In this episode of At the Barre with Madison Ballet, host Chris Fahrenthold sits down with company dancers Alex Vrba, who plays Mr. Hyde, and Ben Shepard, who plays Dr. Jekyll, in Madison Ballet’s upcoming production of Jekyll & Hyde.

Alex and Ben offer a behind-the-scenes look at developing a new full-length ballet, from discovering the distinct movement qualities that define Jekyll and Hyde to experimenting with props and costumes. They reflect on the process of working with choreographers Ja’ Malik and Richard Walters as the ballet takes shape in the studio, the freedom of inhabiting a character, and what audiences can expect from this contemporary take on a familiar story.

Key points in this episode:

 * Developing the characters of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde for a world premiere
 * How classical ballet technique and contemporary movement help tell the story
 * The role of props, costumes, and collaboration in the creative process
 * What first-time balletgoers and longtime dance fans can look forward to in Jekyll & Hyde
 * Advice for young dancers on embracing mistakes, accepting feedback, and making progress

See JEKYLL & HYDE @ Madison Youth Arts Center October 29 - November 1, 2026

https://www.madisonballet.org/jekyll-hyde-info

Join the conversation!

Madison Ballet Website: madisonballet.org [http://madisonballet.org/]

Madison Ballet Outreach: madisonballet.org/outreach [http://madisonballet.org/outreach]

MB INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/madisonballet [http://instagram.com/madisonballet]

MBO INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/madisonballetoutreach [http://instagram.com/madisonballetoutreach]

Questions/comments? Email us at outreach@madisonballet.org

Credits

PODCAST COVER PHOTO: Matthew Ulrich

DANCER: Madison Ballet Company Artist Dana Sheldon

MUSIC: Capet String Quartet - Ravel (Col. D 15057-60) 1928

BEN & ALEX HEADSHOTS: Lexia Frank

Episode 18 | Jekyll & Hyde: Becoming Jekyll & Hyde with Ben Shepard & Alex Vrba

In this episode of At the Barre with Madison Ballet, host Chris Fahrenthold sits down Julie Ballard, lighting designer for Madison Ballet’s upcoming production of Jekyll & Hyde, to learn how lighting brings a story to life on stage.

Julie shares her unexpected path into technical theater, from studying to become a juvenile probation officer to discovering stage management and eventually earning her MFA in lighting design. She explains what makes lighting for dance unique and the many decisions that go into creating the visual world of a production.

We also get a behind-the-scenes look at the creative process for Madison Ballet’s upcoming production of Jekyll & Hyde, including how lighting and video projections work together to support the story.

Key points in this episode:

 * What makes lighting for dance unique (as opposed to lighting for a play or opera)
 * The creative process behind Madison Ballet’s Jekyll & Hyde, including the use of lighting, video projections, and physical set pieces.
 * How music informs lighting choices, including color, brightness, and atmosphere.
 * The importance of collaboration and trust between lighting designers and choreographers.
 * What happens during tech week, from programming lighting cues to making adjustments based on feedback.
 * How lighting designers collaborate with costume designers and other production team members to bring an artistic vision to life.
 * Advice for aspiring lighting designers, including getting involved in community theater, shadowing professionals, assisting on productions, and learning lighting technology.

See JEKYLL & HYDE @ Madison Youth Arts Center October 29 - November 1, 2026

https://www.madisonballet.org/jekyll-hyde-info

Join the conversation!

Madison Ballet Website: madisonballet.org [http://madisonballet.org/]

Madison Ballet Outreach: madisonballet.org/outreach [http://madisonballet.org/outreach]

MB INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/madisonballet [http://instagram.com/madisonballet]

MBO INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/madisonballetoutreach [http://instagram.com/madisonballetoutreach]

Questions/comments? Email us at outreach@madisonballet.org

Credits

PODCAST COVER PHOTO: Matthew Ulrich

DANCER: Madison Ballet Company Artist Dana Sheldon

MUSIC: Capet String Quartet - Ravel (Col. D 15057-60) 1928

JULIE HEADSHOT: Todd Rosenberg

Episode 17 | Jekyll & Hyde: Lighting Designer Julie Ballard

In this episode of At the Barre with Madison Ballet, host Chris Fahrenthold sits down with Janessa Urwin, costume designer for Madison Ballet’s upcoming production of Jekyll & Hyde, to explore how costumes help tell a story.

Janessa shares her journey from professional ballet dancer to costume designer, including how an unexpected opportunity at American Repertory Ballet opened the door to a new career in the arts. She discusses the creative process behind designing costumes for Jekyll & Hyde, from researching Victorian influences and medical imagery to using color, texture, and structure to bring each character to life.

