The Milwaukee Theater District

Milwaukee Made: Episode 3

In Milwaukee, the arts are thriving. Live theater, concerts, fine arts, murals, galleries, sculpture gardens – this city is one of the cultural gems of the United States. And the Milwaukee Theater District is unmatched for accessibility, proximity to live events and sheer number of performances. Meet the makers and doers while we explore the arts in this diverse and vibrant city.

Watch the Full Episode

Get to Know the Cast

Susan Varela, executive director of Skylight Music Theatre, smiles while standing in front of the theater's brick building with the Skylight music theatre sign visible in the background

5 Questions with Susan Varela

Susan Varela is executive director of the Skylight Music Theatre. She was named executive director in 2023 after joining Skylight in 2019 as director of artistic operations. Prior…

Gary Witt sits wearing a denim shirt in front of an illuminated Pabst sign with vintage-style light bulbs, with large windows visible in the background

5 Questions with Gary Witt

Gary Witt is president and CEO of The Pabst Theater Group. The group’s portfolio includes the Pabst Theater, a 1,339-capacity concert venue in downtown Milwaukee, the 2,450-capacity…

LaShawndra Vernon stands with hands clasped in front of a larger purple mural

5 Questions with LaShawndra Vernon

LaShawndra Vernon is a driven creative entrepreneur committed to promoting the public good and developing synergistic communities. Through her company, Milwaukee-based Pryme…

5 Questions with Greg Wesley

Greg Wesley became president and chief executive officer of Greater Milwaukee Foundation in June 2023, bringing extensive experience from his previous role as senior vice president of…

Ashley Jordan stands outdoors in an urban setting, wearing a tan trench coat over a dark shirt, with braided hair and a slight smile, with brick buildings and trees visible in the background

5 Questions with Ashley Jordan

Ashley Jordan is director arts & cultural programming for Black Arts MKE. Jordan prides herself on creating art that will evoke thoughts and actions in the mind, body, and spirit. She…

Jacobo Lovo of Latino Arts stands smiling in a colorful community space, wearing a gray blazer and light blue shirt with a decorative pin

5 Questions with Jacobo Lovo

Jacobo Lovo has been affiliated with the United Community Center on Milwaukee’s south side for 20 years, 16 years as an arts educator at Bruce Guadalupe Community School and the…

Mark Clements sits inside the Milwaukee Rep

5 Questions with Mark Clements

Mark Clements has been shaping Milwaukee's theatrical landscape for over a decade as artistic director of the Milwaukee Repertory Theater. The internationally acclaimed director…

Milwaukee Rep Director Chad Bauman wears a red shirt and sits with hands clasped in his office with geometric artwork in the background.

5 Questions with Chad Bauman

Chad Bauman is the Ellen & Joe Checota executive director of Milwaukee Repertory Theater. Since his arrival in 2013 Bauman has overseen a significant period of growth for a company…

Online Exclusives

Tune into Milwaukee Made this Summer

Cedar Rapids: KWWL (NBC) — Sunday, 6 a.m.

Chicago: WGN — 6 a.m. Saturday, 6 a.m.

Des Moines: KDSM Fox 17 — Sunday, 10:30 a.m.

Green Bay: WFRV (CBS) — Sunday, 5 a.m.

Joplin: KODE-TV (ABC) — Saturday, 6 p.m.

Kansas City: Fox 4 KC — Saturday, 5:30 a.m.

La Crosse, Eau Claire: WLAX FOX 25 / WEUX FOX 48 — Sunday, 10 p.m.

Minneapolis: WUCW (CW) — Sunday, 9 p.m.

Madison: Channel 3000 (CBS) — Sunday, 10:30 p.m. - Starting 7/18 (two additional airings on TWW on weekends)

Milwaukee: TMJ4 (NBC) — Sunday, 11 p.m. (7/12, 7/19, 7/26, 8/2, 9/6), Sunday, 10:30 a.m. (8/9, 8/16, 8/23, 8/30)

Peoria: WYZZ (Fox) — Sunday, 10 p.m.

Quad Cities: WHBW (CBS) — Saturday, 6:30 p.m.; Sundays at 10:30 a.m. on CW affiliate KGCW

Rockford: WREX (NBC) — Saturday, 5:30 a.m.

Meet the Host of Milwaukee Made

David Caruso

Dynamic Events by David Caruso

As the host of Milwaukee Made—and the Emmy-nominated Good Things Brewing—David Caruso knows the lasting impression Milwaukee leaves. “Whether it’s touring performers, new businesses, or first-time visitors, people are struck by the warmth and hospitality here,” says Caruso. “That kindness is what makes Milwaukee stand out—and why it’s beloved by travel writers, convention planners and developers.”

Caruso is excited to once again serve as a guide to the neighborhoods, restaurants, attractions and people that define the city. “I love that Milwaukee always finds new ways to celebrate its diversity, creativity, and talent,” he adds. “It’s a city where people can chase dreams and build a life full of opportunity and connection.”