MCT Board Member Profile: La Toya Sykes

by Max Seigle

1. WHERE ARE YOU FROM?

I was born in Chicago, then moved to Mendenhall, Mississippi and came to Milwaukee when I was in 6th grade and have never left. My family lived in the Harambee, Franklin Heights and Washington Park neighborhoods and I graduated from Washington High School. From there, I enlisted in the Army and served my tour based in Hanau, Germany. I served as an equipment parts and records specialist, and had to make sure all the weapons had ammunition and computer systems were functioning properly. 

La Toya Sykes with students from Our Next Generation

I returned to Milwaukee and began my higher education receiving an associate’s degree in liberal arts and sciences from Milwaukee Area Technical College. I went on to Concordia University to earn a bachelor’s degree in management and communications. I completed a master’s degree program at Springfield College with a major in human services and minor in community psychology. 

2. HOW DID YOU LEARN ABOUT MCT?

I learned about MCT from current board member Mickey Ripp. In collaboration with my work at Our Next Generation in Milwaukee, Mickey invited a group of Our Next Generation students to attend an MCT show and expose them to a part of the city’s culture they had never experienced before. The show was LOBBY HERO and the students loved it! Afterwards, they were treated to a talkback program with the actors and production staff. It was such a positive and amazing experience that I felt I had to do some work with MCT and that was part of the reason why I joined the board.

The other part was artistic director Michael Wright and managing director Kirsten Finn. They are so open, honest and transparent — you can ask them anything. They are also really good at articulating what a show is about in “real world” terms and selling their product to diverse audiences.

3. WHAT DO YOU HOPE TO BRING TO THE TABLE AS A NEW BOARD MEMBER?

I hope to bring a more diverse population of theatregoers to MCT. I work in a part of Milwaukee where families often budget more to go to the movies and not the theatre because they think it’s too expensive. I want to let them know that seeing a play can be affordable and you won’t “break the bank.” There are so many things that companies, like MCT, do to bring in patrons, like “pay what you can” nights and a variety of subscription packages at different rates. I want my community to become season ticket holders — we just have to get the message to the masses!

4. FAVORITE MCT PLAYS YET?

So far, my favorite play has been SHERLOCK HOLMES AND THE CASE OF THE JERSEY LILY. It was very entertaining and had a lot more laughs than I anticipated. I also really enjoyed the pace of the production. I brought some of my students from Our Next Generation (third to seventh-graders) and the play kept them engaged the whole time! When we were on the bus getting ready to leave, one of the actors from the show was heading out and came on board to say hi and the kids thought that was so cool! It was the icing on the cake for that visit!

Students from Our Next Generation after a matinee performance of
SHERLOCK HOLMES AND THE CASE OF THE JERSEY LILY.

5. WHAT DO YOU DO PROFESSIONALLY?

Since 2014, I have served as the President and CEO of Our Next Generation (ONG) in Milwaukee. It’s a nonprofit youth organization with after-school programming during the school year and camp in summer time.

We offer Homework Club which is ONG’s oldest and most time-tested method of academic intervention and relationship building.  Our award-winning Outbound Learning Program combines the academic support and one-on-one mentoring of Homework Club with opportunities to expand students' horizons beyond their own neighborhood.  We bus students to participating corporate and community partner sites, where they meet employee and community member volunteers. This gives students the opportunity to see the possibilities!

We also offer art and literacy programming that most students don’t always get in school anymore. When they came to MCT, they found out that the theatre is a rich space with so many roles to pursue — actors, writers, production staff, administration and more. Over the course of the year, we touch about 1,000 youth and their families. One of the things I love about the opportunity to lead this organization is that, often times, the children are introducing their families to something new and positive in the community based on their experiences at Our Next Generation. 

Before Our Next Generation, I worked for the YMCA of the USA. I ran a college access program in 40 states and created cohorts of professionals to come together to help students find pathways to higher education.

6. WHAT DO YOU DO FOR FUN? ANY HOBBIES?

I love food! I like to go out and try different restaurants and cuisines around Milwaukee.

I love to travel, too. Over the last few years, I’ve been afforded the opportunity to do more travel and visit new places in the world. Last year, I traveled to cities in 10 countries, including Hong Kong in China, Thailand, Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates, and Israel. Thailand was probably one of my favorites — the food was great and the people were really friendly and welcoming. When I was there, I had a chance to experience some of the communities more intimately and see how the natives live and eat and just get a whole different level of appreciation there. I love sharing my travel experiences with family and friends and introducing them to parts of the world they’ve never been to. I want to show them that if you work hard, you can play hard, too!