Drawing on her experience as a dancer, Janessa explains why functionality and safety are essential to costume design and how every garment must support the dancers’ movement as well as partnering demands.

Key points in this episode:

 * Janessa’s journey from professional ballet dancer to costume designer
 * The balance between visual storytelling, movement, and safety in ballet costume design
 * The research and creative collaboration behind the costumes for Jekyll & Hyde
 * How color, texture, and historical influences help distinguish the production’s characters
 * Career paths in the arts beyond performing and advice for dancers exploring their next steps

See JEKYLL & HYDE @ Madison Youth Arts Center October 29 - November 1, 2026

https://www.madisonballet.org/jekyll-hyde-info

Join the conversation!

Madison Ballet Website: madisonballet.org [http://madisonballet.org/]

Madison Ballet Outreach: madisonballet.org/outreach [http://madisonballet.org/outreach]

MB INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/madisonballet [http://instagram.com/madisonballet]

MBO INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/madisonballetoutreach [http://instagram.com/madisonballetoutreach]

Questions/comments? Email us at outreach@madisonballet.org

Credits

PODCAST COVER PHOTO: Matthew Ulrich

DANCER: Madison Ballet Company Artist Dana Sheldon

MUSIC: Capet String Quartet - Ravel (Col. D 15057-60) 1928

Episode 16 | Jekyll & Hyde: Costume Designer Janessa Urwin

In this episode of At the Barre with Madison Ballet, Director of Outreach Chris Fahrenthold sits down with Artistic/Executive Director Ja’ Malik and Rehearsal Director/School Principal Richard Walters to discuss Jekyll & Hyde, a new full-length ballet opening Madison Ballet’s 45th anniversary season.

Choreographed collaboratively by Ja’ and Richard, Jekyll and Hyde explores the duality of human nature, the tension between our public and private selves, and the ways beauty and darkness can coexist. Set to music by composer Michael Nyman, originally written for the documentary McQueen, the production takes a psychological approach to Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic story.

Ja’ and Richard share how they navigate the collaborative choreographic process using classical ballet technique in new and unexpected ways. They also discuss the role of costumes, projections, lighting, and set design in creating an immersive theatrical experience.

Whether you’re a longtime ballet enthusiast or new to the art form, this conversation offers a behind-the-scenes look at how a new story ballet takes shape, and an invitation to experience dance with curiosity, openness, and a willingness to be challenged.

Key points in this episode:

 * How Michael Nyman’s score for the documentary McQueen inspired the production
 * How two choreographers with different creative processes collaborate to build a cohesive, full-length production
 * Exploring the duality of human nature, from the personas we present to the struggles we keep hidden
 * The contrast between ballet’s seemingly effortless beauty and the physical demands and sacrifices behind the scenes
 * How Ja’ and Richard are blending classical ballet technique with contemporary movement to develop characters and tell a more complex story
 * The role of costumes, projections, lighting, and visual design in building the world of Jekyll & Hyde

See JEKYLL & HYDE @ Madison Youth Arts Center October 29 - November 1, 2026

https://www.madisonballet.org/jekyll-hyde-info

Join the conversation!

Madison Ballet Website: madisonballet.org [http://madisonballet.org/]

Madison Ballet Outreach: madisonballet.org/outreach [http://madisonballet.org/outreach]

MB INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/madisonballet [http://instagram.com/madisonballet]

MBO INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/madisonballetoutreach [http://instagram.com/madisonballetoutreach]

Questions/comments? Email us at outreach@madisonballet.org

Credits

PODCAST COVER PHOTO: Matthew Ulrich

DANCER: Madison Ballet Company Artist Dana Sheldon

MUSIC: Capet String Quartet - Ravel (Col. D 15057-60) 1928

JA’ MALIK & RICHARD WALTERS HEADSHOTS: Lexia Frank Photography

Episode 15 | Jekyll & Hyde: Ja’ Malik & Richard Walters on Bringing a New Story Ballet to Life

In this episode of At the Barre with Madison Ballet, Director of Outreach Chris Fahrenthold sits down with Outreach Programs Coordinator Caitlin Sloan to talk about Madison Ballet’s exciting new chapter and what audiences can expect from the 2026–27 season.

Madison Ballet Special Projects has officially evolved into Madison Ballet Outreach, becoming a division of the company itself. While much of the work remains the same, this new structure allows the team to expand its programming, collaborate with more dancers and faculty, reach more schools and libraries, and create even more opportunities for the Madison community to experience ballet.

