Your UWL Visual & Performing Arts 25-26 Season Guide

This post is sponsored by UWL – Visual & Performing Arts

Create. Explore. Interpret. Innovate.

The School of Visual & Performing Arts (VPA) at UW–La Crosse is where creativity comes to life—on stage, in the studio, and across campus. As a hub of cultural activity in La Crosse, VPA presents some of the region’s finest performances, festivals, and exhibitions while fostering a vibrant community of artists, musicians, and performers.

Students from every discipline find a place here, whether pursuing a degree in the arts or simply continuing a lifelong passion. With more than 50 performances annually, our Music Department offers opportunities for students across campus to perform in regionally recognized ensembles. Our Theatre & Dance program, nationally recognized and internationally awarded, has launched graduates into successful careers on stage, in film and television, and behind the scenes in professional theatres across the country. The UWL Art Gallery, free and open to the public, showcases work from professional artists as well as students, inviting audiences to engage with diverse perspectives throughout the year.

At UWL, the arts are not just a major—they are an experience. The School of Visual & Performing Arts enriches the cultural life of the campus and the greater La Crosse region, welcoming all students to create, explore, interpret, and innovate.

Stay up-to-date by signing up for the VPA newsletter!

UWL - VISUAL & PERFORMING ARTS

UWL Art Gallery

The UWL Gallery displays works by students, faculty, regional, and nationally known artists in all areas of art. In conjunction with the UWL Gallery, the Department of Art presents a visiting artist series of lectures, demonstrations, and workshops. Gallery Directors Zach Stensen and Sierra Rooney, along with student workers, manage gallery operations. All UWL Art Gallery events & exhibitions are free and open to the public.

Music

Creating artistry and musicianship within a vibrant and engaging academic community.

The Department of Music is the musical core for the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse and our mission is to provide diverse musical experiences for our music majors and minors, university students and the community. The Department seeks to provide a strong foundation for our degree programs, including quality curriculum in music history, theory, applied music lessons and ensemble experiences.

Theatre & Dance

The Department of Theatre & Dance is UWL’s vibrant theatrical core, dedicated to empowering students as majors, minors, and extracurricular participants to become well-rounded artists and thoughtful collaborators. With a foundation built on rigorous classroom training, immersive production work, and a strong liberal arts curriculum, the department delivers a rich, inclusive, and creatively charged educational experience.

ART

MUSIC

THEATRE & DANCE

PARKING:
Please note that the parking lot next to the Lowe Center for the Arts will be under construction beginning April 1, 2024. Arrive early to find alternative parking. Patrons may park in the ramp on the corner of Farwell & 17th Streets for free after 7:00 p.m. and on the weekends. For those with mobility issues, there is a drop-off site next to the Lowe Center for the Arts on the corner of 15th & Pine Streets.

UWL ART GALLERY

All UWL Art Gallery events & exhibitions are free and open to the public.

The UWL Gallery is open from 1 p.m. – 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 1 p.m. – 5 p.m. Friday through Sunday. Closed summer and during UWL breaks.

The UWL Art Gallery is on the first floor of the Truman T. Lowe Center for the Arts. You can find a campus map here.

A new parking ramp is being built adjacent to the Truman T. Lowe Center for the Arts. During the construction, we encourage Gallery patrons to park in the existing parking ramp at 17th & Farwell Streets. There is a dedicated patron drop-off zone at 15th Street and Vine for groups and those with mobility challenges. Street parking surrounding the Lowe Center is free after 6 pm and on weekends. If you have questions, please call the School of Visual and Performing Arts at (608) 785-6634.

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Meditations on Trees and Stones

The Art of Jennifer Williams

Opening reception: Friday, September 12, 5-6:30 p.m.

The exhibition and reception are free & open to the public.

Since 1997, UWL professor Williams—holding a BFA from Indiana University and an MFA from the Rhode Island School of Design—has created work rooted in patterns of nature...read more.

