About
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RepForward

Milwaukee Repertory Theater has been committed to being a community gathering space that is welcoming and inspirational to all for many decades. From our founding by Mary John Sullivan in 1954, Milwaukee Rep has provided a home where disparate groups of people gather for shared live experiences designed to give audiences the opportunity to see the world through the eyes of others unlike ourselves. In doing so, we create community, deepen understanding and build empathy. In 2016, we redefined our mission to create positive change in our community through world-class theatrical experiences that are representative of Milwaukee’s rich diversity. Today, we live this mission through the work of RepForward, our community-centered strategy to ensure that Milwaukee Rep centers its values of inclusion and belonging in programming, workforce, and engagement.

Vision of Success

  • We are a vibrant, creative, mission-driven theater where everyone works together in the spirit of generosity, teamwork, and collaboration.
  • Differing viewpoints are openly shared, heard, and considered to create the highest levels of artistic expression through the performing arts and/or storytelling for the betterment of the theater and the community.
  • We engage a diversity of voices to promote an inclusive and welcoming culture.
  • We actively and respectfully navigate uncomfortable conversations and the inevitable tension which challenges and enriches us all.
  • We measure our progress to ensure we remain a theater that is welcoming and inspirational to all.

RepForward Leadership
In 2018, the Board of Trustees established a committee chaired by former trustee Warren Buliox (Partner, MWH Law Group) to provide leadership to  our work. The chair of the committee currently serves on the Executive Committee of the Board of Trustees. Committee members include:

Andres Gonzalez
Rep Trustee and Committee Chair
VP & Chief Diversity Officer, Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin

Tammy Belton-Davis
Rep Trustee
Founder & Principal, Athena Communications

Warren Buliox
Former Rep Trustee and former Committee Chair
Partner, MWH Law Group

Judy Hansen
Rep Board of Trustee President

Gerald Hay
Committee Member
Director of Independent Living at Independence First

Morgan Phelps
Committee Member
CEO, Colorful Connections

Chad Bauman
Executive Director

Liz Merwin
Human Resources Manager 

Jenny Toutant
Chief Education & Engagement Officer

Melissa Vartanian
Managing Director

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