Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/54008
Th e Trailblazer: Jennifer Uphoff Gray When fi nancial strain caused the fi nal curtain to fall on the Madison Reper- tory Theatre in 2009, it would have been easy for those involved with the company to search for work on a differ- ent stage. But Jennifer Uphoff Gray, an accomplished director, and a tight-knit group of theater professionals had other ideas. The launch of Forward Theater Company is the result. A gutsy move in an economic climate not exactly nurturing of the arts, Uphoff Gray took the role of artistic director and has been instrumental in keeping professional theater in Madison alive ever since. Now in their third season, Uphoff Gray says that while their yearly offerings remain modest—currently at four plays along with a few smaller events—ticket sales have blown away expectations. "With the number of people showing up, you can see there's a real hunger for this kind of theater in Madison," she says. Theater critics would say it's because her work is that good. She's more apt to credit her team and the new territory they're charting through an innovative organizational structure and the ground- breaking projects they're willing to tackle, including presenting a world-premiere production this year. Whatever the reason you choose, it's clear Uphoff Gray isn't afraid to blaze a new trail to keep theater lights in Madison shining brightly. January 2012 bravamagazine.com 45