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, all free of charge.
See Kohl’s Wild Theater at the Zoo
Kohl’s Wild Theater offers family-friendly, 15-minute performances at the Zoo every Wednesday through Monday 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 at 9:15-9:45 a.m., 11-11:30 a.m., 12:45-1:15 p.m. and 2:30-3 p.m.
Our summer 2022 lineup:
Captain Superfantastic and the Coltan Conundrum
It’s a bird! It’s a plane! No, it’s Captain Superfantastic and his colobus monkey sidekick, Kapow! Our superheroes are on a daring adventure to reach the African rainforest in time to save it from the villainous Coltan. Audiences will learn about colobus monkeys, the real impact of coltan mining, and how everyone can help protect natural environments around the world.
Book by Doug Jarecki
Music and Lyrics by Brian Myers
An Elephant Never Forgets
Join Suusa, a baby African elephant, as she searches the African savannah for her missing mother. Along the way she meets Foondu, a hungry yellow-billed oxpecker, and Ezekiel, a rhino missing his horns. This heart touching story teaches audiences about the ways elephants and rhinos use their tusks and horns and the importance of protecting these animals from poachers and the ivory trade.
Book by Brittany Curran
Music and Lyrics by Arne Parrott
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, completely free of charge.
Questions? Contact us at KWT@zoosociety.org or call 414-258-5058 ext. 404.
Our current traveling performances are:
Leona Lionheart Saves the World
Sept. 21-Nov. 11, 2022
Book by Zach Woods
Music and Lyrics by Matt Zembrowski
10-year-old Leona Lionheart is home sick on the day of her school’s big river cleanup. How can a kid save the world when she can’t even leave her own room? With the help of her vibrant imagination and a storybook from her wise grandmother, Leona explores the trials and triumphs of conservation’s most famous women. Inspired by their stories, Leona decides that she can also use her passion to save the world. During this musical, audiences will learn about Eugenie Clark, “The Shark Lady”; Anna Botsford Comstock, the hero of “outdoor education”; and Wangari Maathai and her “trees of peace.” Most appropriate for audiences K-3rd.
Performance Length: 30 minutes
Aldo Leopold and the Ghost of Sand County
Jan. 23-Mar. 17, 2023
Book by Zach Woods
Music and Lyrics by Matt Zembrowski
Aldo Leopold, widely considered to be the father of modern conservation, established himself in our very own state. Travel back in time in this musical and meet Aldo and his children Nina, Carl, and Estella in the woods of Wisconsin. When Aldo suddenly disappears, the ghost of John Muir arrives and challenges the Leopold children with three clues. Will they be able to solve the riddles and save their father in time? Audiences will learn from John Muir and Aldo Leopold, both Wisconsin conservationists, about the importance of protecting the land. This show is most appropriate for grades 1-5 and families with children 5 and up.
Performance Length: 45 minutes
Looking for a virtual Kohl’s Wild Theater experience? Request a virtual performance
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 for young audiences.
Upcoming auditions:
Aldo Leopold and the Ghost of Sand County
Auditions: Saturday, Nov. 12, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
Callbacks: Monday, Nov. 14, 9 a.m.–1 p.m.
Sign up here for an audition slot or contact KWT@zoosociety.org for more information.
Auditions for KWT’s summer season will take place in April; sign‑up information coming soon.
