Founded in 1946, the Madison Theatre Guild (MTG) is the city’s oldest community theater group. Let’s take a peek behind the curtain of this organization helping people of all ages + experience levels participate on the stage or behind the scenes.
🎭 Let’s set the scene
Constructed in 1939, 2410 Monroe St. served as a firehouse for 30 years until Madison’s size and population called for an upgrade + relocation of the public safety building. The Madison Theatre Guild swooped in to take over the space in 1969 where ample room was available for rehearsals, set building, technical aspects, and even one of Southern Wisconsin’s largest costume shops. This location has allowed local creatives to access the tools and infrastructure needed to flourish in the arts.
📚 Bartell Community Theatre
The Monroe Street location is a great space for MTG to rehearse with one snag, there’s no stage. Instead, performances take place at the Bartell Community Theatre.
The Bartell Community Theatre building was built in 1906 and has been home to just about everything under the sun. (Think: A bowling alley, VFW post, and shoe repair shop.) In 1994, a small band of independent theatre groups (including MTG members) decided the building would be the perfect place to host its productions on a larger scale.
Today, the theatre is operated by the Gerald A. Bartell Community Theatre Foundation — a theatre co-op consisting of five companies: Madison Theatre Guild, Mercury Players Theatre, StageQ, and Strollers Theatre.
🔦 Take center stage
Ready for your big break? The Madison Theatre Guild is always welcoming new members. Check out the auditions page for upcoming shows or reach out to see what kind of behind-the-scenes roles need filling.