Setting the Stage for Student Programming
Max Scharrer in the Fredric March Play Circle
Being a Badger and Wisconsin Union Directorate (WUD) member go hand-in-hand for Max Scharrer. Describing himself as a “Wuddie for life,” Max has been a WUD member since he began at UW-Madison. Max first encountered WUD at a wedding in Tripp Commons the summer before his freshman year while he enjoyed a concert on the Terrace stage. He found out that the WUD Music Committee was putting on the show and became an active member soon after.
“When I was a clueless, lonely, homesick freshman WUD took me in and gave me a place of refuge,” says Max. “Even when I was still adjusting to being a college student, I was able to make a huge impact on campus all because of WUD.”
Marking his senior year and fourth year on WUD, Max’s role in the Union evolved from WUD Music member, to associate director and now to head of a new Directorate committee—the Memorial Union Entertainment Committee.
The Entertainment Committee was inspired last spring from both the success of the Revelry Music and Arts Festival as well as the completion of the Memorial Union Reinvestment’s first phase. Student-to-student programming opportunities were increasing and a group to connect WUD committees across the board became more necessary. The home of this new committee became a reimagined part of the west wing—the Fredric March Play Circle. With fully upgraded features and an atmosphere that allows for completely new performance opportunities, the Play Circle became the place for Max and his developing committee to test the waters for what students want to experience.
The “black box” performance space features retractable seating and state-of-the-art lighting and sound systems, creating a versatile space that can have programs ranging anywhere from a DJ dance party to an intimate play. “We do everything in the Play Circle,” says Max. “It’s a great space for both performers and audiences to feel comfortable during a show.”
Combined with the Wisconsin Union Theater scheduled performances, the Entertainment Committee has around 18 dates throughout the year to utilize the Play Circle. Max and committee members are building campus relationships to enhance the programming and showcase what the Play Circle can offer. The new venture not only allows collaboration between other WUD committees such as Music and the Distinguished Lecture Series, but it also creates opportunities for more campus student groups, including improv, a cappella and dance among others, to perform in the Play Circle.
“I owe it to WUD for giving me the real world experiences and connections that will allow me to successfully pursue my dream of one day working in the entertainment industry,” says Max. “I am also grateful today to say that most of my close friends are people that I have met because of WUD.”
Max’s last year with WUD promises exciting and varied performances suited to the new Play Circle’s versatile capabilities: cabaret, improv comedy, a cappella and more programs that are yet to be discovered. Just as Max found his place in the Union, it’s possible that these multifaceted entertainment opportunities may attract the attention of first year students looking for a place to fit in and pursue their passions.
To check out this article in the 2014 Wisconsin Union Annual Booklet, click here.