7. WHERE TO EAT BEFORE A SHOW?

I love Mason Street Grill downtown, that’s one of my favorite spots. Emperor of China on Brady Street has really good Chinese food. Five O’Clock Steak House is my favorite place to get a steak in town and they make fantastic homemade desserts. They are not only “bananas” with the steak but “bananas” with the dessert, too!

8. FAVORITE WISCONSIN SPOTS

I like taking getaways to Wausau. The city has a nice small-town feel with great food and a great space for “R and R.” You can really clear your mind for the road ahead.

I really like the Fifth Ward area in Milwaukee. It’s wonderful to see how the neighborhood is changing with new restaurants and revitalized spaces.

I’m a big sports fan and I’m excited about the new Fiserv Forum. I love living in a city where we have so many professional sports and the level of access is really good to get tickets.

I’ve really grown to enjoy what Milwaukee has to offer, and it’s even better now as an adult being able to sprinkle in different entertainment options, like shows at MCT.

9. ANY OTHER ORGANIZATIONS YOU ARE A PART OF THAT YOU ENJOY AND WANT PEOPLE TO KNOW ABOUT?

I serve as Vice President of the Zonta Foundation Board, an entity that exists to raise and disburse funds to organizations who share our mission of empowering women and girls through service and advocacy. I also serve on the President’s Advisory Board at Carroll University.  I am a member of African American Ladies Empowered to Grow Opportunities (A-LEGO) and the Milwaukee – WI Chapter of The Links, Incorporated.

10. BACK TO MCT: WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE PEOPLE IN THE AREA TO KNOW ABOUT THIS THEATRE COMPANY WHO MAY NOT BE FAMILIAR WITH IT?

I would tell people first that MCT is just a darling place to be. There is not a bad seat in the house.

You don’t have to dress up, you can just come as you are and you’ll find the staff is very friendly.

The plays are amazing. These are New York-style shows produced right here in our backyard. The artists are so at point in their craft.


I also tell people that coming to an MCT show is a great date thing to do but coming as a group is a lot of fun, too!

MCT Board Member Profile: Erin Burke

by Max Seigle

1. WHERE ARE YOU FROM AND HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN IN MILWAUKEE?

I’m originally from Madison. I spent my college years in Milwaukee at UWM and lived in Austin, Texas for a while. I moved back to Milwaukee in 2013 after Baird recruited me for a job here. I love being back in Wisconsin because I’m close to family and friends again, and it’s amazing to see how Milwaukee has grown since my college days. 

2. HOW DID YOU LEARN ABOUT MCT AND WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO JOIN THE BOARD?

I learned about MCT through UPAF (United Performing Arts Fund). I joined the organization’s Next Generation Council and a staff member referred me to MCT’s producing artistic director, Michael Wright, and managing director, Kirsten Mulvey. When I met them, it was just a really good fit right away and they made the decision to join the board an easy one.

Erin Burke.

I also became involved because theatre has always been a big part of my life. I studied classical theatre and production stage management at UWM and spent college summers working behind the scenes in theatre companies in the Madison area. It’s important for me, as well, to serve the arts community. I genuinely believe giving my time and financial support is a privilege.

3. FAVORITE PLAY OR PLAYS?

MASTER CLASS (2014-2015) was definitely a favorite. As board members, we get a chance to sit on an “Adopt a Show” committee and work to fill the seats during a show’s run. MASTER CLASS was the first show I did that for and we nearly sold out opening night. I remember the standing ovation; you could feel the energy in the crowd! I just have beautiful feelings about that night.

I am now looking forward to GREAT EXPECTATIONS in the upcoming season. I think that is going to be an amazing production because everybody has an attachment to that play, and I think it will be a great way to close out the season.

4. FAVORITE ACTOR(S)?

Angela Iannone, who played Maria Callas in MASTER CLASS, was incredible.

I love James Pickering. He was in LOVE STORIES last season and I just think he’s a local gem.

