Lots of senior living communities have a space for activities or dramatic productions, but it’s far less common to find a 200-seat venue equipped for high-caliber artistic performances like orchestral music or media productions. 

The Center for Arts and Education at Madison’s Oakwood Village turns 50 this year, and the community marked the anniversary with a two-day celebration on May 15 and 16. 

Over the decades, the center, located on the community’s University Woods campus, has helped redefine the possibilities of senior living in the Madison area, connecting the people across generations. Community residents appear on stage themselves and also enjoy shows from outside groups. The stage has hosted everything from professional musicians to children’s musical recitals, lectures, plays, and even a TV episode of the classic “Art Linkletter Show.” 

The center has also served as a base for unique community partnerships, at one point serving as the home of the Madison Civic Repertory Theatre. For the past 40 years, it has been home to the Oakwood Chamber Players, an ensemble of professional musicians who also perform for the Madison Symphony Orchestra.  

Speakers have included the journalist and author David Maraniss, UW marching band director Mike Leckrone, author Jerry Apps, and U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin. 

The anniversary celebration brought the community together for reflections on the center’s history and performing artists, with a signature concert by the Oakwood Chamber Players. 

“For 50 years, the Center for Arts and Education has reflected our deep commitment to enriching the lives of our residents and strengthening our connection with the greater Madison community,” says Jan Hamilton-Crawford, Oakwood’s president and CEO. “This theater is more than a beautiful space. It represents our belief that creativity, lifelong learning and shared experiences are essential to vibrant senior living.”