Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the Wisconsin Union Theater and how do I get there?
Where is the box office and when is it open?
How can I purchase tickets?
Are there ticket processing fees?
Do you offer discounts on tickets?
Where is the Will Call window and when can I pick up my tickets?
Can I get a refund or exchange my tickets?
What if I lose my tickets?
Can I choose my exact seat location?
What accommodations are made for patrons with disabilities?
Where can I find parking?
When will the Union Theater close? When will it re-open?
What will happen to the Theater Season while the theater is closed?
Where will I be able to get tickets for events?
Is the Play Circle closing, too?
What are you doing to protect the Theater’s historic architecture?
What will the theater staff do when the theater is closed? How can I contact them?
How can I stay in touch and receive updates about the project?
Can children attend events at the Wisconsin Union Theater?
What number can I leave for the babysitter in case of an emergency?
Can I bring my camera or video recorder to the theater?
What if I arrive late for a show?
Is the Wisconsin Union Theater available for rent?
Do you serve food and drinks at the theater?
Is there an ATM machine at the theater?
What should I wear to a show?
How can I sign up for the Wisconsin Union Theater e-mail newsletter?
How can I meet the artists?

Where is the Wisconsin Union Theater and how do I get there?

The Wisconsin Union Theater is located in the west wing of the Memorial Union on the campus of UW-Madison. The street address is 800 Langdon St. Madison, WI 53706.

Directions from Chicago: Take I-90 W toward O'Hare/ Rockford. Merge onto US-12 W / US-18 W via Exit 142A on the left toward Madison. Take the US-151 N / Park Street / US-14 E exit- EXIT 261A-B- toward Oregon. Turn right onto S. Park Street / US-151 N. Continue to follow S. Park Street. Turn right onto Langdon street – end at 800 Langdon St. Madison, WI 53706. The Wisconsin Union Theater is located in the west wing of the Memorial Union.

From Milwaukee: Take I-94 from Milwaukee to Madison. Continue straight on I-94 as it becomes Highway 30. Continue on Highway 30 approximately 3 miles to the State capitol exit to East Washington Avenue. Follow East Washington Avenue approximately 3 miles until Webster Street, just before the Capitol Square; make a right turn onto Webster Street and stay in the right lane. Webster Street becomes Dayton Street as you bear left. Turn right on Wisconsin Avenue. Continue on Wisconsin Avenue as it bears left at the Edgewater Hotel and becomes Langdon Street. Stay on Langdon Street until it dead-ends into Park Street. Turn right and the Union Theater entrance is on your right. The Wisconsin Union Theater is located in the west wing of the Memorial Union on the campus of UW-Madison. (Semis and tall trucks–call for directions.)

From Minneapolis/St.Paul: Take I-90 from the Twin Cities or northwestern Wisconsin to Madison. Take the Highway 30 exit to Madison. Continue on Highway 30 approximately 3 miles to the State capitol exit to East Washington Avenue. Take east Washington Avenue approximately 3 miles until Webster Street, just before the Capitol Square; make a right turn onto Webster Street and stay in the right lane. Webster Street becomes Dayton Street as you bear left. Turn right on Wisconsin Avenue. Continue on Wisconsin Avenue as a bears left at the Edgewater Hotel and becomes Langdon Street. Stay on Langdon Street until it dead-ends into Park Street. Turn right and the Union Theater entrance is on your right. The Wisconsin Union Theater is located in the west wing of the Memorial Union on the campus of UW-Madison. (Semis and tall trucks–call for directions.)

From Northeast Wisconsin (e.g. Green Bay, Oshkosh): Take US 151 south (west) to Madison. As you enter Madison, US 151 becomes East Washington Avenue. Take east Washington Avenue approximately 6 1/2 miles until Webster Street, just before the Capitol Square (DO NOT follow US 151 when it exits left); make a right turn onto Webster Street and stay in the right lane. Webster Street becomes Dayton Street as you bear left. Turn right on Wisconsin Avenue. Continue on Wisconsin Avenue as is bears left at the Edgewater Hotel and becomes Langdon Street. Stay on Langdon Street until it dead-ends into Park Street. Turn right and the Union Theater entrance is on your right. The Wisconsin Union Theater is located in the west wing of the Memorial Union on the campus of UW-Madison. (Semis and tall trucks–call for directions.)

