The Compass

media release: University of Wisconsin-Madison’s Department of Theatre and Drama / University Theatre presents

The Compass

By Michael Rohd

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

• 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/

This production is made possible with support from the Anonymous Block Grant, the Brittingham Fund, and the School of Education One School Innovation Fund.

Performances will be held October 15-25, 2026, at 7:30 pm Thursday-Friday (no show 10/23), 2 & 7:30 pm Saturday and 2 pm Sunday, in the Ronald E. Mitchell Theatre, Vilas Hall 821 University Avenue Madison WI 53706.

Ticket Prices:$30 Adult; $25 Senior (62 +) or UW Faculty/Staff (ID); $12 UW Students and other College Students (with ID) or  Children (K-12); $20 Group Sales (10 tickets or more)

To Order Tickets:

1. Call 608-265-2787 (Open M-F 2-6 PM)

2. Online www.artsticketing.wisc.edu

3. Walk up sales: Mitchell Theatre Lobby Box Office opens 1 hour prior to performances for walk up sales.