21. (Tickets for fall performances will be available later this summer.)
A post-show talkback with the cast and creative team will follow the performance on Sunday, July 27.
To buy tickets, visit artsticketing.wisc.edu or call 608-265-2787.