Forward Theater Company

Ownership

Jennifer Uphoff Gray, a Fitchburg native who returned to the area in 2005 after 12 years working in New York City theater production, was one of the founders. The organization is structured as a nonprofit with an independent local governance model featuring a co-founder (Jen) serving as Artistic Director since 2009.

Local Sourcing

Over 95% of artists and technicians hired live in Wisconsin, demonstrating strong local hiring practices. However, specific information about sourcing production materials (set pieces, costumes, technical supplies) is not readily available in public sources.

Community Involvement

The organization is inspired by the Wisconsin Idea of service to the broader community and ties its onstage work to expansive engagement efforts, offering free pre-show lectures and post-show talkbacks with artists. They partner with Wisconsin Wrights, University of Wisconsin, UW-Madison Department of Theatre and Drama, American Players Theatre, Wisconsin Public Radio, Dane County Libraries, Wisconsin Historical Society, and Milwaukee Chamber Theatre.

Local Workforce

The organization values theater professionals and provides them with a brave, compassionate, and respectful work environment. Staff appear to have long tenure (business manager since 2012), but specific wage data and comprehensive employee reviews are not publicly available.

Revenue Retention

As a not-for-profit professional theater company, Forward Theater Company aims to expand the cultural and economic life of Madison. With $3 million in annual revenue and 20 employees, the organization reinvests all surplus revenue back into community arts programming rather than extracting profits.

Local Presence

No website available to analyze.