FALL REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN!
Led by professional teaching artists, our Theater Academy offers a safe, supportive space where students build confidence, collaborate, and discover the joy of storytelling — all while being celebrated for who you are.
Please Note: Students should register for Summer Academy based on the grade level they will be entering in the Fall of 2026.
Please note that discounts cannot be stacked. The website will automatically apply the best discount available based on the contents of your cart.
Mornings, Monday-Friday, August 3-7
Bring exciting tales to life through dramatic play! Students will begin to develop their actor toolbox of voice, body, and imagination, all while strengthening their ability to focus, cooperate with others, and solve problems.
PUP-TASTIC ADVENTURES
No job is too big, no pup is too small! Join Ryder and the Paw Patrol pups for an action-packed week of rescue missions, adventure, and teamwork-filled fun.
Afternoons, Monday-Friday, August 3-7
Bring exciting tales to life through dramatic play! Students will begin to develop their actor toolbox of voice, body, and imagination, all while strengthening their ability to focus, cooperate with others, and solve problems.
PUP-TASTIC ADVENTURES
No job is too big, no pup is too small! Join Ryder and the Paw Patrol pups for an action-packed week of rescue missions, adventure, and teamwork-filled fun.
Mornings, Monday-Friday, August 10-14
Bring exciting tales to life through dramatic play! Students will begin to develop their actor toolbox of voice, body, and imagination, all while strengthening their ability to focus, cooperate with others, and solve problems.
GOLDEN TICKETS & GIANT PEACHES
Welcome to the wacky world of Roald Dahl, where chocolate rivers flow, giants roam, and clever kids outsmart the grown-ups. Dive into Dahl’s imaginative stories and experience whizzpopping wonders!
Afternoons, Monday-Friday, August 10-14
Bring exciting tales to life through dramatic play! Students will begin to develop their actor toolbox of voice, body, and imagination, all while strengthening their ability to focus, cooperate with others, and solve problems.
GOLDEN TICKETS & GIANT PEACHES
Welcome to the wacky world of Roald Dahl, where chocolate rivers flow, giants roam, and clever kids outsmart the grown-ups. Dive into Dahl’s imaginative stories and experience whizzpopping wonders!
Mornings, Monday-Friday, August 3-7
Each session is a new adventure as students utilize creative thinking as a group to further develop their beginning acting skills. Students will work together to pull inspiration from these popular themes and use improvisation techniques to create their own characters and brand new story.
MUSHROOM KINGDOM MADNESS
Let’s-a-go! Power up with Mario and friends for an action packed adventure! Jump into colorful levels, creative challenges, and work together to outsmart Bowser’s tricky traps.
Afternoons, Monday-Friday, August 3-7
Each session is a new adventure as students utilize creative thinking as a group to further develop their beginning acting skills. Students will work together to pull inspiration from these popular themes and use improvisation techniques to create their own characters and brand new story.
FRACTURED FAIRYTALES
Once upon a time in a land far, far, away… everything went wrong! Work together to untangle your favorite fairytale stories and give them a surprising twist.
Mornings, Monday-Friday, August 10-14
Each session is a new adventure as students utilize creative thinking as a group to further develop their beginning acting skills. Students will work together to pull inspiration from these popular themes and use improvisation techniques to create their own characters and brand new story.
FRACTURED FAIRYTALES
Once upon a time in a land far, far, away… everything went wrong! Work together to untangle your favorite fairytale stories and give them a surprising twist.
Afternoons, Monday-Friday, August 10-14
Each session is a new adventure as students utilize creative thinking as a group to further develop their beginning acting skills. Students will work together to pull inspiration from these popular themes and use improvisation techniques to create their own characters and brand new story.
MUSHROOM KINGDOM MADNESS
Let’s-a-go! Power up with Mario and friends for an action packed adventure! Jump into colorful levels, creative challenges, and work together to outsmart Bowser’s tricky traps.
Monday-Friday, August 3-7
Dive into Musical Theater, Scene Study, and Voice & Speech to build confidence and creativity. Begin and end each day in community as you set goals, reflect, and celebrate your progress.
