Milwaukee Rep University
Milwaukee Rep University (MRU)
Founded in 2023, MRU was created in response to the shifting leadership landscape in the performing arts following the pandemic. As the sector faces new workforce challenges, changing audience behaviors and rapid technological transformation, MRU provides accessible, high-quality professional development focused on the strategic, interpersonal and organizational dimensions of cultural leadership.
Each season’s cohort participates in a year-long leadership development program, provided free of charge and designed to prepare current and emerging arts leaders for the evolving realities of leading cultural organizations. Now entering its third year, MRU continues to expand its national reach, welcoming participants from theaters across North America as well as other cultural institutions throughout Wisconsin.
The 2026/27 cohort includes 30 leaders representing theaters such as Shaw Festival, Alliance Theatre, American Conservatory Theater, Signature Theatre, Cleveland Play House and Gulfshore Playhouse, as well as Wisconsin-based cultural institutions such as Milwaukee Art Museum, Discovery World, Overture Center for the Arts, Peninsula Players and Milwaukee Rep, among others. Participants bring expertise in production, artistic administration, human resources, visitor experience, fundraising, education and organizational strategy.
“Milwaukee Rep University has become a leadership laboratory for the field,” said Chad Bauman, Ellen & Joe Checota Executive Director of Milwaukee Rep and MRU’s Chief Instructor. “This year’s cohort reflects the breadth of talent shaping American theater and cultural organizations today—from production directors and costume leaders to HR strategists, general managers, educators and community-focused arts executives. Their perspectives strengthen not only their own organizations, but the future of our industry.”
Special guest instructors for 2026/27 include:
- Don Angelo Bivens, Leadership Coach
- Pat Borger, Former Vice Chancellor, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
- Ben Cameron, Former President of Theatre Communications Group
- Angela Gieras, Executive Director, The Shakespeare Theatre
- Andres Gonzalez, Vice President, Community Engagement and Chief Diversity Officer, Froedtert & Medical College of Wisconsin
- Jim Meier, Former Vice President of Finance, MillerCoors
- Greg Oberland, Former President, Northwestern Mutual
- Mike Schleifer, Managing Director, Lincoln Center Theater
- David Schmitz, Lead Advisor, Amplify Leadership Advisors
Applications for the 2027/28 MRU cohort will begin in spring 2027.