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Artist Talk: Jennifer Williams

Meditations on Trees and Stones

Discussion: Thursday, October 2, 6-7:00 p.m.

This discussion is free & open to the public.

Join Professor Jennifer Williams for a discussion about her exhibition “Meditations on Trees and Stones.” Williams will discuss her work and influences...read more.

Fifty Years Later

Commemorating the End of the Secret War

Opening Reception: Thursday, October 30, 6-7:00 p.m.

The exhibition and reception are free & open to the public.

Join us for an exhibition commemorating the fiftieth anniversary of the end of the Secret War in Laos and honoring the enduring strength of the Hmong and Lao people….read more.

MUSIC

THEATRE & DANCE

Art Open House

Fun & Surprises Around Every Corner!

Open House: Thursday, October 23, from 5–7 p.m.

The UW-La Crosse Art Department will host its 2025 Open House on Thursday, October 23, from 5–7 p.m. in the Truman T. Lowe Center for the Arts. This free event welcomes campus and community members to explore UWL’s studios…read more.

Senior Art Major Exhibition

Opening Reception: November 21, 5-6:30 p.m.

Friday, Nov. 21 | 5 p.m. to Sunday, Dec. 14 | 5 p.m.
University Art Gallery, 100 Lowe Center for the Arts

Senior Art Majors present an exhibition of their capstone work. Additional details forthcoming. UWL Art Gallery is always free & open to the public.

All-Student Juried Art Exhibition

Opening Reception: February 6, 5-6:30 p.m.

February 6-March 8, 2026
University Art Gallery, 100 Lowe Center for the Arts

Students from across campus submit work for professional review and consideration for this annual exhibition. Details forthcoming. Free and open to the public.

MUSIC

THEATRE & DANCE

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Travis Head: Busy Boys, Better Boys

Opening Reception: March 26, 5-6:30 p.m.

Monday, March 23, 2026 | 5 p.m. to Sunday, April 12, 2026 | 5 p.m.
University Art Gallery, 100 Lowe Center for the Arts

Travis Head presents an exhibition of his work. Additional details forthcoming. UWL Art Gallery is always free & open to the public.

Senior Art Major Exhibition

Opening Reception: April 24, 5-6:30 p.m.

Friday, April 24 | 5 p.m. to Saturday, May 16 | 5 p.m.
University Art Gallery, 100 Lowe Center for the Arts

Senior Art Majors present an exhibition of their capstone work. Additional details forthcoming. UWL Art Gallery is always free & open to the public.

THEATRE & DANCE

ONLINE TICKETS: Online tickets will have a small credit card processing fee added at checkout. Patrons are encouraged to buy their tickets online and download the tickets to their phone/email. Tickets may be purchased online at www.uwlax.edu/theatre-and-dance beginning October 1, 2025. Ticket prices vary by show.

IN PERSON/PHONE TICKETS: Tickets are available for purchase in person at the box office in the Lowe Center for the Arts or by calling (608) 785-6696. Box office hours are Monday through Friday, 1:00-3:00 pm, and one hour prior to each performance, during the run of each production.

Dracula: A Feminist Revenge Fantasy, Really.

By Kate Hamill

Based Loosely on the Novel by Bram Stoker

October 10-11 & 16-18, 2025 at 7:30 p.m.
October 12 & 19, 2025 at 2:00 p.m.
Toland Theatre, Lowe Center for the Arts
Assigned Seating

Bouncing between horror and humor, Kate Hamill’s adaptation of Bram Stoker’s seminal novel is a thrilling play that questions who the true monsters are. Read more.

tick, tick…BOOM!

By Jonathan Larson

November 7-8 & 13-15, 2025 at 7:30 p.m.
November 9 & 16, 2025 at 2:00 p.m.
Frederick Theatre, Morris Hall
General Admission Seating

On the brink of his 30^th birthday, an aspiring musical theatre composer navigates love, friendship, and the pressure to create something great before time runs out. Before he electrified the world with Rent, Jonathan Larson struggled to leave his mark on Broadway. In this autobiographical musical of that struggle…read more.