I am also a big fan of Doug Clemons and Adam Estes. They were in a show last December called THE STORY OF MY LIFE that was a partnership between MCT and the Milwaukee Opera Theatre. Clemons and Estes are probably two of Milwaukee’s strongest vocalists, and to see them in the same show together was a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

5. WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR PROUDEST MOMENTS BEING A PART OF MCT?

I really enjoy sitting at the board meeting and looking around the table. It’s an incredible group of people, everyone from community leaders to business professionals that have helped build Milwaukee. We have a growing group of young professionals, too.

I’m very proud of the way the board embraces a new person that joins and really tries to play to their strengths. We help them find their place and I think that’s what makes them stay with us.

6. WHAT DO YOU DO PROFESSIONALLY?

I am a retirement specialist and financial advisor at Baird. I have been in that role since moving to Milwaukee three years ago. I have an office in Waukesha and spend a few days of the week serving clients in Madison. I love the work because it allows me to blend my financial background with my ability to connect to people well. It’s really important to me that I’m there to guide my clients through this kind of critical life planning. I’m also passionate about closing the gap in financial education for women, and this role allows me to do that.

7. WHAT DO YOU DO FOR FUN? ANY HOBBIES?

My husband and I are big “foodies.” We even plan vacations based on restaurants we want to try.

We also love to travel. We like to do those get in the car and see the country kind of trips. One of my favorites was five years ago when we drove to Yellowstone Park. When we arrived, it was dusk, you could see the fog rolling in and there were two bison at the main gate. It was just breathtaking. I didn’t even know something like that existed in the United States.

One other big love of mine is promoting dog rescue, especially senior dogs. My husband and I have rescued two of them. We have a Corkie-Chihuahua mix named Winston, and a Pug-Chihuahua mix named Elsie. We take them everywhere with us. If I could bring them to work, I would!

8. FAVORITE PLACE TO GRAB DINNER BEFORE A MCT SHOW?

Onesto in the Third Ward. I love their mushroom gnocchi. I also love Merriment Social in Walker’s Point. They have great tapas and a gastropub menu as well.

9. FAVORITE WISCONSIN SPOT THAT NEVER GETS OLD?

My husband, George, and I love to go to Door County in the fall. It’s just a really incredible place to disconnect. There is so much to see there experiencing Wisconsin at its best. And it’s a fun drive to go there and pass through the Green Bay area, it’s very pretty.

10. FAVORITE SUMMER FESTIVAL IN MILWAUKEE?

Festa Italiana. I like the food, music and people there. I feel like it’s a smaller version of Summerfest and not quite as crowded. It’s really family-friendly, too, and I really enjoy that part of it.

11. ANY OTHER ORGANIZATIONS THAT YOU’RE A PART OF THAT YOU ENJOY AND WANT PEOPLE TO KNOW ABOUT?

I sit on the Next Generation Council with UPAF. It is made up of leaders from various Milwaukee companies, large and small. We focus on promoting and engaging the next generation of philanthropists for the Milwaukee arts scene. We want to keep it thriving for years to come. This group is really the next generation of leaders in the city and I just feel privileged to be a part of it.

I am also the board president of the Capital City Theatre in Madison. It’s a new musical theatre company, now in its third year. They have an amazing group of talented, hardworking individuals. The group most recently featured Gypsy and the show was a huge success.

12. WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE PEOPLE IN THE AREA WHO AREN’T FAMILIAR WITH MCT TO KNOW ABOUT IT?

I think the biggest thing you need to know is that MCT is a gem of classical theater and new works. It’s really a beautiful, intimate experience, and once you go see one show, you’re going to be hooked!

This upcoming season is the perfect time to check us out. There will be a little bit of everything. Artistic director Michael (Wright) has really created an amazing 2016-2017 season.

MCT BOARD MEMBER PROFILE: Rachel Borens

by Max Seigle
 
1. WHERE ARE YOU FROM? HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN IN MILWAUKEE?

I’m originally from the Wausau area in Central Wisconsin. I moved to Milwaukee to attend Marquette University and fell in love with the area. I went on to graduate school at the University of Wisconsin-Madison but moved back to Milwaukee in 2008 and have been here ever since. I continue to enjoy all of the things about Milwaukee that I fell in love with while at Marquette; great restaurants and theatre, festivals, events and many opportunities for outdoor activities.

