Academy Production Lab is a one-of-a-kind program designed for students in grades 5-9 to immerse themselves in both performance and production. This exciting new initiative allows students to gain hands-on experience as actors, designers, assistant directors, or stage managers, working together to bring a show to life!
THE SNOW
Public Performances
FEBRUARY 12 – 21, 2027
GOODMAN MAINSTAGE HALL at the
MILWAUKEE YOUTH ARTS CENTER
This year's adventure will be The Snow by Finegan Kruckemeyer. When an epic snowfall traps the villagers of tiny Kishka, young Theodore Sutton comes up with a daring solution. Whimsical, humorous, mysterious, and heartfelt, this play weaves a fantastical Grimmsian tale for the entire family.
WHAT TO EXPECT
- Collaborative Creation: Students will work with three adult professionals—a director, design coordinator, and stage manager—to devise and craft a dynamic production using limited resources, such as rehearsal blocks, fabric, props, and costumes from past productions. Together, the team will seek imaginative solutions that invite audiences to become active participants in the story.
- Personalized Focus: Participants will choose a primary area of focus (acting, design, directing, or stage management) and explore a secondary area, broadening their skills while contributing to the production in multiple ways.
- Hands-On Learning: Designers and crew members will explore all aspects of production design, including costumes, sets, props, sound, and lighting, while focusing on one primary area.
- Performances: The final production will be performed for three weekends in Goodman Mainstage Hall as part of First Stage’s season, with ticket proceeds supporting Academy scholarships and new programming.
Workshops: December 3, December 10, & December 15, 2026 (4:30 PM – 8:30 PM)
Rehearsals: January 12 – February 11, 2027 (Tuesdays – Fridays, 4:30 – 8:30 PM & Sundays, 10 AM – 3 PM)
Performances: February 12 – 21, 2027
Tuition: $850 per student (includes four complimentary tickets)
Financial assistance is available through the Access for All Passport Program
Academy Production Lab is supported in part by the Anthony J. Petullo Endowment for Advanced Theater Students