Ken Ludwig’s The Game’s Afoot, or Holmes for the Holidays

By Ken Ludwig

December 4-6, 2025, at 7:30 p.m.
December 6 & 7, 2025, at 2:00 p.m.
Toland Theatre, Lowe Center for the Arts
Assigned Seating

It’s Christmas Eve 1936, and Broadway star William Gillette, admired the world over for his portrayal as Sherlock Holmes, has invited his fellow cast members to his Connecticut castle for a weekend of revelry. But, when one of the guests is stabbed to death…read more.

MUSIC

ART

Machinal

By Sophie Treadwell

Feb. 27-28 & March 5-7, 2026 at 7:30 p.m.
March 1 & 8, 2026 at 2:00 p.m.
Toland Theatre, Lowe Center for the Arts
Assigned Seating

Machinal is a powerful expressionist play about the status of women in an increasingly mechanized society and the torture of a loveless marriage. From the outside, Helen Jones and her husband had a ‘happy marriage’. Until she murdered him. Read more.

My Days with Peter Rabbit (and His Friends)

Adapted by Nic Barilar and David Harlan

Based on Tales of Beatrix Potter by Beatrix Potter

April 11 at 11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m., & 3:00 p.m.
April 12 at 1:00 p.m. & 3:00 p.m.
Frederick Theatre, Morris Hall
General Admission Seating

Join us for a journey through the fields, around the farms, over the lakes and rivers, and into the burrows of Beatrix Potter’s English countryside! Read more.

A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder

Book & Lyrics by Robert L. Freedman | Music & Lyrics by Steven Lutvak

Based on the novel Israel Rank by Roy Horniman

April 24-25 & 30-May 2, 2026 at 7:30 p.m.
April 26 & May 3, 2026 at 2:00 p.m.
Toland Theatre, Lowe Center for the Arts
Assigned Seating

A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder is the knock-’em-dead, uproarious hit with over ten Tony Award nominations and four wins. Read more.

MUSIC

ART

MUSIC

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Concert Band

Saturday, Oct. 4 | 2 to 3 p.m.
Annett Recital Hall, 152 Lowe Center for the Arts

Join UWL Concert Band for their fall concert. Details forthcoming. Free & open to the public.

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Wind Ensemble

Saturday, Oct. 4 | 4 to 5 p.m.
Annett Recital Hall, 152 Lowe Center for the Arts

Join UWL Wind Ensemble for their Fall concert. Details forthcoming. Free & open to the public.

THEATRE & DANCE

ART

Stories from the Violins of Hope

Part of Violins of Hope – Wisconsin

Wednesday, Oct. 8 | 7 to 8:30 p.m.
Annett Recital Hall, 152 Lowe Center for the Arts

A screening of The Braid’s production Stories from the Violins of Hope, part of the Violins of Hope – Wisconsin Initiative.

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Jonathan Borja: Flute

With Dr. Lindsay Garritson, Piano

Saturday, Oct. 11 | 4 to 5 p.m.
Annett Recital Hall, 152 Lowe Center for the Arts

Join UWL Music for Dr. Jonathan Borja in a flute recital. With Dr. Lindsay Garritson on piano. Details forthcoming. Free & open to the public.

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Symphony Orchestra

featuring H.S. Honor Orchestra

Saturday, Oct. 18 | 4 to 5:30 p.m.
The Bluffs Ballroom Student Union

Join us for the UWL Symphony Orchestra playing alongside accomplished high school instrumentalists from across the region. Free & open to the public.

THEATRE & DANCE

ART

Jazz Concert

ft. UWL Jazz Ensemble & Jazz Orchestra

Tuesday, Oct. 21 | 7:30 to 9 p.m.
The Bluffs Ballroom Student Union

Join us for UWL’s Jazz Ensemble & Jazz Orchestra under the direction of Jon Ailabouni. Details forthcoming. Free & open to the public.