Mornings, Monday-Friday, August 3-7
Bring exciting tales to life through dramatic play! Students will begin to develop their actor toolbox of voice, body, and imagination, all while strengthening their ability to focus, cooperate with others, and solve problems.
SUNNY DAYS
Come and play—everything’s A-OK on Sesame Street! Students will visit the neighborhood and meet with some of their favorite friends—Elmo, Cookie Monster, Big Bird and more.
Afternoons, Monday-Friday, August 3-7
Bring exciting tales to life through dramatic play! Students will begin to develop their actor toolbox of voice, body, and imagination, all while strengthening their ability to focus, cooperate with others, and solve problems.
SUNNY DAYS
Come and play—everything’s A-OK on Sesame Street! Students will visit the neighborhood and meet with some of their favorite friends—Elmo, Cookie Monster, Big Bird and more.
Mornings, Monday-Friday, August 3-7
Each session is a new adventure as students utilize creative thinking as a group to further develop their beginning acting skills. Students will work together to pull inspiration from these popular themes and use improvisation techniques to create their own characters and brand new story.
MINIFIG ADVENTURES
Step into the block-tastic world of LEGOLAND — where every brick builds a new adventure! Journey through different realms, build imaginative creations, and work as a team to solve creative challenges.
Afternoons, Monday-Friday, August 3-7
Each session is a new adventure as students utilize creative thinking as a group to further develop their beginning acting skills. Students will work together to pull inspiration from these popular themes and use improvisation techniques to create their own characters and brand new story.
MINION MAYHEM
Minions, assemble! It’s time for mischief and mayhem, Minion style. Take on the role of your favorite little yellow troublemakers and cause some messes, create hilarious schemes, and spread joyous chaos.
Monday-Friday, August 3-7
Dive into Musical Theater, Scene Study, and Voice & Speech to build confidence and creativity. Begin and end each day in community as you set goals, reflect, and celebrate your progress.
Mornings, Monday-Friday, August 17-21
Special registration form required— request at nextsteps@firststage.org or call (414) 267-2970.
Step into a supportive, judgment-free space designed for neurodivergent students and build confidence as an artist and a person. Engage in Acting Theory and Musical Theater each day, guided by teaching artists and special education professionals who champion growth, exploration, and authentic self-expression.
CLASS SIZES: 8 students per class with a team of lead teachers, special education professionals, and teaching assistants with approximately a 2:1 student to teacher ratio. Family aides may accompany a student to class as necessary and agreed upon between the family and First Stage.
Mornings, Monday-Friday, August 24-28
Special registration form required— request at nextsteps@firststage.org or call (414) 267-2970.
Step into a supportive, judgment-free space designed for neurodivergent students and build confidence as an artist and a person. Engage in Acting Theory and Musical Theater each day, guided by teaching artists and special education professionals who champion growth, exploration, and authentic self-expression.
CLASS SIZES: 8 students per class with a team of lead teachers, special education professionals, and teaching assistants with approximately a 2:1 student to teacher ratio. Family aides may accompany a student to class as necessary and agreed upon between the family and First Stage.
Mornings, Monday-Friday, August 17-28
Special registration form required— request at nextsteps@firststage.org or call (414) 267-2970.
Step into a supportive, judgment-free space designed for neurodivergent students and build confidence as an artist and a person. Engage in Acting Theory and Musical Theater each day, guided by teaching artists and special education professionals who champion growth, exploration, and authentic self-expression.
CLASS SIZES: 8 students per class with a team of lead teachers, special education professionals, and teaching assistants with approximately a 2:1 student to teacher ratio. Family aides may accompany a student to class as necessary and agreed upon between the family and First Stage.
4:30-5:30pm, Thursdays, October 8 - November 12
SCENE STUDY: SHADOWS & SUSPENSE
Step into the shadows and bring suspenseful stories to life! Explore how movement and voice can create dramatic tension, crafting haunting scenes while growing as confident performers.
4:30-5:30pm, Thursdays, October 8 - November 12
MUSICAL THEATER: MUSICAL VILLAINS
Embrace your inner villain! Explore dark and dramatic villain characters through powerful songs and bold movements, learning to command the stage with style, power, and a touch of wickedness.
