The Bartell Theatre hosts MTG’s productions. | Photo by Wikimedia Commons
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, 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 building that is now known as The Bartell Community Theatre 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 theater groups — including MTG members — decided the building would be the perfect place to host its productions on a larger scale.
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 technical + behind-the-scenes roles need filling.
FMBATN | Tuesday, Nov. 8 | 6 p.m. | Red Rooster Madison, 2513 Seiferth Rd., Madison | $8 | Enjoy this charity jam sesh while raising money for the Domestic Abuse Intervention Services of Madison. 🎸
The Basics of Drawing | Tuesday, Nov. 8 | 6 p.m. | Memorial Union, 800 Langdon St, Madison | $120 | Students will learn the academic approach to seeing and visually responding while studying various still-life subjects.
Wednesday, Nov. 9
Cocktail Class | Wednesday, Nov. 9 | 5:30-6:30 p.m. | The Cider Farm, 8216 Watts Rd., Madison | $25 | Sample three apple brandy and cider cocktails while listening to the story of each + how you can make them at home. 🥃
YES | Wednesday, Nov. 9 | 6:30 p.m. | Orpheum Madison, 216 State St., Madison | $49.50-$95 | Jam out with the classic rock band on their 50th anniversary tour.
Thursday, Nov. 10
Green Thumb Gardening | Thursday, Nov. 10 | 6-8 p.m. | Virtual | $12 | Learn proper planting, pruning, and training techniques for several types of fruit trees.
Free Open Rehearsal | Thursday, Nov. 10 | Overture Center, 201 State St., Madison | Free | Enjoy the Madison Symphony Orchestra during the final rehearsal for its upcoming show. 🎻
Friday, Nov. 11
We Will Not Be Silent | Friday, Nov. 11 | 7 p.m. | Arts + Literature Laboratory, 111 S. Livingston St., Madison | Free | Watch Fermat’s Last Theater Company’s production of this wartime story.
Plan Ahead
Making Rustic Fruit Galettes | Sunday, Nov. 13 | 1-3 p.m. | Enos Farms Kitchen, E4782 Kennedy Rd., Spring Green | $55 | Sip tea and learn how to bake a simple galette using local ingredients + seasonal fruit — bonus: bring home the leftovers and a recipe.*
We have amonthly guide filled with events + activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.
It’s Election Day today. Check out this newsletter’s second story or refer to My Vote Wisconsin for more information. See you at the polls. 🗳️
Development
The Lake Monona waterfront redesign is underway. Plans are being discussed for a signature park encompassing 17 acres of public space along the shore which will includea spectacular entrance into Madison from the John Nolen causeway. 🌊 (Cap Times)
Transit
A new equity analysis suggests that the Metro Transit redesign in progress will benefit low-income neighborhoods in Madison. The system redesign aims to deliver more frequent + consistent service while using fewer routes and transfers. (Madison.com)
Listen
Café Coda will host its inaugural Coda Fest starting Wed., Nov. 16.This five-day event hosts jazz artists who have performed around the world + supports the cafe’s youth program, Cool School. 🎷 (NBC 15)
Cause
The DNR is urging Wisconsin hunters to consider donating to the department’s Deer Donation Program. Learn more about this program and how you can participate in five easy steps. (WKOW)
Holiday
Seven dancers from Ultimate Leap Dance Center in DeForest are performing in the 2022 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. These local performers have will join 500+ other dancers from all over the country to perform in the iconic holiday parade. (Channel 3000)
Announced
Things are about to get ugly because we want to see your best ugly holiday sweater design. If it’s selected, it will be featured on a sweatshirt in our 608today Six & Main shop for purchase. How ugly can you get?Email your design to us. 👀
DYK
Did you know there’s still time to share your Black Friday deals with our 608today readers? Promote your business with us by submitting a deal to be included in our Fri., Nov. 25 newsletter. Pricing varies by market + must be submitted by Wed., Nov. 16.
Sports
Let’s hear it for the home team, 608. What better way to celebrate football season than with a tailgate surrounded by friends. Here are four tips for hosting a tailgate fit for champs.*
Content marked with an * is brought to you by our advertising partners and helps make this newsletter free.
Polling places will be open until 8 p.m. this evening. | Photo by Wikimedia Commons
It’s election day which means it’s your last chance to get out and vote. Nervous for the polls? Don’t sweat it, let’s go over some voting basics.
🗳️ What if I’m not registered yet?
You can register at the polls as long as you bring a valid ID and proof of residence. Check out this list of acceptable forms of proof of residence.
📍 Where do I vote?
Plug your address into this City of Madison online tool or use MyVote Wisconsin’s website to find the closest polling location to you.
🚗 What if I don’t have a ride?
The Wisconsin Disability Vote Coalition has curated transportation resources for all voters without access to a ride today. Use the website to check out Dane County’s options or search for resources in other regions + counties.
Pro tip: Stop by any of Ian’s Pizza’s three locations for your free slice of mac + cheese pizza from 5-10 p.m. today during its Mac the Vote campaign. 🍕
THE WRAP
Today’s issue was written by Ally.
Editor’s pick: I stopped by Paul’s Book Store this week to grab a gift for a friend. For such a small space, their extensive book selection is quite impressive.
Missed yesterday’s newsletter? We celebrated City Editor Ryan’s one-year anniversary with 608today.
Connect with us.
Editorial:Ally Geiger, Ryan Waldman, Dayten Rose, Josh Kranzberg, Ashlea Hearn, Emily Shea, Victoria Bardega | Send us a scoop, question, or feedback.
* This content is paid advertising, or contains links to our Six & Main marketplace, or affiliate partners which we may receive a commission from. ^ This content is created by our content studio.