Key points in this episode:

 * What’s changing, and what isn’t, with the transition from Madison Ballet Special Projects to Madison Ballet Outreach
 * How becoming part of the company will allow Outreach to expand its programming
 * The role of the trainee program and why trainees are such an important bridge between student life and a professional ballet career
 * How Madison Ballet hopes to bring ballet directly into schools, libraries, bookstores, and other community spaces
 * Plans for opening-night Q&As, pre-show talks, and opportunities for audiences to learn more about the work they are about to see
 * The importance of creating context around ballet and helping audiences understand what they are seeing on stage
 * Why bringing more people into the ballet is at the heart of Madison Ballet Outreach’s mission

At its core, this episode is about connection: connecting Madison Ballet with its community, connecting audiences with the artists who make ballet, and creating more opportunities for people to discover (and fall in love with!) the art form.

See JEKYLL & HYDE @ Madison Youth Arts Center October 29 - November 1, 2026

https://www.madisonballet.org/jekyll-hyde-info

Join the conversation!

Madison Ballet Website: madisonballet.org [http://madisonballet.org/]

MB INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/madisonballet [http://instagram.com/madisonballet]

MBO INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/madisonballetoutreach [http://instagram.com/madisonballetoutreach]

Questions/comments? Email us at outreach@madisonballet.org

Credits

PODCAST COVER PHOTO: Matthew Ulrich

DANCER: Madison Ballet Company Artist Dana Sheldon

MUSIC: Capet String Quartet - Ravel (Col. D 15057-60) 1928

Episode 14 | Welcome to Madison Ballet Outreach

In this special summer edition of At the Barre with Madison Ballet Special Projects, Director Chris Fahrenthold is joined by Lauren Thompson, company artist with Madison Ballet and one of the creative forces behind Summer Suite, a one-day fundraising event benefiting the School of Madison Ballet Scholarship Fund.

Lauren shares how a personal fundraiser for her cats unexpectedly became the inspiration for Summer Suite, offering listeners a behind-the-scenes look at the event, the upcoming performance, and why supporting dancers and dance education matters.

We also learn about Lauren's journey from Hawaii to Madison, the lessons that transformed her career, and what it takes to balance performing, teaching, and producing an event during the company's summer layoff.

About Lauren Thompson

Lauren Thompson grew up in Honolulu, Hawaii and began dancing at Ballet Hawaii. She continued her studies at Honolulu Classical Ballet, Ballet West Academy, and Nashville Ballet II.

In 2018 Lauren joined The BrayBallet in Oconomowoc, where she performed principal roles in Eddy Bray’s Dracula, Nutcracker, and Sinatra Suites. Since joining Madison Ballet in 2021, she has enjoyed performing in Gerald Arpino’s Birthday Variations and in Heinz Poll’s Eight By Benny.

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/brollerina/

See SUMMER SUITE @ Wyso Center August 22, 2026

🎟️ https://www.madisonballetspecialprojects.com/summersuite

Bid in the silent auction: https://givebutter.com/c/summer-suite-uwrptk/auction

Join the conversation!

MBSP WEBSITE: https://www.madisonballetspecialprojects.com/

INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/madisonballetspecialprojects

Questions/comments? Email us at hello@madisonballetspecialprojects.com

Credits

PODCAST COVER PHOTO: Matthew Ulrich

DANCER: Madison Ballet Company Artist Lauren Thompson

MUSIC: Capet String Quartet - Ravel (Col. D 15057-60) 1928

LAUREN HEADSHOT: Lexia Frank Photography

Episode 13 | Summer Suite: Lauren Thompson

In this episode of At the Barre, we go behind the scenes with Madison Ballet company member and emerging choreographer James Wainwright.

James shares how he transitioned from years of playing football into professional dance after starting ballet and musical theatre as a teenager. He reflects on growing up around his mother’s dance studio in Chicago, the sense of belonging he found in the studio environment, and the journey that eventually brought him to Madison Ballet.

We also get a sneak peek into the inspiration behind James’ Innovation II piece, Heure de Fermeture (“Closing Time”), which was sparked by a transformative family trip to Scotland and a memorable evening spent immersing himself in the Edinburgh community.

