Our Crowdfunding Groups
**We have reached our original goal of $6000! We are now reaching for our stretch goal of $8000 to make our superhero magic go beyond flying to include costumes, lights and fog to make our show truly extraordinary.
What is the Waa-Mu Show?
Northwestern’s oldest theatrical tradition, the Waa-Mu Show provides undergraduates with an unparalleled education in new musical theatre development. Over 150 students participate every year as producers, writers, and performers to create an original musical that inspires audiences, challenges our artists, and engages surrounding communities. The Waa-Mu Show is a frontrunner in the world of new musical theater creation and education. It gives undergraduate students opportunities to serve as leaders on every aspect of production, from writing to orchestration to performance.
The Waa-Mu Show began in 1929 when the Women’s Athletic Association (WAA) joined forces with the Men’s Union (MU) in the performance of original, student-written material. The show was traditionally a musical revue, consisting of Northwestern-inspired vignettes tied together by a theme. However, over the last five years, the Waa-Mu Show has evolved into a full-length musical that is more reflective of the current state of Broadway.
Waa-Mu's preprofessional environment has been a breeding ground for young theatrical superstars throughout its history. Past cast members include Walter Kerr in the 1930s; Claude Akins, Sheldon Harnick, Cloris Leachman, Paul Lynde, Charlotte Rae and Tony Randall in the 1940s; Warren Beatty, Penny Fuller and Garry Marshall in the 1950s; Karen Black, Frank Galati, Ann-Margret and Tony Roberts in the 1960s; Laura Innes and Shelley Long in the 1970s; Gregg Edelman, Ana Gasteyer, and Megan Mullally in the 1980s; Zach Braff, Brian d'Arcy James, Heather Headley, Jason Moore and Kate Shindle in the 1990s; and, more recently, Jenny Powers.
What is this year’s show?
The 86th Annual Waa-Mu Show presents:
BEYOND BELIEF: A superhero story
When the ordinary becomes extraordinary
Sisters Rachel and Sarah have always shared a love of the fantastic. When Sarah is diagnosed with a life-threatening disease, Rachel turns to her imagination, creating a magnificent world of superheroes imbued with incredible powers to help Sarah escape the distress of her day-to-day life. High school friends and enemies inspire the stories in Rachel’s epic superhero world, but no one ever expected the magic to burst from the page and into their ordinary lives. Inspired by their new league of heroes, these sisters discover what makes each one of us extraordinary.
Why should you contribute?
Help the cast of the 86th Annual Waa-Mu Show take flight! This year, we are trying to raise $6,000 to allow our cast to fly in our 2017 production, Beyond Belief: a superhero story. With this money, we would be able rent the necessary rigs and equipment as well as secure equipment experts tthroughout the rehearsal process.
If we don’t meet our goal, your gift will still help create stage magic! Our production team is looking into other creative ideas, including projections, fog, and specialty lights. Any amount that you are able to contribute will make a tremendous impact on the success of our show.
#GivingTuesday is a global celebration of the value of not-for-profit organizations and the power of giving back: we hope you’ll make Waa-Mu part of this day.
If you are unable to give, you can still help by sharing this page and getting the word out to anyone and everyone. Thanks in advance for your support! Go 'Cats!
Beyond Belief will go up in Cahn April 28th through May 7th.
Your $15 donation will bring us one step closer to our goal of making Waa-Mu fly! Keep an eye on your mailbox for a handwritten Thank You note from this year’s Waa-team.
If you are a senior, you can give your class gift to the Waa-Mu Show! Come springtime, you will enjoy exclusive access to donor-only events.
Thank you so much for your donation! In addition to a handwritten Thank You note, we will give you a special shout-out on the Waa-Mu Show Facebook page.
A $150 dollar donation will be an incredible help to our project! In addition to a handwritten Thank You note and shout-out on the Waa-Mu Show Facebook page, your name will be featured on our website’s Prized Donor Wall.
Wow! You’re a Waa-star! Along with a handwritten Thank You note, shout-out on the Facebook page, and inclusion on our online Donor Wall, the Co-Chairs will record a personalized, musical ringtone for your listening pleasure!
A donation this significant will gain you backstage access to our 86th Annual production: Beyond Belief: a superhero story in April/May! Let us know if you're interested in what else this exciting opportunity might entail.