4:30-5:30pm, Thursdays, October 8 - November 12
ACTING: HAUNTED ADVENTURES
Enter if you dare... Explore acting techniques through mood, tension, and storytelling, using material inspired by First Stage’s past production
4:30-5:30pm, Thursdays, October 8 - November 12
MUSICAL THEATER: WHIMSY & WONDER
Step into a world of whimsy and wonder! Explore imaginative, larger-than-life worlds and build skills in character and storytelling through song, movement, and scene work
9:15-9:45am, Saturdays, October 10 - November 14
YOU & ME: TOGETHER WITH GO, DOG. GO!
Explore the colorful world of Go, Dog. Go! and other stories by P.D. Eastman, together! Create special shared moments in this class designed for young people and their favorite grown-up.
9:00-9:45am, Saturdays, October 10 - November 14
STORY DRAMA: GO, DOG. GO! & MORE JOYFUL CLASSICS
Use your voice, body, and imagination, to bring the playful worlds of P.D. Eastman’s stories to life! Create energetic characters and explore storytelling through movement and expression.
9:00-10:00am, Saturdays, October 10 - November 14
PLAYMAKERS: SEUSS ON THE LOOSE
Oh the places we’ll go in the whimsical world of Dr. Seuss! Imagination runs wild with silly rhymes, colorful characters, and wacky worlds inspired by classic tales
10:30-11:30am, Saturdays, October 10 - November 14
PLAYMAKERS: SEUSS ON THE LOOSE
Oh the places we’ll go in the whimsical world of Dr. Seuss! Imagination runs wild with silly rhymes, colorful characters, and wacky worlds inspired by classic tales
10:00-11:00am, Saturdays, October 10 - November 14
SCENE STUDY: SHADOWS & SUSPENSE
Step into the shadows and bring suspenseful stories to life! Explore how movement and voice can create dramatic tension, crafting haunting scenes while growing as confident performers.
11:30-12:30pm, Saturdays, October 10 - November 14
ACTING: HAUNTED ADVENTURES
Enter if you dare... Explore acting techniques through mood, tension, and storytelling, using material inspired by First Stage’s past productions
11:30-12:30pm, Saturdays, October 10 - November 14
MUSICAL THEATER: MUSICAL VILLAINS
Embrace your inner villain! Explore dark and dramatic villain characters through powerful songs and bold movements, learning to command the stage with style, power, and a touch of wickedness
10:00-11:00am, Saturdays, October 10 - November 14
MUSICAL THEATER: WHIMSY & WONDER
Step into a world of whimsy and wonder! Explore imaginative, larger-than-life worlds and build skills in character and storytelling through song, movement, and scene work.
11:15-12:15pm, Saturdays, October 10 - November 14
IMPROVISATION
Develop expressiveness, spontaneity, and train your brain to think quickly and with reason through improvisational character and scene work.
1:15-2:15pm, Saturdays, October 10 - November 14
STAGE COMBAT: UNARMED
Stage combat is the art of creating stunts, falls, and fights—safely! Explore unarmed stage combat through physical comedy and fight techniques to tell bold, comedic stories.
12:00-1:00pm, Saturdays, October 10 - November 14
AUDITION PREP
Want to nail your auditions with confidence? Learn how to show up prepared, make bold choices, and adapt in the moment.
11:00-12:30pm, Saturdays, October 10 - November 14
Special registration form required — to register, contact nextsteps@firststage.org or call (414) 267-2941.
NEXT STEPS
Step into a supportive, judgment-free space designed for neurodivergent students to grow as artists and individuals.
Guided by the philosophy of teaching life skills through stage skills, each class centers the joy of theater arts while building confidence, creativity, and connection.
Special registration form required — to register, contact nextsteps@firststage.org or call (414) 267-2941.
Class Sizes: Our classroom model includes teams of lead teachers, special education professionals, and teaching assistants with approximately a 2:1 student to teacher ratio. Family aides may accompany a student to class as necessary and agreed upon between the family and First Stage.
Curriculum: Students explore character, relationships, action, and text in a safe, welcoming environment that encourages expression without fear of failure, supporting meaningful next steps on stage and beyond.
