Connect and Engage with First Stage - From the Safety of Your Own Home!

First Stage | March 26, 2020

Milwaukee, WI – March 26, 2020 – For the health and safety of the community, families and artists, and the audiences served, First Stage’s current live performances and traditional, in-person Theater Academy classes and in-school curriculum are postponed as mandated through the COVID-19 pandemic and its necessary restrictions.

In the meantime, First Stage has created a number of virtual resources to keep young people engaged from the safety of their homes.

First Stage Theater Academy Online

First Stage Theater Academy – the theater training program for young people – has been able to continue School Year Intensive classes this spring virtually, including Advanced Acting, Advanced Musical Theater, Organized Chaos (advanced improvisation) and Playwrights Ensemble. Students are in contact with their teachers via email, with lessons and activities provided via video and other online resources.

The Theater Academy launched its new YouTube channel and Instagram, which will include daily live stream sessions at 10 a.m. CST and 4 p.m. CST on weekdays. The Beginning of Day session encourages young people to set their focus and give themselves challenges for the day ahead. The End of Day session allows students to acknowledge the successes of their day and acknowledge others as well. Anyone is welcome to join in and start and end their day on an uplifting note!

Theater in Education Online Resource

First Stage at Home is a brand-new resource from the Theater in Education department, which shares activities based on First Stage plays that families can explore together. Theater activities, videos and readings of favorite stories from Teaching Artists will be posted each Tuesday at www.FirstStage.org/FSatHome.

Resources from other Theatres for Young Audiences

TYA/USA, the organization supporting Theatres for Young Audiences like First Stage, has developed a roundup of virtual performances and education resources for young audiences. TYA@Home provides connection during this unprecedented time when young people and families are unable to physically visit a theater, rehearsal or classroom. See what other theaters like ours are creating throughout the country.

Ways to Help

As First Stage forges ahead during this temporary COVID-19 shutdown period, there are many ways patrons can ensure the organization’s continued strong success as they look towards a positive future. Here are some ways to help:

Make a gift to First Stage: www.firststage.org/give
For patrons who had tickets to one of this season’s cancelled performances, they may donate their tickets to First Stage. Please e-mail: ticketmanager@firststage.org
Register to their Summer Theater Academy: www.firststage.org/Our-Academy/Register-For-Classes/
Subscribe to their 2020/21 season when subscriptions go on sale to the general public in the coming weeks
Purchase a gift certificate redeemable for tickets or Theater Academy: www.firststage.org/giftcertificate
Is there another way you would like to help? Please connect with Managing Director Betsy Corry at bcorry@firststage.org. She would love to hear from you!

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About First Stage

First Stage is one of the nation’s leading theaters for young people and families. First Stage touches hearts, engages minds and transforms lives by creating extraordinary theater experiences through professional theater productions that inspire, enlighten and entertain. Its Theater Academy, the nation’s largest high-impact theater training program for young people, fosters life skills through stage skills and nearly 2,000 students each year. As Wisconsin’s leader in arts-integrated education in schools, First Stage’s dynamic Theater in Education programs promote literacy, character building and experiential learning throughout the curriculum, serving over 20,000 students each year. First Stage was selected to participate in the Partners in Education program of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts (2012), and was the recipient of the Milwaukee Business Journal’s Eureka Award, recognizing creativity and innovation in business, education and the arts for its Next Steps program for students on the autism spectrum (2013, 2015). First Stage is a member of TYA/USA, the American Alliance for Theatre and Education, the Wisconsin Alliance for Arts Education, Milwaukee Arts Partners and is a cornerstone member of the United Performing Arts Fund (UPAF).www.firststage.org.