About James Wainwright

Born in Chicago, Illinois, James Wainwright grew up around his mother’s dance studio. James started his professional training at the School of Ballet 5:8 under the tutelage of former Ballet 5:8 Ballet Mistress Lauren Ader-Cumpston, Trainee and Studio Company Director Brette Benedict, and Artistic Director Julianna Rubio Slager. In 2016, Wainwright trained at The Nutmeg Ballet Conservatory Summer Intensive, learning from Tim Melady, Eleanor D’Antuono, and Kirk Peterson. After graduating high school, James joined Ballet 5:8’s Trainee Program in 2018, then became a Company Artist 2020. James joined the company in 2023..

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/brollerina/

See Heure de Fermeture by James in Innovation II @ Overture Center Promenade Hall May 8-10, 2026

🎟️ madisonballet.org/innovation-ii

Join the conversation!

MBSP WEBSITE: https://www.madisonballetspecialprojects.com/

INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/madisonballetspecialprojects

Questions/comments? Email us at hello@madisonballetspecialprojects.com

Credits

PODCAST COVER PHOTO: Matthew Ulrich

DANCER: Madison Ballet Company Artist Lauren Thompson

MUSIC: Capet String Quartet - Ravel (Col. D 15057-60) 1928

JAMES HEADSHOT: Lexia Frank Photography

Episode 12 | Innovation II: James Wainwright

In this episode of At the Barre, we go behind the scenes with Madison Ballet company member and emerging choreographer Ben Rose.

Ben shares his unique path from competitive ballroom dance into ballet, and how that background continues to influence his creative voice. He discusses the structure of his new piece Tea for Two for Eight, built as a series of contrasting sections inspired by ballroom competitions, and his goal of highlighting both versatility and individuality within the dancers.

About Ben Rose

Benjamin Rose began his training in Houston at Vitacca Ballet school and The High School for the Performing and Visual Arts. After 3 Summers at Houston Ballet School, he joined the full-time day program and began studying under the direction of Andrew Murphy. After graduating he began his professional career as a Trainee with Ballet West in Salt Lake City Utah and was able to perform roles such as The Lead male in George Balanchine's Walpurgisnacht and as “The Bear” in Willem Cristianstens the Nutcracker. While he lived in Utah, he was fortunate enough to also work as a guest artist and performed not only with the University of Utah but also around the country with companies such as NorthStar Ballet in Alaska, Nevada Ballet Theater in Las Vegas, AVA Ballet in Reno, and Queen City Ballet in Helena, Montana.  From there he moved to Denver where he joined the studio company at Colorado Ballet and performed with Feel the Movement, a contemporary dance project based out of Denver led by Director Edgar Page. He then moved to Iowa and began dancing at Ballet Des Moines directed by Serkan Usta. After living in Iowa, Ben moved to San Antonio to dance for Ballet San Antonio under the direction of Sofiane Sylve. He was promoted to soloist his first season with company and danced in roles such as Basillio in Don Quixote, The Nutcracker Prince in The Nutcracker, and Bottom in Midsummer Night's Dream. On top of his career as a ballet dancer Ben is also a professional ballroom dancer competing in International Latin.

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/mynameisben10/

See Tea for Two for Eight by Ben in Innovation II @ Overture Center Promenade Hall May 8-10, 2026

🎟️ madisonballet.org/innovation-ii

Join the conversation!

MBSP WEBSITE: https://www.madisonballetspecialprojects.com/

INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/madisonballetspecialprojects

Questions/comments? Email us at hello@madisonballetspecialprojects.com

Credits

PODCAST COVER PHOTO: Matthew Ulrich

DANCER: Madison Ballet Company Artist Lauren Thompson

MUSIC: Capet String Quartet - Ravel (Col. D 15057-60) 1928

BEN HEADSHOT: Lexia Frank Photography

Episode 11 | Innovation II: Ben Rose

In this episode of At the Barre, we go behind the scenes with Madison Ballet apprentice and emerging choreographer Gianna DeMassio

In her first season with the company, Gianna shares her journey from a competition dance background to discovering her passion for ballet and how she unexpectedly fell in love with choreography during her training.

We also dive into her choreographic process for Innovation II, where she premieres a new work titled Memento Vivere inspired by a meaningful moment while dancing in Italy. The work is centered around the passage of time and the emotional experience of living in the present.

Gianna offers insight into what it’s like to create work on her peers, how she balances her own movement voice with the established language of a company, and why she’s drawn to grounded, human-centered movement that resonates both with dancers and audiences alike.

