Behind the Scenes at the Union: Shawn Bolduc
He oversees the Wisconsin Union Theater patron experience. He manages the logistics for the Theater’s events. And, in his “spare” time, he makes thousands of people drool almost on the daily with modern confections almost too beautiful to eat. He is Shawn Bolduc, and he is the director of audience services at the Wisconsin Union’s Wisconsin Union Theater.
Since 1939, the Wisconsin Union Theater has served as a leading source of culture and entertainment in Madison. From musical performances to talks by famous thought leaders, the Theater has it all. Past notable Theater performers or speakers have included Eleanor Roosevelt, Martin Luther King Jr. and Louis Armstrong, just to name a few, all of whom appeared at the Theater’s Shannon Hall in Memorial Union.
Bolduc’s favorite part of his job is that “every day is a little something different.” He enjoys the variety of events around campus and loves that he uses so many skills and his education every single day
Originally from south of Boston, Bolduc graduated from Rhode Island College with a bachelor’s degree in piano performance and began working in the theater industry as a musician. He always knew that he would live a creative life, but it wasn’t until he graduated from Florida State University with a master’s degree in theatre management that it became clear exactly how.
Bolduc made the move from Massachusetts to Madison, Wis., about three years ago to start his job at the Union. After visiting Madison while on tour with “Fiddler on the Roof” years before, Bolduc fell in love with the area and knew he would love to call it home.
“It always stuck in my head as a beautiful, little city,” Bolduc said about Madison.
Of course, Bolduc doesn’t spend all of his time at the Union. In his spare time, Bolduc can be found baking delicious and beautiful treats. No longer doing theater himself, baking has become a way for Bolduc to express his creativity.
Bolduc has spent the last 12 years baking, and credits his love for the craft to Martha Stewart. After buying one of her cookbooks, he eventually taught himself how to bake. He is so passionate about baking that he even considered going to culinary school before earning his master’s.
“I was always interested in creating and using my hands, but I was also interested in how food and creating intersects with community and connecting with people,” Bolduc said.
Now, Bolduc has his own business called The Baked Lab. “Modern confections for the audacious” is the business’s motto, which perfectly describes Bolduc’s creations.
And, back at the Wisconsin Union Theater, Bolduc continues to help make other creators’ works of art come to life on Memorial Union’s stages as well as ensure incredible patron experiences.
To learn more about the Wisconsin Union Theater and its upcoming events, visit union.wisc.edu/visit/wisconsin-union-theater.
