Kohl’s Wild Theater
Creative Theater with a Purpose
Kohl’s Wild Theater is made possible by a partnership between Kohl’s, the Milwaukee County Zoo, and the Zoological Society of Milwaukee. This educational and fun-filled program offers conservation-themed theater performances using drama, songs and puppetry to engage and delight audiences young and old. Kohl’s Wild Theater performs for children and their families at the Milwaukee County Zoo and also travels to schools, festivals and community events.
See Kohl’s Wild Theater at the Zoo
Kohl’s Wild Theater offers family-friendly, 15-minute performances at the Zoo every Tuesday through Sunday between Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day, right inside the Northwestern Mutual Family Farm. Don’t forget to look for our interactive, at-habitat performances around the Zoo.
Our summer 2024 lineup:
Rear Hippo
Jimmy and Grace, a nesting pair of hamerkop birds, lived a quiet life until Thorwald moved in down the river. He’s large, only comes out at night, and can fling poop up to 32 feet in any direction! The neighbors might be fooled, but Jimmy won’t rest until he exposes Thorwald for the troublemaker he is! Developed in celebration of the Milwaukee County Zoo’s new Hippo Haven habitat, this Alfred Hitchcock parody will highlight the hippopotamus as a keystone species and teach audiences about the many benefits they provide to the other animals in their habitat.
Book and Lyrics by Kelly Doherty
Music by Jonathon Gideon
The Time Traveler’s Chicken
Dr. Thinker has just completed a time machine with the aim of helping conservationists study extinction. With an accident-prone chicken, Clucky, in tow the audience will travel through time encountering several extinct avian species such as dinosaurs, dodos, and passenger pigeons. Audiences will also be introduced to the critically endangered siheks and will learn about conservation efforts being made across the world to help many animals avoid extinction.
Book by Neil Haven
Music and Lyrics by Brian Myers
Bring Kohl’s Wild Theater to You
Throughout the year, Kohl’s Wild Theater brings live, educational, family-friendly shows to schools, libraries and various community events within 60 miles of the Zoo.
Questions? Contact us at KWT@zoosociety.org or call 414-258-5058.
Our current traveling performances are:
Finding Harmony
For K-2nd grade audiences
Jan. 27-Mar. 24, 2024
Hadley the garden gnome and their grumpy pet rock, Thad, are ready to create the perfect backyard. Unfortunately, their definitions of “perfect” don’t exactly align. When they discover a lonely baby bunny, Hadley and Thad must work together to track down its missing parents and learn what it means to live in harmony with the wildlife that shares their outdoor space. Audiences will encounter familiar Wisconsin animals including squirrels, rabbits and migratory birds.
Performance Length: 40 minutes
Performance Cost: $150
By Liz Shipe and Brian Myers
Sold Out
Bullies and Bonobos
For 3rd-5th grade audiences
Feb. 3-Mar. 31, 2024
When Riley is partnered with their bully for a science project, they are unsure what to do. Luckily, they are helped by an amiable ape who shows them the importance of empathy and cooperation. Join Riley and their classmates for this play about friendship and one of the most fascinating primates in the world: the bonobo. Due to dramatic content, this performance may not be suitable for younger than the designated age band.
Performance Length: 40 minutes
Performance Cost: $150
By Neil Haven
Sold Out
Please stay tuned for our fall 2024 season line-up.
Upcoming Kohl’s Wild Theater Shows
No Events
Kohl’s Wild Theater also performs at many festivals and other venues open to the public. See what’s going on in our community:
Our Cast & Crew
Kohl’s Wild Theater employs professional actors, screenwriters, composers, and designers. This team of dedicated performers and educators are passionate about spreading the message of conservation and animal science through interactive, engaging, and entertaining plays for children and their families.
Interested in joining our team?
To be considered for a future contract, send your resume to KWT@zoosociety.org. Writers and composers should send two writing/music samples. Writing samples should be under 10 pages and should be from a play or musical intended for young audiences.
Upcoming auditions:
No auditions currently scheduled.
Auditions for our summer season will be held in late spring. Please check back for more information.