Rachel Borens

2. HOW DID YOU LEARN ABOUT THE MILWAUKEE CHAMBER THEATRE?

Fellow board member Mickey Ripp, father of a good friend of mine, invited me to the final show of the 2014-2015 MCT season. We saw JEEVES TAKES A BOW as part of a group coming from the Wisconsin Club. We had dinner first and then took a shuttle over to the theatre. It was such a fun show and a great experience to go with the group. I remember the show was in the Cabot Theatre. I thought the venue was really spectacular because you wouldn’t expect what it looks like from the outside. It has a little bit of an “old world feel” to it. We sat up in the dress circle balcony and had a unique view of the performance. I’ve even kept my subscription seats in the same spot. This past season, I hosted my own group outings to BOEING BOEING and FALLEN ANGELS. I invited friends to meet at the Milwaukee Athletic Club for drinks and appetizers and then go see the show together. It has been really nice to share the kind of experience I had with Mickey Ripp. I try to take care of the logistics for people, make it an event, and let them enjoy the night. My guests have really enjoyed this, and they are already excited for next season’s theme of “Misfits.”

3. FAVORITE PLAY OR PLAYS?

My first play as a board member was BOEING BOEING. It was such fun show with great characters, bright colors, and a real “crowd-pleaser.” The whole group of friends that I brought for an after-work event on a Thursday evening thoroughly enjoyed it.

4. FAVORITE ACTOR/ACTORS?

I liked the real-life married couple Tami Workentin and James Pickering in LOVE STORIES this past season I thought that it was such a neat premise that they were acting together and injected their own life into the performance. I also liked the two women in FALLEN ANGELS. All the dialogue back-and-forth between them was terrific.

5. YOU ARE A NEW BOARD MEMBER AT MCT. WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO JOIN THE BOARD?

I’ve enjoyed all different kinds of performances and theatre in Milwaukee since moving back here. When I was invited to join the board, I thought it would be a great chance to get involved in the city’s artistic culture from the inside and contribute more personally to the arts in Milwaukee. My hope is to help keep the theatre scene vibrant here and bring new people to MCT who might not otherwise come. Personally, this is the first board that I’ve sat on. I’m enjoying the interaction with a diverse group of people and getting the chance to meet the actors on occasion. This is something outside of my work and existing circles, kind of a “branching out” experience for me and getting to know more of Milwaukee. As a new board member, I am also enjoying the chance to read the plays before the performances. Often, what comes to mind while you’re reading is so different from how the story comes to life onstage.

6. WHAT DO YOU DO PROFESSIONALLY?

I’m a pharmacist for Aurora Healthcare. I have been working for Aurora since 2008. I’m based at a retail pharmacy that is part of a clinic in Glendale and have managed the location for the past five years. I enjoy the interaction with patients and the relationships I form with them. I’ll typically see patients once a month when they come to pick up their prescriptions, much more frequently than they see their doctors. It’s a nice opportunity to make a difference on a pretty regular basis. I have actually worked in pharmacies since high school. I always liked math and science, and knew that this was a track I wanted to stay with for my career. I have a Pharm.D degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

7. WHAT YOU DO FOR FUN? ANY HOBBIES?

I love being out and about in Milwaukee and trying new restaurants. I enjoy running and biking in the summer along the Oak Leaf Trail. I also love to travel. I try to go on an international trip every year. Argentina has been on my list for a while now, and I am planning to go to this fall. I have enjoyed trips to Barcelona, France, Mexico and Italy in recent years. This past May, I was able to travel to Italy with my parents, brother and sister-in-law and my boyfriend. I had been there before but it was a great experience to travel as a family, and take my parents who have always wanted to go to Italy. Rome is one of my favorite cities. I just love the old next to the new, history everywhere you look, always a gelato stand in striking distance and amazing food. It’s beautiful and walkable, and lovely to do the stroll in the evening past all the iconic fountains and monuments. I also enjoy visiting friends and family in the United States, including a cousin in Seattle. Pike Place Market, with the amazing seafood, is a favorite spot

8. FAVORITE WISCONSIN SPOT THAT NEVER GETS OLD?

Door County has always been a special place for my family. We grew up going there every weekend in the summer and had a permanent spot at a campground. We had our bikes, our campground had a pool, tennis court and we explored all around. The Eagle Trail at Peninsula State Park was one of our favorite hiking spots, wrapping right along the limestone bluffs around the edge of the peninsula. During holidays in the summer, our extended family often joined us. Now, I try to go at least once a year, and sometimes in the off season in the winter when it’s a little less crowded. It’s a nice getaway experience and still a favorite place to go. My aunt and uncle just finished building a home there and are going to retire in Door County, so we’ll be able to continue the tradition of going up there as a big family group.

