This summer, the Peck School of the Arts is hosting the Kids From Wisconsin, a popular performing arts troupe, for their pre-season production camp. The group kicks off their 57th tour with a premiere performance of “The Heat is On” at the UWM Mainstage Theatre.
The Kids from Wisconsin troupe travels across the state showcasing young musical talent, including high school and early college-aged singers, dancers and musicians. It is the only pre-professional performing and touring experience of its kind in the nation.
Being a Kid From Wisconsin
For young artists, the experience mirrors what professional tours look like, complete with intensive rehearsals, a tour bus and compensation for their work. Kids are also awarded academic scholarships at the end of the performance season.
Nathaniel Contreras is a musical theatre student at UWM and alum of Kids from Wisconsin. He joined the program in 2022 and continued as a member until aging out at 20.
“It’s a crazy experience. You’re learning a two-hour Las Vegas style show in two weeks,” Contreras said. “It’s like a chariot; it goes straight on.”
Practice days are comprised of rehearsals and performances, working under the direction of seasoned theatre and music industry professionals.
“It’s a long day,” said Contreras. “You’ll be dancing and singing in the morning, until later in the evening. Preparation was basically getting my endurance and physicality up.”
Kids come from hometowns across the state, giving them an opportunity to experience many different communities along the way. That includes Milwaukee, where one of the highlights of the season is a week of daily performances at the Wisconsin State Fair.
“Because we’d perform at State Fair in the middle of the day, we’d have the afternoon to explore Milwaukee,” said Contreras. “That was a blast, and I feel like it helped with my transition to Milwaukee and Peck School of the Arts.”
Impact of Kids from Wisconsin
For Contreras, Kids From Wisconsin gave him skills that he now uses as a college student pursuing a degree in performance and beyond. Contreras credits his time in the program, especially in his last year as a Student Leader, for improving his communication and relationship building skills.
“It built me personally,” said Contreras. “I’m a stronger individual now, and if I hadn’t been a part of this, I feel like I wouldn’t be who I am now.”
Every show is memorable and intricate, and for Contreras, his most memorable performance was in his hometown of Wausau.
“When we’d go to your hometown, you’d be announced at the end of the show,” said Contreras. “It’s impactful because your friends and family would get to see all the hard work you’d done all summer.”
“The Heat is On” premiere show is on June 25 at UWM’s Mainstage Theatre. The show is described as a summer playlist to accompany the season, bringing together the most iconic and sun-drenched medleys that transport you to lazy beach days, family road trips, backyard barbecues and late-night sing-along bonfires. Tickets and more information are available on the PSOA Event Calendar.
Payton Murphy ’27 (BFA Film)