Parking map
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Where is the box office and when is it open?

The new Wisconsin Union Theater Main Box Office is located on Park Street on the west side of the Memorial Union, directly across from Helen C. White Hall / College Library. It is now accessible by wheelchair.

Box Office Hours
Monday-Friday: 11:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. *
Saturday: Noon - 5:00 p.m.*

Summer / Intercession Hours
Monday-Friday: 11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.*

*Hours extend to 1 hour before curtain time on days of scheduled events, at which point the Lakeside box office opens (see below). The Union Box Office shortens hours for University summer, winter and spring recesses—during these times, call ahead at 262-2201 to inquire about hours.

How can I purchase tickets?

Purchase online

Or you can phone in your order by calling: 608-262-2201 during regular box office hours.
Or you can bring your order form to the box office in person during regular box office hours

Are there ticket processing fees?

It depends on how you place your order. Fees are as follows:

Order in person at box office: no charge
Order over the phone or by mail: $6 per order for any order that includes a series subscription or create-your-own subscription, $2.50 per ticket for any order that does NOT include a series subscription
Order online: $3.50 per ticket

Do you offer discounts on tickets?

Yes! It's Your Theater!

Subscription Savings
Subscribers pay 10%-15% less than single ticket prices.
The Wisconsin Union Theater offers the following series:

Concert Series
World Stage
Keyboard Conversations with Jeffrey Siegel
Special Events
Travel Adventure Film Series
Or create your own series of seven or more events and receive a discount

Savings for our Campus Community
The following groups get a discount when presenting a valid ID or membership number with their order:

Union members
UW-Madison faculty and staff
W AA members

UW-Madison Students: Students can purchase series subscriptions at reduced rates.
For Wisconsin Union Theater season events, UW-Madison students pay only $10 for single ticket purchases, $6 for Travel Series. No need to wait for the day of the performance. Earliest purchase assures the best available seats. A valid UW-Madison required when purchasing tickets in order to receive the discount. One ticket is allowed per current ID. Student tickets are not mailed; they must be picked up in person at the box office.
Keyboard Conversations with Jeffrey Siegel is free to UW-Madison students. Students can pick up their free tickets in person at the box office or on the night of the show at our remote box office at Mills Hall, which opens approximately one hour before the show starts. One free ticket issued per valid student ID.

Group Discounts
Enjoy performances with friends and save. For most shows, groups of 20 or more receive a 20% discount. If you would like to sit with friends, please submit your orders together. We appreciate having the names and addresses of all subscribers in the party. Ask the Box Office if the discount applies. For more information, email Ted Harks, tmharks@wisc.edu or call the box office at 262-2201.

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Where is the Will Call window and when can I pick up my tickets?

Will Call can be found in the Lakeside Box Office, which is located in the lobby of the Wisconsin Union Theater and is accessible to people in wheelchairs. The Lakeside Box Office is open on performance evenings from one hour before curtain time to one half hour past curtain time.

Can I get a refund or exchange my tickets?

Ticket buyers unable to attend a performance may exchange their original tickets for tickets to any available upcoming season event. Tickets for the performance that cannot be attended must be returned to our box office at least 24 hours before the performance in order to exchange for new tickets. If returned by mail, new tickets will be held for pick-up the night of the show. Please call the box office at 608-265-ARTS with any questions and to find out whether tickets are available for the event you want to attend. If preferred, ticket buyers may also exchange their tickets for a gift certificate of equal value to use later or give to a friend. If you have a reserved parking permit for one of our series events, you may exchange it as well if it is returned by Tuesday of the prior week.

Should you miss one of your season events, you may return your unused tickets to our box office within 3 business days of the missed event for a ticket of equal value good for any remaining event in the current season.

Restrictions: Tickets obtained by exchange may be in seats other than the subscriber’s regular seats or location. Customers are responsible for paying price differences when exchanging for tickets of greater value than originals. Offer is subject to ticket/permit availability.

What if I lose my tickets?

