In 1993, five visionary women—Suzan Fete, Marie Kohler, Raeleen McMillion, Jennifer Rupp, and Michele Traband—recognized a stark inequity in professional theater. They founded Renaissance Theaterworks (RTW) to produce outstanding theatrical work while championing the careers of women—onstage and off.

The Gender Gap Was blatant.
At the time:

• Women bought 70–80% of theater tickets nationwide.
• Yet only 17% of plays were written by women.
• Just 11% were directed by women.
• A mere 6% of theaters were run by women.
• Milwaukee reflected these national statistics:
• No female producers
• Fewer than 5% of plays written by women
• Fewer than 10% directed by women
• Fewer than 35% of roles filled by women

Leading the Way Toward Equity
For 33 seasons, Renaissance Theaterworks has been a leader in the global movement toward gender parity. Through our bold programming and commitment to inclusion, we challenge industry norms and open doors for women theater artists.

• Over 200 full productions and readings
• 11 original works by Wisconsin women playwrights
• 15 world premieres
• Opportunities for 1000’s of theater professionals—75% of them women

The Impact
Since our founding, we’ve transformed gender equity in Milwaukee theater—both quantitatively and qualitatively. By empowering women to reach their full artisticm potential, we change the narrative: one play, one story, one voice at a time. “What fills me with the most pride after more than 30 years is the role we’ve played in nurturing talent. From the very beginning, RTW has been a place where early-career artists could take their first steps with courage, support, and visibility. Just as
meaningful has been our commitment to established professionals—offering them the space to stretch, take risks, and rediscover themselves in new roles.

"To witness that kind of artistic evolution, and to know we helped make it possible, is the most lasting reward of all.”

Suzan Fete, Co-founder & Artistic Director (1993 - 2026)