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-exhibit 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:
How Does Your Garden Grow?
June 18-Sept. 5, 2022
Book by Kelly Doherty, Jonathan Ellers, Reva Fox, Melanie Wehrmacher and Zach Woods
Music and Lyrics by John Tanner
What does it take to grow our food? Did you know that you can grow fruits and vegetables right in your own backyard? Follow the adventures of a young gardener as they try to help their watermelon grow big and healthy enough to win the State Fair’s highest honor. Along the way you will meet new friends, like Buzz the Bee and Captain Compost, as they teach us about the water cycle, pollination, compost and other fun and amazing tips for planting your own garden. This show is most appropriate for grades K-5th and families of all ages. Performance Length: 30 minutes.
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:
No auditions currently scheduled.