Can’t find your tickets? Ticket insurance is one of the many advantages of being a Wisconsin Union Theater ticket buyer. Simply bring a photo ID to the box office and a replacement ticket will be issued.

Can I choose my exact seat location?

The Wisconsin Union Theater has three seating areas. Series subscribers can indicate their seating preference with their order and are given first priority on renewing the same seats for the same series the following year. All patrons who purchase tickets in person at the box office have the option of selecting their seats from the available openings.

What accommodations are made for patrons with disabilities?

Please notify the box office when you purchase your tickets if you need special assistance or seating arrangements.

The main floor of the Union Theater is accessible by wheelchair through the Park Street entrance nearest the lake. The balcony is not accessible by wheelchair. Patrons unable to transfer into an auditorium seat should reserve a wheelchair location in advance. An easy-access restroom is available in the outer lobby on the main floor.

Hearing enhancement is available from the door staff on the night of the show with picture ID. If you need large print programs please request them ten days ahead of time by calling 608-262-2202.

Where can I find parking?

Click here to view our Parking Map

You may purchase a parking permit for Lot 6, across from the theater. A permit, available from the box office, is $5.

There are several other campus and city parking lots near the Theater that are available to the general public. They include the following:

The UW Grainger Hall (UW Lot 7) parking garage is open daily after 5:00 pm for a $3.50 pay-on-entry fee; enter from Brooks Street, between University Avenue and W. Johnson, turn right after entering and proceed to the booth attendant at the gated area.
UW Lot 46, on the northeast corner of W. Johnson and Lake Streets, has 4- and 10-hour meters available to the public on weekends and after 5:00 pm weekdays ($1 per hour).
The city-owned Lake and Frances Street parking ramps (between State Street and University Avenue) have a $2.00/day on entry fee after 6:00 pm. Parking is more expensive on days of Kohl Center events.
Union Cab offers a $1 off discount to Union Theater patrons. Just show the driver your ticket or ticket stub. To take advantage of this offer, phone Union Cab in advance at 242-2002.
Important note: Some events may take place on the same night as Men’s Basketball or Hockey at the Kohl Center. Finding parking on these nights might be challenging. We recommend the following good options and suggest that you give yourself a little additional time to park.
Lot 6 (Right next door and under Helen C. White Library) Permits are $4 and are available for purchase from the theater box office. Based on availability, a permit may be purchased from the Lot 6 attendants on the night of show.
Lot 7 (Under Grainger Hall, corner of Park and University, enter on Brooks St.) Permits are $3.50 and are available from the attendant.
Lot 83 (Under Fluno Center, corner of Francis and University, enter on Francis St.) Permits are $3.50 and are available from the attendant.
Lot 1 (between Memorial Union and the Red Gym) 2 hour meters are available. (meters enforced until 10pm)
Langdon St. meters (2 hours meters are available) enforced until 6pm.

Free parking options after 4:30pm:
Lot 25 and 26 (along Observatory Drive) Less than 3 blocks from the Theater
Lot 34 (Turn left from Park St. onto Observatory Drive, travel 1/2 mile, turn right onto Babcock Drive turn right at 1st street then into lot 34) Take the Lakeshore path 3 blocks east to the Union Theater.
Lot 15 & lot 42 (located between University Ave. and Johnson St., 4 blocks west of Park St.)

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When will the Union Theater close? When will it re-open?

Exact dates have not been set, but at this time we anticipate that our last public event in the Union Theater will be graduation weekend (May 18-20, 2012). The theater will re-open sometime during the Summer of 2014 (exact date TBD) and will definitely be open by the Fall 2014 semester…just in time to celebrate the Theater’s 75th Anniversary in October 2014!

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What will happen to the Theater Season while the theater is closed?

The WUD Performing Arts Committee will continue to produce the Concert Series, World Stage Series, Jazz Series, Dance Series and Special Events, as well as the Madison World Music Festival and the Isthmus Jazz Festival, even while the theater is dark. Events will take place in alternate locations both on- and off-campus. Stay tuned on the Union Theater website for announcements of upcoming events and locations. Sign up for the theater e-newsletter and/or follow us on Facebook to learn more.