9:00-9:45am, Saturdays, October 17 - November 21
STORY DRAMA: GO, DOG. GO! & MORE JOYFUL CLASSICS
Use your voice, body, and imagination, to bring the playful worlds of P.D. Eastman’s stories to life! Create energetic characters and explore storytelling through movement and expression.
9:30-10:30am, Saturdays, October 17 - November 21
PLAYMAKERS: SEUSS ON THE LOOSE
Oh the places we’ll go in the whimsical world of Dr. Seuss! Imagination runs wild with silly rhymes, colorful characters, and wacky worlds inspired by classic tales.
10:00-11:00am, Saturdays, October 17 - November 21
SCENE STUDY: SHADOWS & SUSPENSE
Step into the shadows and bring suspenseful stories to life! Explore how movement and voice can create dramatic tension, crafting haunting scenes while growing as confident performers.
11:00-12:00pm, Saturdays, October 17 - November 21
MUSICAL THEATER: MUSICAL VILLAINS
Embrace your inner villain! Explore dark and dramatic villain characters through powerful songs and bold movements, learning to command the stage with style, power, and a touch of wickedness.
11:15-12:15pm, Saturdays, October 17 - November 21
MUSICAL THEATER: WHIMSY & WONDER
Step into a world of whimsy and wonder! Explore imaginative, larger-than-life worlds and build skills in character and storytelling through song, movement, and scene work.
9:30-10:15am, Saturdays, October 17 - November 21
STORY DRAMA: GO, DOG. GO! & MORE JOYFUL CLASSICS
Use your voice, body, and imagination, to bring the playful worlds of P.D. Eastman’s stories to life! Create energetic characters and explore storytelling through movement and expression.
10:45-11:45am, Saturdays, October 17 - November 21
PLAYMAKERS: SEUSS ON THE LOOSE
Oh the places we’ll go in the whimsical world of Dr. Seuss! Imagination runs wild with silly rhymes, colorful characters, and wacky worlds inspired by classic tales.
9:30-10:30am, Saturdays, October 17 - November 21
SCENE STUDY: SHADOWS & SUSPENSE
Step into the shadows and bring suspenseful stories to life! Explore how movement and voice can create dramatic tension, crafting haunting scenes while growing as confident performers.
11:00-12:00pm, Saturdays, October 17 - November 21
MUSICAL THEATER: MUSICAL VILLAINS
Embrace your inner villain! Explore dark and dramatic villain characters through powerful songs and bold movements, learning to command the stage with style, power, and a touch of wickedness.
Jan 23 – Feb 27 | Sat, 10:00 – 11:00 AM
Some stories stand the test of time, while others slowly fade away. Explore forgotten tales, literary classics, and hidden gems through scene work, character exploration, and imagination.
Jan 23 – Feb 27 | Sat, 11:15 AM – 12:15 PM
What if making a mistake was the best thing that could happen? Embrace the unexpected and explore the art of clowning through play, curiosity, and physical comedy.
Jan 23 – Feb 27 | Sat, 12:45 – 1:45 PM
Develop expressiveness, spontaneity, and train your brain to think quickly and with reason through improvisational character and scene work.
Jan 23 – Feb 27 | Sat, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Bring colorful characters and exciting stories to life through singing, dancing, and acting—inspired by First Stage favorites like Ella Enchanted, Willy Wonka and The Chocolate Factory, and Shrek.
Jan 23 – Feb 27 | Sat, 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Bring colorful characters and exciting stories to life through singing, dancing, and acting—inspired by First Stage favorites like Ella Enchanted, Willy Wonka and The Chocolate Factory, and Shrek.
Jan 21 – Feb 25 | Thu, 4:30 – 5:30 PM
Bring colorful characters and exciting stories to life through singing, dancing, and acting—inspired by First Stage favorites like Ella Enchanted, Willy Wonka and The Chocolate Factory, and Shrek.
Jan 23 – Feb 27 | Sat, 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM
From classic favorites to modern hits, experience the magic of movie musicals from the inside out! Explore songs, choreography, and characters from some of the most memorable movie musicals.
Jan 21 – Feb 25 | Thu, 4:30 – 5:30 PM
From classic favorites to modern hits, experience the magic of movie musicals from the inside out! Explore songs, choreography, and characters from some of the most memorable movie musicals.
