Encore Studio for the Performing Arts

About the Theatre

Encore Studio for the Performing Arts is Wisconsin's first professional theatre company for people with disabilities. For 26 years, Encore has created original, artist-driven theatre that places people with disabilities at the center of the professional artistic process. One of the very few companies like it in the United States, Encore offers an innovative, inclusive, and professional environment where people work together in the pursuit of artistic and theatrical excellence. Encore fosters the individual talents, skills, abilities, and creativity of its acting company while creating professional opportunities for artists with disabilities to develop, perform, and share work that communicates challenging and authentic perspectives on disability and culture. Encore opened its doors on September 6, 2000. Just weeks later, on October 14, Encore premiered its first production, "Not Stubborn... Not Strong-Willed" at Monona Terrace. Since then, Encore has performed throughout Wisconsin and beyond, and its original work has garnered local, regional, and national attention. With a troupe of 21 actors and seven staff, Encore has produced more than 75 original works to date, with many more to come.

Review: WATER FOR ELEPHANTS at The Overture Center

by Scott Rawson · June 17, 2026

I truly enjoyed Water for Elephants far more than I thought I would. I came to the theater fearing the puppetry of the elephant would over shadow the actors. While it was spectacular, it did not over shadow the actors and for that I am grateful. And in an effort of full disclosure, admittedly, I als…

Review: BEAUTY AND THE BEAST ENCHANTS AUDIENCES at The Overture Center

by Scott Rawson · May 14, 2026

There were so many magical moments with this show that it is hard to keep track of them all. Teh opening set the stage and With this opening, the show creates a magical bond with the audience, one that would not be broken until long after leaving the theater.…

Review: MADISON RAPS ABOUT HAMILTON at The Overture Center

by Scott Rawson · January 8, 2026

This would mark my third time seeing Hamilton at The Overture Center. All have been good, and all have been slightly different. And all have had a varied effect on me.  …

Review: A CHRISTMAS CAROL at Pabst Theater

by Cathy Jakicic · December 4, 2025

Though the Milwaukee Rep is presenting its 50th season of 'A Christmas Carol,' this year, the current production has the freshness and energy of a debut. Returning as Scrooge, Matt Daniels brings back his nimble physicality and vocals, making Dickens familiar words full of surprises. Whether grumpy …

Real Life

May 15 – May 31, 2026

Real Life - By KelsyAnne Schoenhaar May 15th, 16th, 22nd, 23rd, 24th, 29th, 30th, 31st Fridays at 8PM, Saturdays and Sundays at 2PM "Real Life premiered at Madison's Bartell Theatre in November 2004." Many people with autism are considered to live in a world all their own. But...

From The Top Encore at 25

Oct 24 – Nov 2, 2025

From the Top: Encore at 25 is a retrospective look that celebrates the last 25 years of original writing with reprises and reimagined classics.

Road Trip

Apr 26 – May 11, 2019

Road Trip is a compilation of four, brand-new, very funny and sometimes touching, short plays. All of which give a perspective youll only find in an Encore Studio Production.Two New Drivers (and an old van named Scarlet) (by KelsyAnne Schoenhaar) tells the story of two long-time...

Found Money

Sep 7 – Sep 22, 2018

In life, you win some, you lose some—often when you least expect it. What happens when a typo becomes your saving grace? Do you contact the proper authorities or hope no one notices? Join us to discover the impact of choices made and prepare yourself for a farcical romp of...

FeaturedReal Life

May 4 – May 19, 2018

Many people with autism are considered to live in a world all their own. But is it any less real than the culture we inhabit? Real Life offers a window into a fascinating world encompassing a dichotomy of intellectual genius and severe social awkwardness. Focusing on...

Different Dreams

Oct 27 – Nov 11, 2017

Different Dreams (October 27 – November 11, 2017) Encore’s repertory theatre company explores the wildest to mildest of aspirations in a series of contrasting vignettes and films in “Different Dreams”. The shorts include: “Dream Insurance” - a selection of three pieces which...

Draconia

May 5 – May 20, 2017

Draconia (May 5-20, 2017) Nothing is safe or sacred in the land of Draconia. Draconia is a series of short plays, editorial monologues and films that delve into politics, the human services industry and even… murder! Encore reflects on the inevitability of change in a short...

To Love Or Not To Love - Revised and Revisited

Feb 3 – Feb 18, 2017

To Love or Not To Love – Revised and Revisited (February 3-18, 2017) Encore presents their second production of their 2016-2017 season, To Love or Not To Love – 2017 (Revised and Revisited) written by KelsyAnne Schoenhaar. With a bold directness, To Love or Not to Love – 2017...

The Last Week in December

Dec 2 – Dec 17, 2016

Last Week in December (December 2-17, 2016) Encore presents their first production of their 2016-2017 season, The Last Week in December written by KelsyAnne Schoenhaar. The Last Week in December is based during one of the most difficult times of year for many people: the week...

Acts to Grind - 2016

May 6 – May 21, 2016

Acts to Grind - 2016 (May 6-21, 2016) Encore presents their annual series of short plays in Acts to Grind – 2016. Included in this year’s selection are the premieres of, Shroudenstein – Co-written by Dylan Shroud and KelsyAnne Schoenhaar; and Drug Deals, by Malissa Petterson. In...