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Where will I be able to get tickets for events?

The Campus Arts Ticketing Service will still be available through the box office location in Vilas Hall, the box office in Union South, and on-line through the Theater website. There will be no interruption of service for ticketing for campus arts events. Tickets for events produced by University Theater, the School of Music, the Dance Department, and other UW-Madison departments and programs, will still be available through the Campus Arts Ticketing Service.

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Is the Play Circle closing, too?

Phase 1 of the Memorial Union Reinvestment project will affect the entire west wing of Memorial Union, including the Union Theater, the Play Circle, Hoofers, Craftshop, and meeting rooms and offices in the west wing. The time table for the Play Circle renovation is identical to the time table for the Union Theater.

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What are you doing to protect the Theater’s historic architecture?

The Wisconsin State Historic Society has an active role in determining preservation standards for the Memorial Union Reinvestment project and for ensuring that the unique historic character of the theater is preserved. More information about the role of the WSHS can be found here.

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What will the theater staff do when the theater is closed? How can I contact them?

Theater permanent staff will be busy operating the box office, producing the Season, generating support for the project, and preparing for the re-opening of our spaces and the 75th Anniversary of the theater. Our phone numbers and e-mail addresses will continue to work and will be excellent ways to reach us.

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How can I stay in touch and receive updates about the project?

Subscribe to our e-newsletter. Read our blog. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook. Come to our Season events. Visit our website often for updates and news. We look forward to hearing from you and seeing you at our events!

Children (6 years of age and older) are welcome at the Wisconsin Union Theater. For many events we offer youth tickets (6–18yrs) with the purchase of an adult ticket. These are noted as Family Saving events on our web site.

Like other theater patrons, children are expected to buy a ticket and to enjoy a performance with appropriate respect and courtesy for fellow patrons and performers. Theater patrons who are loud and disruptive may be approached by a theater staff person and asked to leave.

What number can I leave for the babysitter in case of an emergency?

For emergency calls to the theater during a performance, call 262-2162. If you anticipate a call, please leave your name and seat location with the head door person.

Can I bring my camera or video recorder to the theater?

Taking photographs or operating any recording device is strictly prohibited. Cameras and recorders must be checked at the box office.

What if I arrive late for a show?

The Theater doors open approximately 30 minutes before curtain time and performances begin on time. Latecomers will be asked to wait in the lobby until an appropriate pause in the program, when they will be directed to their seats by the theater staff.

Is the Wisconsin Union Theater available for rent?

Yes. A signed contract between a user group and the Wisconsin Union / Wisconsin Union Theater is necessary in order to rent the theater. For information, or to schedule a meeting to discuss renting the Union Theater, please call Heather Good at (608) 263-6825 or email hlgood@wisc.edu.

Theater technical information
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Do you serve food and drinks at the theater?

Food and beverages are available in Memorial Union in the Lakefront on Langdon cafeteria, the Rathskeller, and at the Daily Scoop. Locations and hours can be found on here under the "Dine" tab.

Buffet dinners are served before the Travel Adventure Film Series. Separate reservations and tickets are required for buffet dinners and gourmet meals.

Generally, beverages and food are not allowed in the Union Theater. However, for some appropriate events, beverages are sold in the theater lobby and allowed into the Theater. You are welcome to call the Theater to find out if beverages are allowed for the event you are attending.

Is there an ATM machine at the theater?

There is an ATM located in the Commons Entrance of Memorial Union, on the first floor near the Daily Scoop.

What should I wear to a show?

Our theater dresses up and dresses down with equal ease and grace. If dressing to the nines enhances your enjoyment of an evening out, go for it! On the other hand, if you can best appreciate a show in your most comfortable blue jeans, that’s fine too. Either way, you’ll fit right in to our eclectic crowd.

How can I sign up for the Wisconsin Union Theater e-mail newsletter?

It’s easy to sign up to receive our free monthly e-mail newsletter, with information on upcoming events, special offers available only to email subscribers, contests, and opportunities to let us know what you think about the artists and shows that we bring to you.

Anyone can subscribe.

How can I meet the artists?

At this point there are no "Meet the Artists" events scheduled.