Student Stories

UpStart brings dance MFA students’ experimental choreography to life in research performance

For graduate dance students, choreography begins with research. Upstart, an annual summer concert of original works by MFA students, gives artists from around the country five weeks to investigate a topic, develop new choreographic approaches, and present experimental performances. Led by dance professor and graduate program director Maria Gillespie, the intensive challenges students to frame their work in a new light and test unfamiliar methods.

Art & Design students build augmented reality app for Summerfest 2026 “Radiant Echoes” immersive experience 

Creative Technologies students at UW-Milwaukee’s Peck School of the Arts collaborated with FuzzPop Workshop to create Sonic Drifters, an Android app for Radiant Echoes, the interactive art installation featured at Summerfest 2026. Using augmented reality, the app added a digital layer to the 25-foot installation, allowing Festivalgoers to discover virtual sculptures and interactive elements woven throughout the physical artwork.

2026 Convocation is a moment to celebrate and reflect 

Peck School of the Arts ends its 2025-2026 school year by hosting Convocation, a commencement ceremony celebrating graduating PSOA students. The event showcased live performances and presentations from every department, displaying the accomplishments of soon-to-be alumni.  Seniors walked across the Bader Hall stage at the Zelazo Center in front of an audience filled with faculty, family, friends, and fellow students. Department heads recognized participants for their achievements by awarding them a gold stole that they will wear at UWM’s graduation.

Collaboration drives production process for yearlong thesis projects screening at Union Cinema 

Graduating students from the Department of Film, Video, Animation, and New Genres (FVANG) are preparing to premiere their senior thesis films during Senior Screenings, a showcase of student filmmaking that gives soon-to-be alumni the opportunity  to see their work on the big screen. The filmmaking process is highly collaborative, with directors working alongside fellow student filmmakers, FVANG alumni, and members of the community throughout production. Spanning an entire academic year, the process requires students to balance writing, casting, fundraising, filming and editing as they bring their creative visions to life.

UWM students and alumni bring original work to New Dramaworks Short Play Festival

When playwright and theatre professor Alvaro Saar Rios created the New Dramaworks Short Play Festival, he set out to accomplish two goals: showcase new work by UWM students and alumni and provide theatre students with an opportunity to work on something new. Many theatre programs produce shows by playwrights who are no longer living, Rios noted. That eliminates the opportunity to connect directly with the playwright.

Student designers and technicians help shape Songs for a New World

The Peck School of the Arts Theatre Department presents Songs for a New World, a musical about life, love, and defining moments. What makes this production stand out is the team behind it: the show is largely designed and executed by students, who are leading work across set design, technical production, and stage management. Directed by Steve Decker, the production offers students the opportunity to take on professional-level responsibilities and shape the show from the ground up.

Design & Visual Communication student creates label design for 2025 edition of Panther Pale Ale 

Macy Franti, a senior in PSOA’s Design & Visual Communication BFA program, is the artist behind the design of this year’s Panther Pale Ale can. Created by Pilot Project Brewing and Craft Beverage Warehouse, Panther Pale Ale is an annual collaboration with Milwaukee Athletics and the Peck School of the Arts. This year marks the third consecutive year of the real-world design partnership.

Graduating seniors share powerful stories through movement in New Dancemakers

New Dancemakers is a senior capstone project in which eleven graduating students research and choreograph a dance performance representative of what they have learned during their time at the Peck School of the Arts. Students spend months focusing on a research topic of their choosing, often utilizing historical documentation and connecting with community members. We talked with three senior choreographers to learn more about their process.

Spooky senior films to watch this Halloween season 

Between costumes and candy, many celebrate the Halloween season by watching horror movies. Throughout the years, many students’ senior thesis films have had spooky undertones, making them perfect to rewatch this time of year. Kelly Kirshtner (Associate Professor, Film) and …

New students share what they look forward to at PSOA

PSOA welcomed incoming and returning students by hosting their annual fall student welcome event, offering a fun afternoon filled with activities like live student performances, photo ops, a networking fair, and free pizza.  The fall welcome event gives incoming students the opportunity to see all that PSOA has to offer and helps them …