MCT BOARD MEMBER PROFILE: JULIE ANDING

by Max Seigle

MEET THE MCT BOARD! We're excited to introduce you to our Board of Directors! This is a great way to learn more about the people who make up the MCT family.

MCT Board President Julie Anding

WHERE ARE YOU FROM? HOW LONG HAVE BEEN IN MILWAUKEE?

I grew up in Arena, Wisconsin, near Spring Green. Being close to the American Players Theatre, I go back all the time and see shows in the summer. I have lived in the Milwaukee area for 18 years and my home is in the Historic Third Ward. 

WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST EXPERIENCE AT THE MILWAUKEE CHAMBER THEATRE?

My partner directed a play for MCT in 2012 called BUS STOP. It was in the big theatre, the Cabot, it’s such a great space. The play was a collaboration with UW-Parkside, and students and staff joined Milwaukee actors to put on the show. I like those kinds of university partnerships and have enjoyed seeing MCT do more of them over the years. Also, we moved into the Third Ward and it became our neighborhood theatre and that encouraged us to get more involved in going to the MCT shows.

FAVORITE PLAY?

Last season’s THE TRAIN DRIVER and THE GOOD FATHER. I thought both were really spectacular. I tend to like plays that deal with more meaty subjects, have more of an intellectual bent and hit on prevalent conversations going on across the country. 

WHAT MADE YOU DECIDE TO JOIN THE MCT BOARD?

I wanted to be a part of an organization that was supporting the arts and helping make Milwaukee more vibrant. If we didn’t have live music, if we didn’t have live theater, life would be pretty dry and boring. And with so much emphasis on technology these days, there is something about seeing a live performance of music or theatre that’s very different from seeing it on your computer or on your TV.

My daughter and five nieces have also been very involved in theater, both in school and at First Stage. It has been a really important part of their development and they’ve grown immensely with those experiences. There is more than just sports to help with building stronger kids, so it’s really important for me to find ways to support the arts. 

YOU RECENTLY BECAME PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD. WHAT ENCOURAGED YOU TO TAKE ON THAT KIND OF LEADERSHIP ROLE?

I tend to be naturally drawn to leadership roles and I think we are at a really unique time right now. We have a really strong board with great, talented people. We are well-positioned to take MCT to the next level and I just want to help be a part of that.

WHAT DO YOU DO PROFESSIONALLY?

I have worked at Harley-Davidson for 18 years. I currently serve as the Senior Director of Talent and Learning in the Human Resources Department. I help the company attract and retain strong talent.

WHAT DO YOU DO FOR FUN?

I love motorcycles. I learned to ride one as a kid but didn’t buy one until I started working at Harley-Davidson. I think riding a motorcycle is one of the only things that I’m aware of where you can shut the rest of the world out. You can’t get distracted with technology. It’s kind of a “Zen” experience just being really focused on riding  the bike and watching the beautiful scenery around you. It is very freeing to have the wind in your face and just to be out there on a ride. Locally, I love to ride out by Holy Hill and by the Kettle Moraine area. One of my best rides I did was from Milwaukee to Kingston, Ontario, more than two thousand miles, it was absolutely fantastic. It was part of a special motorcycle rally for Harley-Davidson. We did the trip in two days there and two days back. We touched all five Great Lakes, which  was a personal goal we had on that trip.

If you don’t find me on my motorcycle, I’ll be at my family’s property just outside Spring Green. It’s a quiet, peaceful place along the Wisconsin River. It’s been in my family for four generations. I am also an avid reader and love to travel.

FAVORITE PLACE IN MILWAUKEE TO EAT BEFORE AN MCT SHOW?

In my neighborhood, I would say Bavette is a favorite as is Onesto and Kasana. If you are a carnivore, you will be happy at Bavette. At Onesto, it’s just good comfort food and Kasana has awesome tapas. All are  easy and close to MCT.

FAVORITE MILWAUKEE SPOT THAT NEVER GETS OLD?

THE LAKEFRONT! We don’t even know how lucky we are with that lakefront we have.

FAVORITE SUMMER FESTIVAL IN MILWAUKEE?

IRISH FEST. I have a bit of Irish in my heritage and I love to go and listen to Celtic music.

ANY OTHER ORGANIZATIONS THAT YOU ARE A PART OF?

I serve on the board of WRTP/BIG STEP. They focus on workforce development in the manufacturing and construction fields. I like how they develop  people and give them a chance at a family-sustaining job.

BACK TO MCT: WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE PEOPLE TO KNOW ABOUT MCT WHO ARE NOT FAMILIAR WITH THE COMPANY?

I think of MCT as kind of this hidden gem in the Third Ward that is doing unique shows. It’s the combination of leveraging local talent and not choosing the “same-old, same-old” kind of plays every season. Our Producing Artistic Director, C. Michael Wright, really tries to select first-time shows that you won’t see anywhere else. And right now, the company is trying to bring more diversity into the talent and in the productions they are choosing and I think that’s really important. 

Thanks Julie! Stay tuned for more Board Member Profiles!