All Choir Concert

ft. Treble Chorus, Choral Union, and Concert Choir

Friday, Oct. 24 | 7:30 to 9 p.m.
Annett Recital Hall, 152 Lowe Center for the Arts

Join us for UWL’s Treble Chorus under the direction of Dr. Kourtney Austin and the UWL Concert Choir and Choral Union…read more.

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High School & Alumni Band Day

UWL vs. Oshkosh

Friday, Oct. 25 | 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.
Roger Harring Stadium, Stadium Veterans Memorial Field Sports Complex

13th Annual High School Band Day with UWL’s Screaming Eagles Marching Band. Details forthcoming!

THEATRE & DANCE

ART

Jazz Combos Concert

Tuesday, Oct. 28 | 7:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Annett Recital Hall, 152 Lowe Center for the Arts

Join us for two jazz combos under the direction of Jon Ailabouni. Details forthcoming. Free & open to the public.

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Home Field Revue

Screaming Eagles Marching Band

Saturday, Nov. 1 | 2 p.m. AND Sunday, Nov. 2 | 1 p.m.
Center Gymnasium, 113 Mitchell Hall

UWL Screaming Eagles Marching Band Field Show Revue.

New Music Festival-Digital Displays3 (1)

La Crosse New Music Festival

Concert #1

Thursday, Nov. 6 | 7:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Annett Recital Hall, 152 Lowe Center for the Arts

Join us for the first of three unique concerts for this year’s La Crosse New Music Festival lineup. Details forthcoming. Free & open to the public.

THEATRE & DANCE

ART

New Music Festival-Digital Displays2 (1)

La Crosse New Music Festival

Concert #2

Friday, Nov. 7 | 7:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Annett Recital Hall, 152 Lowe Center for the Arts

Join us for the second of three unique concerts for this year’s La Crosse New Music Festival lineup. Details forthcoming. Free & open to the public.

New Music Festival-Digital DisplaysR3 (2)

La Crosse New Music Festival

Concert #3

Saturday, Nov. 8 | 7:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Annett Recital Hall, 152 Lowe Center for the Arts

Join us for the third of three unique concerts for this year’s La Crosse New Music Festival lineup. Details forthcoming. Free & open to the public.

Daniel Adam Maltz

Fortepiano American Tour

Thursday, Nov. 13 | 7:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Annett Recital Hall, 152 Lowe Center for the Arts

Daniel specializes in Viennese Classicism — especially the works of Haydn, Mozart, and Beethoven — performed on the Viennese fortepianos of their time.

THEATRE & DANCE

ART

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Dramatic Delights

Music Scenes from the Stage

Saturday, Nov. 22 | 7:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Annett Recital Hall, 152 Lowe Center for the Arts

Join students under the direction of Dr. Kourtney Austin for a delightful evening of musical selections from the stage.

Jazz Combos Concert

Tuesday, Nov. 25 | 7:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Annett Recital Hall, 152 Lowe Center for the Arts

Join us for two jazz combos under the direction of Jon Ailabouni. Details forthcoming. Free & open to the public.

Wind Ensemble

featuring H.S. Honor Band

Saturday, Dec. 6 | 4 to 5:30 p.m.
The Bluffs Ballroom Student Union

Join us for the UWL Wind Ensemble playing alongside accomplished high school instrumentalists from across the region. Free & open to the public.

THEATRE & DANCE

ART

Concert Band

Sunday, Dec. 7 | 2 to 3 p.m.
Annett Recital Hall, 152 Lowe Center for the Arts

Join UWL Concert Band for their holiday concert. Free & open to the public.

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Symphony Orchestra

Sunday, Dec. 7 | 4 to 5 p.m.
Annett Recital Hall, 152 Lowe Center for the Arts

Join us for UWL’s Symphony Orchestra. Details forthcoming. Free & open to the public.