9. FAVORITE SUMMER FESTIVAL IN MILWAUKEE?

Polish Fest. I’m a closet polka dancer. We grew up polka dancing in my family. Although I’m not Polish, I’m 100 percent German, we would have polka bands at my aunt and uncle’s weddings when I was growing up. We liked it and everybody had fun dancing. There are not too many polka weddings anymore, so it is fun having the chance to dance at Polish Fest. Polka is faced-paced and lively with a lot of hopping and spinning. Watching other talented dancers is almost as much fun as dancing yourself. I remember at a recent Polish Fest, there was a band with mother, father and six or seven kids performing together. Everyone was playing an instrument, they were really good and all having a good time performing. The dancing and music, with good food and beer, makes a good time for all.

10. FAVORITE PLACE TO HAVE DINNER BEFORE AN MCT SHOW?

I enjoy Hinterland on Erie Street. They have the option of doing the full restaurant or having a smaller bite in the lounge. They are friendly when you walk in and always coming up with something new on the menu. They also have a great bed and breakfast, the Whistling Swan in Door County, which I highly recommend.

11. ANY OTHER ORGANIZATIONS THAT YOU’RE A PART OF THAT YOU ENJOY AND WHAT WANT PEOPLE TO KNOW ABOUT?

I am a member at Saints Peter and Paul Parish on the East Side. We do some great things for the community, like our collaboration with the Riverwest Food Pantry. We collect donations weekly and offer fresh produce grown at our community garden in the summer and fall. I am also a member of the Evening Mass Choir. We sing at the 7 p.m. mass on Sundays. I enjoyed singing in the Liturgical Choir while I was at Marquette University, and am now enjoying the musical outlet of our casual, small group choir on Sunday evenings at Saints Peter and Paul.

12. BACK TO MCT: WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE PEOPLE IN THE AREA TO KNOW ABOUT THIS THEATRE COMPANY WHO MAY NOT BE FAMILIAR WITH IT?

I think a lot of people have seen shows at some of the bigger theatres in the city, like the Marcus Center, and may not know about us. I feel our smaller size makes MCT more accessible and offers more interaction with the audience, especially with the Studio Theatre. It’s a more intimate experience there. There is also a broad range of shows each season featuring local actors. I like that we have a theme that ties all of the shows together.

MCT BOARD MEMBER PROFILE: Keith Anderson

by Max Seigle

1. WHERE ARE YOU FROM? HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN IN MILWAUKEE?
I was born and raised in Milwaukee on the Northwest side. I’ve been here all my life other than my college years spent at the University of Illinois in Champaign. I came back in 1966, landed a job here and spent my professional career working in architecture. My wife and I currently live in Whitefish Bay.

Board Member Keith Anderson

2. WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST EXPERIENCE AT THE MILWAUKEE CHAMBER THEATRE?
My first connection to MCT was actually through my job in the 1980’s. I was working with Clair Richardson. He was the founder of Skylight and a prominent member of the Milwaukee theatre community at the time. I helped him redesign a theatre space across from Cathedral Square where MCT was also performing shows in its early days, and that’s how I first became acquainted with the company. I have been an MCT subscriber ever since.

3. FAVORITE PLAY OR PLAYS?
I loved THE TRAIN DRIVER last season. I also loved LEND ME A TENOR. As a board member, I really enjoy when Michael Wright, our Artistic Director, brings in models of the show sets; that appeals to my mindset as an architect. I remember when he came in with the set for LEND ME A TENOR and his line was, “This is not shtick but is has six doors.” I loved that line! Anyone who knows comedy knows there are usually a lot of doors involved, people coming and going.

4. FAVORITE ACTOR?
I love James Ridge. He’s a marvelous actor. I remember seeing him playing a librarian in a one-man show. It was called UNDERNEATH THE LINTEL back in 2013. I’m also a fan of Jim Pickering, who was in LOVE STORIES this past fall. He is one of those actors in play after play after play, and I don’t remember a clinker. He’s just a good actor.

5. WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO JOIN THE BOARD?
The first reason was George Mosher. He’s a former MCT board member and someone I worked with professionally. When I met George, we hit it off immediately and not too long afterwards, he asked me to join the board. I then had the chance to meet with MCT’s Artistic Director Michael Wright and Managing Director Kirsten Mulvey. When we met in a sort of interview process for the board, that just fanned the fire. I knew I really wanted to be involved in this theatre. I so appreciate Michael’s vision of promoting “quality literature” in theatre; it appeals to me. I think one of the advantages we’ve had at MCT is that we really do good plays all the time.

I also joined as a way to give back to my hometown. Many people feel very fortunate in where they are in life and what they’ve accomplished and I am one of those people. I never thought that I’d run an architecture firm for 25 years. For me internally, that makes it imperative to look at the community of which I’m a part and see what I can do to give back. It can be something that you truly enjoy at a gut level and MCT has been that for me. I’ve been on the board since 2008.

6. YOU ARE A FORMER PRESIDENT OF THE MCT BOARD. ANY ACCOMPLISHMENTS YOU’RE ESPECIALLY PROUD OF UNDER YOUR LEADERSHIP?
The thing that I’m most proud of is that we were able to maintain a high quality of literary plays, while also enhancing the budget. Theatre can be a tough business, especially when people don’t have as much discretionary income. But I do think we’re in a decent financial place and it’s getting better.

7. WHAT DO YOU DO PROFESSIONALLY?
I spent my career as an architect and ran a firm in Milwaukee for 25 years called Engberg Anderson Architects. I retired in 2013.

8. WHAT YOU DO FOR FUN? ANY HOBBIES?
When I was young, I was into all kinds of sports, like golf and basketball. I still play a lot of golf but no more basketball. At one time, I was known as the city’s leading authority on croquet because I founded the Milwaukee Croquet Club in the mid-90s. I still play today. Since I retired, I love spending time outdoors doing almost anything you can possibly think of, biking, cross-country skiing in the winter, taking hikes, anywhere you can get out in nature. My wife and I have also started to travel more in retirement. We’ve been to the Galapagos Islands and Machu Picchu. I’ve been to Churchill Manitoba on Tundra Buggies to observe the polar bear fall migration. This spring we went on a Mediterranean cruise from Barcelona around the boot of Italy and back up to Venice. This fall, we’re planning a bicycle tour overseas in Slovenia, Austria and Italy.

One of my favorite places in the world is Alaska. I just think it’s exquisitely beautiful. I drove out there 37 years ago with my eight-year-old son and spent a month camping in the back country. I remember coming across a black bear cub and then the mother appeared and started running after us. Luckily, our van wasn’t too far away. I don’t think the slide door of a Volkswagen Camper Van has ever been opened and closed so quickly!

9. FAVORITE WISCONSIN SPOT THAT NEVER GETS OLD?
Anything along the water. I used to spend time in my single days at places like Harrington Beach and Lyons Den Park near Grafton. I’m fortunate enough to own a lake cottage on Upper Lake Nashotah near Oconomowoc. On weekends in the summer, we just send a message out to our friends to join us for a float boat tour and cook out. We call it “Open Sunday” at the lake.

10. FAVORITE SUMMER FESTIVAL IN MILWAUKEE?
Summerfest. My son and his family, who live in Portland, Oregon, are coming this summer to visit that week and see the festival.

11. ANY OTHER ORGANIZATIONS THAT YOU’RE A PART OF THAT YOU ENJOY AND  WANT PEOPLE TO KNOW ABOUT?
I am President of the Board at “Impact” in Milwaukee. They run the “211 program.” People can call that number when they are “down and out” and don’t know where to turn. The counselors recommend places to go and appropriate services. They work with everyone from the homeless to a family worried about their child’s addiction problem. The testimonials that we get back are enough to tear your heart out.

12. BACK TO MCT: WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE PEOPLE IN THE AREA TO KNOW ABOUT THIS THEATRE COMPANY WHO MAY NOT BE FAMILIAR WITH IT?
Come and see us, because I believe if you do, you will come again. You will almost assuredly enjoy yourself and realize on the way home that it was worth your time to come and see a Chamber Theatre performance. It’s entertainment, for sure; sometimes it’s humorous and just for some fun and sometimes it’s a more serious production. I know from personal experience that people my wife and I have invited to a show have returned on a regular basis, even some folks who were hesitant at first. I think that’s a big part of our success, inviting friends and colleagues who eventually get hooked!

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!