The Compass
Z Ahuva Cherniak, Alan Tejeda Montero, Ava Childs, Ben Hodde, Blue Rachapradit, Doster Chastain, Eloise Slipper, Emily Mattson, Erik Flatmo, Grayson Geiger, J’Nya Smith, Jayda Smith, Jiji Thorne, John Zalewski, Joseph Bolden, Marissa Lutzow, Marnie Cummings, Micha Espinosa, Michael Rohd, Michael Smithson, Miriam Hayes, Nife Anawo, Noah Ehresman, Noelle Sheen, Rob Wagner, Simran Mahal, Vivian Dufek, Will Grady
An interactive trial play where the audience serves as the jury, deciding the outcome of a young person's life-altering choice.
University of Wisconsin-Madison's Department of Theatre and Drama / University Theatre Presents
The Compass By Michael Rohd October 15-25, 2026 Ronald E. Mitchell Theatre Directed by Micha Espinosa
About the Play The Compass is a groundbreaking, live, interactive theatrical experience that places the audience at the center of a public trial. A young person has used a predictive app called "The Compass" to make a life-altering decision. Now the audience must help determine what happened, who is responsible, and what justice requires.
The production combines live performance, testimony, digital media, audience participation, and facilitated deliberation. Audience members do not simply watch the trial—they become part of the jury. Their conversations and decisions directly influence the outcome, meaning that every performance may end differently.
Content Advisory: This production contains references to gun violence and addresses themes of artificial intelligence, mental health, and ethical decision-making.
Creative Team • Director: Micha Espinosa o Professor of Acting and Directing at UW–Madison, Espinosa is an actor, director, voice practitioner, educator, and artivist whose work brings performance into conversation with social justice, cultural identity, climate change, and civic engagement. She leads the production's artistic vision and its integration of theatre, research, and public dialogue. • Stage Manager: Miriam Hayes (student, Theatre major) • Assistant Stage Managers: Simran Mahal (student) • Scenic Designer: Erik Flatmo (guest artist) • Costume Designer: Arje Wilson (UW- Madison Dept. of Theatre and Drama staff and recent graduate of the program) • Lighting Designer: Marnie Cummings (guest artist) • Sound Designer: John Zalewski (guest artist) • Projections/Video Designer: Doster Chastain (guest artist)
• Technical Director: Rob Wagner (UW-Madison Dept. of Theatre and Drama Teaching Faculty) Cast • Marjan: Jayda Smith (student, Theatre major) • Chaz: Alan Tejeda Montero (student; Theatre major – Acting Option) • Kenneth: Ben Hodde (student) • Prosecutor: Eloise Slipper (student, Theatre major) • Ms. Ellis: Ahuva Cherniak (student) • Defense: Will Grady (student, Theatre major) • Principal: J'Nya Smith (student; Theatre major – Acting Option)
• Ada: Marissa Lutzow (student, Theatre major – Acting Option)
• Blanca Riverez: Noelle Sheen (student, Theatre major – Acting Option)
• Entrepreneur: Noah Ehresman (student, Theatre major – Acting Option)
• Mr. Ferguson: Grayson Geiger (student, Theatre major – Acting Option)
• Facilitators: Emily Mattson (student, Theatre certificate), Vivian Dufek (student, Theatre major), Jiji Thorne (student, Theatre major), Ava Childs (student, Theatre major – Acting Option), Michael Smithson (student), Joseph Bolden (student, Theatre major – Acting Option), Blue Rachapradit (student), Nife Anawo (student, Theatre major)
For more information visit https://theatre.wisc.edu/
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