Milwaukee, WI
Scholarship seeks to bring ‘new voices’ to Milwaukee’s improv scene | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Those historically left out of the world of improv comedy have a new opportunity to get involved in Milwaukee’s growing scene.
The Interchange Theater Co-op, a community-run improvisation theater and school, has established a scholarship for classes, specifically encouraging people of color, people with disabilities and LGBTQ+ people to apply.
“Milwaukee is unfortunately very segregated, and there is a large white population at our theater and other theaters in the area,” said Vince Figueroa, education director at the Interchange, located at 628 N. 10th St. “So the challenge is: How do we reach out to those other communities to get them to come perform with us and see and learn and embrace the thing that we love?”
The scholarship aims to address this challenge.
‘A really valuable art form’
Figueroa gives all the credit for the scholarship, called the New Voices Improv Comedy Scholarship, to his colleague, Mia Serafina, the Interchange’s community and culture director.
Serafina grew up in Milwaukee but performed on improv teams in less-diverse parts of the state. After returning to Milwaukee after college in 2021, she reconnected with Latinx performers and was reminded of how isolating a lack of diversity can be for an improv performer of color
“I think accessibility to improv helps with people recognizing that it’s not just for one group of people. It’s a really valuable art form, but without points of accessibility, it’s hard to find your way there,” said Serafina.
“We just want a fuller presence at our theater,” she added.
The scholarship covers the $200 cost of a class, removing a financial barrier to entry.
“I know people who want to take classes in the scene at various theaters but unfortunately can’t, just because of the cost,” said Michael Kittelson, an LGBTQ+ comedian who performs at the Interchange.
A more diverse group of performers also reduces other barriers, Kittelson added.
“As a gay man, going into maybe a group elsewhere that might mostly be straight, that could be intimidating for me – not just talking about an improv group but just like a group that I’m not used to,” he said.
All about improv
The Interchange offers five core courses to help individuals learn different aspects of long-form improv.
Improv, short for “improvisation,” is where performers create characters and dialogue on the spot.
People may be familiar with improv from popular television shows like “Whose Line Is It Anyway,” which debuted in the U.S. in 1998 and ended its most recent run in February.
But there are different types of improv.
While “Whose Line” features short-form improv – quick, one-off scenes often based on audience suggestions – many improv classes, including those at the Interchange, provide training in long-form improv.
Long-form improv involves performers creating a series of interconnected scenes, which allow for richer characters and more sustained narratives.
“There’s just something so freeing and exciting about walking onto the stage and discovering what the scene is going to be, discovering who your character is going to be, helping your scene partner discover who they are,” said Figueroa. “So it’s its own unique art form.”
A more diverse group of performers creates stronger comedy in general, he added.
“You say ‘improv’ and some people have this standard image of four middle-aged white guys in flannel doing improv,” Figueroa said. “So when you get other people who don’t look like that … there might be some other references that you wouldn’t think of or connections you wouldn’t necessarily make.”
For more information
People interested in the scholarship can apply online.
The next deadline to apply is Dec. 20, with classes beginning on Jan. 13.
Those with questions can email education@interchangetheater.com.
MILWAUKEE — Milwaukee celebrated the lighting of its 112th annual Christmas tree Thursday evening in the Deer District, marking the second-longest-running Christmas tree lighting tradition in the United States behind only New York City.
The 42-foot Colorado blue spruce, donated by Kaitlyn Schmidt Thabet and Amgad Thabet, was transformed with vibrant jewel tones, large reflective metallic ornaments, oversized snowflakes and lighted stars inspired by the theme “Shining Together.”
“This tree stands as a celebration of Milwaukee’s incredible spirit during the winter season,” said David Caruso, designer of the Christmas tree and local event planner and TV host. “My hope is that it fills your evening and your holidays with light, joy and pride.”
Watch the full tree lighting ceremony:
Milwaukee lights 112th annual Christmas tree in historic Deer District celebration
Mayor Cavalier Johnson emphasized the historic significance of the event during his remarks to the crowd gathered in the Deer District.
“Tonight is special, not just because the holiday brings people together, but because this is a historic night for Milwaukee,” Johnson said. “Our Christmas tree lighting in the City of Milwaukee is the second-longest-running Christmas tree lighting in the United States of America, only behind New York City.”
The celebration featured performances by the Reagan High School varsity Drumline and entertainment by Guyton Entertainment and DJ YC.
Santa Claus made a special appearance, accompanied by his reindeer. Another famous deer — Bucks mascot Bango, also took part in the celebration.
Peter Feigin, president of the Milwaukee Bucks and Fiserv Forum, expressed pride in hosting the tree lighting in the Deer District.
“This is what we dreamed about when we built the Deer District,” Feigin said. “This is one of the greatest things.”
The celebration concluded with the mayor’s family and other children helping to officially light the tree, continuing Milwaukee’s 112-year tradition of bringing the community together for the holidays.
The event also launched the new Deer District Holiday Market, which runs through November 30 in the beer garden area. The market features local makers, food and drinks.
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112th Annual Christmas Tree Lighting
Dynamic Events by David Caruso, designer of the City of Milwaukee Christmas Tree, will produce the tree-lighting ceremony on Nov. 21 with Mayor Johnson.
MILWAUKEE – Deer District is transformed into Cheer District through Jan. 15. The City of Milwaukee Christmas Tree will also be displayed in Cheer District for the fourth straight year and lit by Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson at a ceremony on Friday, Nov. 21.
Dynamic Events by David Caruso, designer of the City of Milwaukee Christmas Tree, will produce the tree-lighting ceremony on Nov. 21 with Mayor Johnson.
The City of Milwaukee Christmas Tree is the second-longest running official tree in the United States after New York City, with this year marking the 112th year of the city’s tree.
MILWAUKEE — Oscar-nominated actor Hugh Jackman will be visiting the Badger State in the coming weeks for his upcoming film “Song Sung Blue.”
The film, starring Jackman and Kate Hudson, is based on an iconic Milwaukee Neil Diamond tribute band called Lightning & Thunder.
Hugh Jackman as Mike Sardina (left) and Kate Hudson as Claire Stengl (right) in director Craig Brewer’s “Song Sung Blue,” a Focus Features release. (Focus Features)
Mike Sardina was the “Lightning” while Claire Stengl was the “Thunder.” As the film’s description suggests, the two found love while following their musician dreams. They performed in the Midwest throughout the 80s and 90s and also opened for some major bands. They later married. Mike Sardina died in 2006.
Now, with the film about their lives and careers gearing up to play in theaters, there will be a special appearance in Cream City.
Hugh Jackman in director Craig Brewer’s “Song Sung Blue,” a Focus Features release. (Focus Features)
Because of the film’s roots, a premiere will take place at The Oriental Theatre in Milwaukee, 2230 N Farwell Ave, on Dec. 2.
During the hometown premiere, Jackman and the writer and director of the film, Craig Brewer, will attend.
Hugh Jackman as Mike Sardina (left) and Kate Hudson as Claire Stengl (right) in director Craig Brewer’s “Song Sung Blue,” a Focus Features release. (Focus Features)
“Song Sung Blue” will start playing in theaters on Christmas Day, Dec. 25, 2025. The film also stars Michael Imperioli, Ella Anderson, King Princess, Mustafa Shakir, Hudson Hensley with Fisher Stevens and Jim Belushi.
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