Forward Theater Company has a unique three-branch organizational structure, created to reflect our core belief in the importance of communication and maintaining a balance between the artistic choices and financial health of our company.
The first branch is our Administrative Staff, led by the Artistic Director, General Manager, and Director of Communications and responsible for the daily operations of the theater.
The second branch is our Board of Directors, which is responsible for financial oversight of FTC and long-term fiscal planning.
The third branch is our Advisory Company, made up of local professional theater artists, and responsible for guiding FTC’s long-term artistic plans.
Our bylaws have mandated paths of communication between these three branches and a system of checks and balances to keep FTC strong, focused on our artistic role in the community and fiscally responsible.
Artistic Director
Jennifer Uphoff Gray most recently directed A Thousand Words, by Gwendolyn Rice, for Milwaukee Chamber Theatre, Love’s Labour’s Lost for Milwaukee Shakespeare (“Best of 2008”) and The Diary of Anne Frank for Madison Repertory Theatre (“Best of 2008”). She produced (and directed for) the Madison Rep’s 2007 New Play Festival. Other credits include: the National Tour of Copenhagen, Associate Director of Copenhagen, Cabaret, The Blue Room (starring Nicole Kidman) and The Life on Broadway. Off-Broadway, she directed the world premiere of the musical Suburb. Her work has also been seen at Second Stage, Musical Theater Works, Ensemble Studio Theater, HERE (all in New York City) and the Chunchon International Theater Festival in South Korea. She holds a degree in Dramatic Literature and Stage History from Harvard College. Jen was born and raised in the Madison area and is now raising her family on the near West Side.
You can email Jennifer at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
General Manager
Sarah Marty will oversee the business and outreach functions of the company. She is the 2008 recipient of the Bartell Award for Excellence in the Arts. She has a Master’s degree in Business from the Bolz Center for Arts Administration, an MS in Curriculum & Instruction, and a Bachelor of Music Education degree from UW-Madison. Sarah is a Program Coordinator UW-Madison Continuing Studies (Wisconsin Wrights New Play Development Project, School of the Arts at Rhinelander, Wisconsin High School Theatre Festival, Wisconsin Theatre Auditions & Technical Interviews). In addition she works with several of arts organizations in the Madison area including Four Seasons Theatre, UW Varsity Band Spring Concert, Madison Early Music Festival, and Madison Opera.
Director of Communications
Gwendolyn Rice will manage marketing, public relations, and development for the company. She holds a Master’s degree in Theater Literature, History, and Criticism from UW Madison. Gwen has worked in marketing, communications, and fundraising for a variety of non-profit arts organizations including First Stage Milwaukee, the Friends of the Coronado, and the Rockford Symphony Orchestra.
You can email Gwendolyn at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
