2025 Finalist Weekend

About Finalist Weekend

Finalist Weekend is an exciting opportunity for select finalists to be considered for the First Wave Hip Hop & Urban Arts Scholarship Program. This weekend is designed to evaluate how well each finalist aligns with the program’s core values of arts, activism, and academics.

Throughout the weekend, you will participate in a group audition, learn more about UW-Madison, and meet current and past First Wave scholars, staff, and campus partners.

You will also have the chance to immerse yourself in First Wave’s vibrant culture by attending the annual Line Breaks festival, where you’ll experience the artistry of current scholars. This program aims foster a collaborative environment for prospective scholars and cultivate the next generation of leaders in the arts.

Travel and Lodging

Finalist Weekend will be held in several locations on the UW-Madison Campus. All Finalists will be staying at the Wisconsin Union Hotel located in Union South at 1308 W Dayton St, Madison, WI 53715. This will be the meeting spot for most transitions. Other events will take place across campus, with a van available to transport you from location to location.

If you are driving in, the hotel has free parking for guests in an adjacent underground parking garage. Parking passes will be issued when you check-in. Additional information about guest services at the hotel can be found here.

If you are flying in, you will receive a text message with a pass to order yourself a rideshare service to and from the airport. If you have not received that message prior to your departure, please call (608)-910-1202.

Finalist Weekend Schedule

Thursday, April 10, 2025 (Travel Day)

Arrive at the Wisconsin Union Hotel after 2:00 PM CT. A First Wave representative will greet you in the lobby and assist with check-in.
You’ll receive spending cards for meals on campus throughout the weekend.
Take time to rest for the weekend ahead.

Friday, April 11, 2025 (Group Auditions & Housing Overview)

9:00 AM: Breakfast on your own using provided meal card
10:15 AM: Meet in the Union South lobby to load into the van.
10:30 AM: Shuttle departs for Group Auditions.
10:45 AM: Welcome and Group Auditions at Sellery Hall - Black Box.
1:00 PM: Lunch Break on your own using provided meal card
2:00 PM: Studio Seminar at Sellery Hall - Black Box.
3:00 PM: Special First Wave Screening at Sellery Hall - Black Box.
4:00 PM: Free Time + Dinner on your own using provided meal card.
6:15 PM: Meet in the Union South lobby to load into the van
7:00 PM: Line Breaks Performance at Hemsley Theatre
10:15 PM: Van departs back to the hotel.

Saturday, April 12, 2025 (Badger Belong Day & First Wave Dinner)

8:00 AM: Meet in the Wisconsin Union lobby to load into the van.
8:30 AM: Badger Belong Day kick-off
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Ice Cream Celebration and Resource Fair (Optional).
2:00 PM - 4:45 PM: Free Time.
5:00 PM - 6:00 PM: First Wave Dinner - Union South (Read Screens for Room #)
6:15 PM: Load into van for Line Breaks second showcase.
7:00 PM: Line Breaks Showcase at Hemsley Theatre
10:15 PM: Van departs back to the hotel.

Sunday, April 13, 2025 (Closing Breakfast & Interviews with First Wave Directors)

9:00 AM: Closing Breakfast at Union South (Read Screens for Room #)
10:30 AM - 2:00 PM: Interviews with First Wave Directors at Union South (Room #s will be sent the day before your interview)

Suggested Packing List

ID/Travel Documents and Health Insurance Card

Cell phone & charger, laptop/tablet (optional)

Personal hygiene items (toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, etc.)

Medications (if needed)

Comfortable clothes and shoes for auditions, workshops, and free time

Jacket/sweater for cooler evenings

Sleepwear, undergarments, and socks

Creative materials (notebook, pen, props) for group audition

Rain gear (umbrella or rain jacket, depending on the forecast)

Professional attire for your interview

Snacks and a reusable water bottle

Camera or phone (optional for capturing moments)

FAQs

1. Do I need to accompany my finalist, or can they arrive on their own?
Finalists may travel independently. While some finalists in previous years have been accompanied by a parent or guardian, it’s not required but welcomed if preferred.

2. I can’t arrive until after 2:00 pm. Is that okay?
Yes, it’s fine to arrive later. You can check in anytime after 2:00 PM CT on Thursday, April 10. An OMAI representative will greet you until 6:00 PM. If you arrive after 6:00 PM, you can contact the representative for assistance.

3. What is the schedule for Finalist Weekend?

Thursday, April 10: Arrival and check-in at the Wisconsin Union Hotel after 2:00 PM.
Friday, April 11: Group auditions, studio seminar, special screening, and Line Breaks performance.
Saturday, April 12: Badger Belong Day, First Wave Dinner, and Line Breaks showcase.
Sunday, April 13: Closing breakfast and one-on-one interviews with First Wave Directors.

4. What should finalists expect during the group audition?
The group audition is a collaborative process where finalists blend their unique artistic styles. Pre-audition collaboration is encouraged, and the focus will be on creative experimentation, not finishing a polished piece.

5. How will finalist interviews with the First Wave Directors work?
Each finalist will have a 30-minute one-on-one interview with Sofía Snow and Kayla McGhee. Interview times are first-come, first-served, and a sign-up link can be found here.

6. Can I park at the hotel?
Yes, there is free parking at the Wisconsin Union Hotel in the adjacent underground garage. You will receive a parking pass at check-in.

7. Will meals be provided?
Yes, finalists will receive $90 spending cards for meals on their own throughout the weekend. Dinner on Saturday Evening and Breakfast on Sunday morning will be provided.

8. What if I/my finalist has dietary restrictions?
Please notify us ahead of time if your finalist has dietary restrictions. We will do our best to accommodate their needs with the meals provided.

9. Is there a dress code?
No formal dress code. Finalists should wear comfortable clothing for activities. For the Line Breaks performance and other events, casual but neat attire is recommended. Plan a comfortable outfit for the Sunday interviews.

10. Is Wi-Fi available during the weekend?
Yes, free Wi-Fi will be available at the hotel and various campus locations.

11. Can finalists bring personal guests to events or meals?
Due to space limitations, events are primarily for finalists and OMAI staff. Please reach out in advance if you wish to bring a guest to any events.

12. What happens if a finalist is feeling unwell or needs medical assistance?
OMAI staff will be available to help finalists with medical needs. The hotel has medical facilities on campus, and emergency contacts will be provided.

13. Will finalists meet current First Wave scholars?
Yes, finalists will have opportunities to meet current and past First Wave scholars throughout the weekend.

14. How can parents and guardians stay informed?
OMAI staff will provide contact information for any questions or updates. We encourage finalists to stay in touch with their families as needed.