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Concert Choir & Treble Chorus

Holiday Concert

Wednesday, Dec. 10 | 7:30 to 9 p.m.
Christ Episcopal Church, 111 9th St N, La Crosse, WI 54601

Join us for UWL’s Treble Chorus under the direction of Dr. Kourtney Austin and the UWL Concert Choir under the direction of Dr. Christopher Hathaway for their holiday concert.

THEATRE & DANCE

ART

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Jazz Faculty Recital

Friday, Feb. 13, 2026 | 7:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Annett Recital Hall, 152 Lowe Center for the Arts

Join us for a recital by UWL’s jazz faculty. Details forthcoming. Free & open to the public.

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2026 Honors Recital

Sunday, Feb. 15, 2026 | 2 to 3 p.m.
Annett Recital Hall, 152 Lowe Center for the Arts

Join us for the best-of-the-best of student performers. Details forthcoming. Free & open to the public.

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Wind Ensemble

Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026 | 4 to 5 p.m.
Annett Recital Hall, 152 Lowe Center for the Arts

Join us for UWL’s Wind Ensemble. Free & open to the public.

THEATRE & DANCE

ART

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38th Annual Big Band Cabaret & Dance Party

Friday, Feb. 27, 2026 | 7:30 to 8:30 p.m.
The Bluffs Ballroom Student Union

Free Swing Lessons begin at 6 p.m.

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Jazz Combos Concert

Tuesday, March 3, 2026 | 7:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Annett Recital Hall, 152 Lowe Center for the Arts

Join us for two jazz combos under the direction of Jon Ailabouni. Details forthcoming. Free & open to the public.

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Concert Choir & Treble Chorus

Friday, March 6, 2026 | 7:30 to 9 p.m.
First Congregational Church, 2503 Main St, La Crosse, WI 54601

Join us for UWL’s Treble Chorus under the direction of Dr. Kourtney Austin and the UWL Concert Choir under the direction of Dr. Christopher Hathaway.

THEATRE & DANCE

ART

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Symphony Orchestra

Sunday, March 8, 2026 | 2 to 3 p.m.
Annett Recital Hall, 152 Lowe Center for the Arts

Join us for UWL’s Symphony Orchestra. Details forthcoming. Free & open to the public.

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Symphonic Band

Sunday, March 8, 2026 | 4 to 5 p.m.
Annett Recital Hall, 152 Lowe Center for the Arts

Join UWL’s Symphonic Band for their first concert of the semester. Details forthcoming. Free & open to the public.

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Chamber Music Concert

Saturday, March 28, 2026 | 7:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Annett Recital Hall, 152 Lowe Center for the Arts

Join us for our annual chamber music concert. Details forthcoming. Free & open to the public.

THEATRE & DANCE

ART

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New Composition Recital

Saturday, April 11, 2026 | 7:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Annett Recital Hall, 152 Lowe Center for the Arts

Join us for a recital featuring original student compositions. Details forthcoming. Free & open to the public.

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Jazz Combos Concert & Jam Session

ArtsFest Signature Event

Thursday, April 23, 2026 | 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
E-Cafe, Student Union

Join us for this ArtsFest kickoff celebration, featuring two jazz combos followed by a public jam session – bring your instrument!

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Symphonic Band

ArtsFest Signature Event

Saturday, April 25, 2026 | 2 to 3 p.m.
Annett Recital Hall, 152 Lowe Center for the Arts

Join UWL’s Symphonic Band for their ArtsFest concert. Details forthcoming. Free & open to the public.

THEATRE & DANCE

ART

Wind Ensemble

ArtsFest Signature Event

Saturday, April 25, 2026 | 7:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Annett Recital Hall, 152 Lowe Center for the Arts

Join us for our premiere instrumental ensemble in this special ArtsFest concert. Details forthcoming. Free & open to the public.

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Treble Chorus

Wednesday, April 29, 2026 | 7:30 to 9 p.m.
Annett Recital Hall, 152 Lowe Center for the Arts

Join us for UWL’s Treble Chorus under the direction of Dr. Kourtney Austin for their final concert of the year. Details forthcoming. Free & open to the public.