Presented by Christine Symchych & Jim McNulty
Pulitzer Prize Finalist

What the Constitution Means to Me

February 6 – March 17, 2024

By Heidi Schreck
Directed by Laura Braza

Stiemke Studio

Approximate Running Time: 1 hour and 40 minutes with no intermission
Recommended Age: 12 and up

This production contains mentions of domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, and discussions of abortion and its stigmatization.

Extended Through March 17 Due to Demand!

Since its premiere in 2019, this Pulitzer Prize finalist has taken the theatrical world by storm, breathing new life into our Constitution by imagining how it will shape the next generation of Americans. As a teenager, Heidi earned her college tuition by winning Constitutional debate competitions across the country. In this hilarious, witty and refreshingly honest new play, she revisits her fifteen-year-old self to trace the profound relationship between four generations of women and the lasting impact of the document that shaped their journey.

"The best and most important new play.” – The New York Times

Executive Producers
Croen Foundation, Inc. • Mara & Craig Swan

Associate Producer
Krista Kile

The Stiemke Studio Season is presented by Four-Four Foundation

Video Gallery

Photo Gallery

Reviews

“The funniest and most sobering civics seminar you never knew you needed.”

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

“Spectacular performance by Jessie Fisher… Entertaining and informative”

Shepherd Express

“Funny, thought-provoking, and intensely moving…. tickets will sell quickly for this one – get yours now”

OzaukeeLivingLocal

“Jessie Fisher… captivates the audience with her charisma… Couldn’t be more timely.”

UrbanMilwaukee

“A must-see. Brilliant… funny, smart and emotional.”

Milwaukee Magazine

“Witty, honest, and deep…. full of laughs, heartbreak, and a profound telling of a woman’s story.”

BroadwayWorld

Cast

Creative Team

* Member of Actors' Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States.

Featured Events

What Does The Constitution Mean To You?

Video Project

What does the Constitution mean to you? – A “simple” question posed in Heidi Shreck’s play, What the Constitution Means to Me, with maybe not-so simple answers. To really explore this question and give our community the opportunity to answer it for themselves we produced a series of video interviews.

Explore the Videos

Post-Show Panel

What Does The Constitution Mean To You?
Friday, February 16

What does the constitution mean to you? What is the importance of this document in our daily lives? How has this document adapted or not adapted to our modern times? Hear from a diverse group of community members as we discuss what the Constitution means to us and how it applies to our lives over 200 years later.

Silver Anderson, Teen Council Member

Robert S. Smith, Harry G. John Professor, Marquette University

Jim Tasse, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Professor

Buy Tickets to Feb. 16

Post-Show Panel

Why Is It Important To Have Women Represented In Government?
Tuesday, February 20

Join us for a post-show conversation on women in government. Why is it important to have women represented in government? What is the effect of diverse representation among elected officials? What challenges do women face entering public office? What can regular citizens do to encourage a more inclusive government?

Sumaiyah Clark, Executive Director for the Office of Equity for MKE County

Erin Karshen, Attorney District Attorney’s Office

Judge Kristy Yang

Buy Tickets to Feb. 20

College Nights

Tuesday, February 20

Calling all college students! Join us on February 20 for What the Constitution Means to Me. Event includes discounted ticket, free pizza and beverages. College nights for other productions on sale now as well.

Learn More

Dinner Dialogues Series

Monday, February 26, 5:00-8:00pm
Hilton Garden Inn and The Social American Tavern – 611 N Broadway St

Civic Engagement. What has historically hindered civic engagement in our youth and other communities? How do we encourage civic engagement in our youth today? How can we emphasize the importance of civic engagement in our communities? What can we do to break down barriers that continue to exist? Guest Speaker: Jorge Fragoso

Jorge Fragoso