Jan 23 – Feb 27 | Sat, 10:30 – 11:30 AM
There are Heffalumps and Woozles in the Hundred Acre Wood! Use your voice, body, and imagination to help Pooh and his friends as you set out on a whimsical adventure filled with mischief and mystery.
Jan 23 – Feb 27 | Sat, 10:45 – 11:45 AM
There are Heffalumps and Woozles in the Hundred Acre Wood! Use your voice, body, and imagination to help Pooh and his friends as you set out on a whimsical adventure filled with mischief and mystery.
Jan 23 – Feb 27 | Sat, 9:00 – 10:00 AM
There are Heffalumps and Woozles in the Hundred Acre Wood! Use your voice, body, and imagination to help Pooh and his friends as you set out on a whimsical adventure filled with mischief and mystery.
Jan 23 – Feb 27 | Sat, 10:00 – 11:00 AM
Explore timeless literary classics that have inspired generations of readers. Bring memorable characters and scenes to life while deepening your appreciation for great storytelling.
Jan 21 – Feb 25 | Thu, 4:30 – 5:30 PM
Explore timeless literary classics that have inspired generations of readers. Bring memorable characters and scenes to life while deepening your appreciation for great storytelling.
Jan 23 – Feb 27 | Sat, 9:30 – 10:30 AM
Explore timeless literary classics that have inspired generations of readers. Bring memorable characters and scenes to life while deepening your appreciation for great storytelling.
Jan 23 – Feb 27 | Sat, 1:30 – 2:30 PM
Learn how to fight like a pirate! Stage combat is the art of creating stunts, falls, and fights—safely. Explore sword techniques to tell classic swashbuckling stories.
Jan 23 – Feb 27 | Sat, 9:00 – 9:45 AM
Join Pooh, Piglet, Tigger, and friends and explore the Hundred Acre Wood! Use your voice, body, and imagination to embark on exciting adventures and discover the values of friendship, kindness, courage, and teamwork.
Jan 23 – Feb 27 | Sat, 9:30 – 10:15 AM
Join Pooh, Piglet, Tigger, and friends and explore the Hundred Acre Wood! Use your voice, body, and imagination to embark on exciting adventures and discover the values of friendship, kindness, courage, and teamwork.
Jan 23 – Feb 27 | Sat, 9:15 – 9:45 AM
Note: An adult, parent, or guardian must accompany student to all You & Me classes
Explore the huggable world of Winnie-the Pooh and other stories from the Hundred Acre Wood, together! Create special shared moments in this class designed for young people and their favorite grown-up.
Jan 23 – Feb 27 | Sat, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Bring colorful characters and exciting stories to life through singing, dancing, and acting—inspired by First Stage favorites like Ella Enchanted, Willy Wonka and The Chocolate Factory, and Shrek.
Jan 23 – Feb 23 | Sat, 9:30 – 10:30 AM
From classic favorites to modern hits, experience the magic of movie musicals from the inside out! Explore songs, choreography, and characters from some of the most memorable movie musicals.
Jan 23 – Feb 27 | Sat, 10:45 – 11:45 AM
There are Heffalumps and Woozles in the Hundred Acre Wood! Use your voice, body, and imagination to help Pooh and his friends as you set out on a whimsical adventure filled with mischief and mystery.
Jan 23 – Feb 27 | Sat, 9:30 – 10:30 AM
Explore timeless literary classics that have inspired generations of readers. Bring memorable characters and scenes to life while deepening your appreciation for great storytelling.
Jan 23 – Feb 23 | Sat, 9:30 – 10:15 AM
Join Pooh, Piglet, Tigger, and friends and explore the Hundred Acre Wood! Use your voice, body, and imagination to embark on exciting adventures and discover the values of friendship, kindness, courage, and teamwork.
Jan 23 – Feb 27 | Sat, 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM
Special registration form required— request at nextsteps@firststage.org or call (414) 267-2970.
Step into a supportive, judgement-free space designed for neurodivergent students to grow as artist and individuals.
Guided by the philosophy of teaching life skills through stage skills, each class centers the joy of theater arts while building confidence, creativity, and connection.