About Gianna DeMassio

Originally from upstate New York, Gianna began her ballet training at the New Paltz School of Ballet under the direction of former New York City Ballet dancers Lisa and Peter Naumann. At fifteen, she joined Pittsburgh Ballet Theater’s Full-Time program, while also attending summer programs at the Chautauqua Institute and American Ballet Theater in NYC. After graduating from high school, Gianna joined Charlotte Ballet as a trainee, where she studied with the renowned Patricia McBride and began choreographing under the mentorship of Mark Diamond. In 2020, Gianna joined the Richmond Ballet as a trainee and was promoted to their Studio Company shortly after. While dancing with Richmond Ballet, she worked with choreographers such as Jennifer Archibald and Katarzyna Skarpetowska, and performed with the company in many mainstage productions, including her favorite, George Balanchine’s Serenade. From 2023 to 2025, Gianna danced as an apprentice with Ballet Rhode Island under the direction of Kathleen Breen Combes and Yury Yanowsky. While there, she enjoyed performing in diverse repertoire, as well as choreographing her own new works for the company. Gianna is looking forward to her first season with Madison Ballet!

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/gigi.825/

See Memento Vivere by Gianna in Innovation II @ Overture Center Promenade Hall May 8-10, 2026

🎟️ madisonballet.org/innovation-ii

Join the conversation!

MBSP WEBSITE: https://www.madisonballetspecialprojects.com/

INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/madisonballetspecialprojects

Questions/comments? Email us at hello@madisonballetspecialprojects.com

Credits

PODCAST COVER PHOTO: Matthew Ulrich

DANCER: Madison Ballet Company Artist Lauren Thompson

MUSIC: Capet String Quartet - Ravel (Col. D 15057-60) 1928

GIANNA HEADSHOT: Lexia Frank Photography

Episode 10 | Innovation II: Gianna DeMassio

In this episode of At the Barre, we are joined by Charlotte Junge, Company Dancer with Madison Ballet and emerging choreographer featured in this season’s Innovation II.

This conversation explores Charlotte’s early dance training, her move to Boston Ballet School at just 14, and the unexpected path that led her to Madison Ballet. She also discusses how her background in multiple dance styles continues to influence her movement vocabulary today.

We get a peek inside Charlotte’s choreographic process and how her piece As Above, So Below has come to life. Inspired by her relationship with her mother, Charlotte shares the beauty of exploring a deeply personal theme in a safe space with her Madison Ballet colleagues.

About Charlotte Junge

Originally from Houston, TX, Charlotte Junge began her training locally, and continued her focus on classical training at the Houston Ballet Academy and The Dallas Conservatory. While at Houston Ballet, she performed in premieres of The Nutcracker: Romeo and Juliet, and Giselle by Stanton Welch AM. At The Dallas Conservatory, she performed as Clara in The Nutcracker, and won numerous awards at YAGP. In 2018, Charlotte was accepted into Boston Ballet School's Professional Division. While a student there, she had the opportunity to study with esteemed faculty including Margaret Tracey, Miranda Weese, Kathleen Mitchell, Andrea Long, and Denise Lewis. In 2022, Charlotte graduated high school, finishing her 4th year with Boston Ballet School. In 2022, she created her first professional choreographic work on the company for the Innovation program. This will be Charlotte's 4th season with Madison Ballet.

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/charjunge/

See As Above, So Below by Charlotte at Innovation II @ Overture Center Promenade Hall May 8-10, 2026

🎟️ madisonballet.org/innovation-ii [https://www.madisonballet.org/innovation-ii]

Join the conversation!

MBSP WEBSITE: https://www.madisonballetspecialprojects.com/

INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/madisonballetspecialprojects [http://instagram.com/madisonballetspecialprojects]

Questions/comments? Email us at hello@madisonballetspecialprojects.com

Credits

PODCAST COVER PHOTO: Matthew Ulrich

DANCER: Madison Ballet Company Artist Lauren Thompson

MUSIC: Capet String Quartet - Ravel (Col. D 15057-60) 1928

CHARLOTTE HEADSHOT: Lexia Frank Photography

Episode 9 | Innovation II: Charlotte Junge

At the Barre with Madison Ballet is your behind-the-scenes look at the ideas, stories, and creative processes shaping Madison Ballet’s work.

Hosted by Chris Fahrenthold, each episode brings our commu

At the Barre with Madison Ballet · Zencastr

At the Barre with Madison Ballet

At the Barre with Madison Ballet is your behind-the-scenes look at the ideas, stories, and creative processes shaping Madison Ballet’s work.

Hosted by Chris Fahrenthold, each episode brings our community a little closer to the dancers, choreographers, and collaborators who are making ballet in Madison right now.

Whether you’re a seasoned balletomane, current or former dancer, or simply curious about how dance gets made, we warmly invite you into the room where it happens.