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.
FALL, WINTER, & SPRING REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN!
Please note that discounts cannot be stacked. The website will automatically apply the best discount available based on the contents of your cart.
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.
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.
Jan 21 – Feb 27 | Thu, 4:30 – 5:30 PM
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.
Apr 10 – May 22 | Sat, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
(No class on April 24)
Every story needs the characters who dare to be different. Students will explore unforgettable misfits, lovable outcasts, and unlikely heroes from the past 40 years of First Stage productions, bringing their stories to life through scene work and character development.
Apr 8 – May 20 | Thu, 4:30 PM – 5:30 PM
(No class on April 22)
Every story needs the characters who dare to be different. Students will explore unforgettable misfits, lovable outcasts, and unlikely heroes from the past 40 years of First Stage productions, bringing their stories to life through scene work and character development.
Apr 10 – May 22 | Sat, 11:15 AM – 12:15 PM
(No class on April 24)
Every great production begins with a vision. Students will step into the role of director, learning how to shape a story, guide actors, and bring the vision from page to stage.
Apr 10 – May 22 | Sat, 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM
(No class on April 24)
Develop expressiveness, spontaneity, and train your brain to think quickly and with reason through improvisational character and scene work.
Apr 10 – May 22 | Sat, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
(No class on April 24)
Unleash your inner rock star! Explore the electrifying world of rock and jukebox musicals through powerful songs, bold choreography, and serious rock star acting. Command the stage with your confidence, energy, and rocking style.
Apr 10 – May 22 | Sat, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
(No class on May 8)
Unleash your inner rock star! Explore the electrifying world of rock and jukebox musicals through powerful songs, bold choreography, and serious rock star acting. Command the stage with your confidence, energy, and rocking style.
Apr 10 – May 15 | Sat, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Unleash your inner rock star! Explore the electrifying world of rock and jukebox musicals through powerful songs, bold choreography, and serious rock star acting. Command the stage with your confidence, energy, and rocking style.
Apr 8 – May 20 | Thu, 4:30 PM – 5:30 PM
(No class on April 22)
Unleash your inner rock star! Explore the electrifying world of rock and jukebox musicals through powerful songs, bold choreography, and serious rock star acting. Command the stage with your confidence, energy, and rocking style.
Apr 10 – May 22 | Sat, 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM
(No class on April 24)
Not every show is a blockbuster, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t worth discovering! In this class, students will explore song, characters, and stories from musicals that may have closed too soon, but continue to inspire performers and audiences alike.
Apr 8 – May 20 | Thu, 4:30 PM – 5:30 PM
(No class on April 22)
Not every show is a blockbuster, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t worth discovering! In this class, students will explore song, characters, and stories from musicals that may have closed too soon, but continue to inspire performers and audiences alike.
Apr 10 – May 15 | Sat, 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM
Not every show is a blockbuster, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t worth discovering! In this class, students will explore song, characters, and stories from musicals that may have closed too soon, but continue to inspire performers and audiences alike.
Apr 10 – May 22 | Sat, 10:45 AM – 11:45 AM
(No class on May 8)
Something has gone wrong in Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory! Students will use their voice, body, and imagination to help Wonka solve the sweet chaos and bring this candy-filled adventure to life!
Apr 10 – May 15 | Sat, 10:45 AM – 11:45 AM
Something has gone wrong in Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory! Students will use their voice, body, and imagination to help Wonka solve the sweet chaos and bring this candy-filled adventure to life!
Apr 10 – May 22 | Sat, 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM
(No class on April 24)
Something has gone wrong in Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory! Students will use their voice, body, and imagination to help Wonka solve the sweet chaos and bring this candy-filled adventure to life!
Apr 10 – May 22 | Sat, 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM
(No class on April 24)
Something has gone wrong in Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory! Students will use their voice, body, and imagination to help Wonka solve the sweet chaos and bring this candy-filled adventure to life!
Apr 8 – May 20 | Thu, 4:30 PM – 5:30 PM
(No class on April 22)
Jump into Frist Stage Theater Academy’s favorite stories from the past 40 years. Anything from Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse to Nancy Drew and Her Biggest Case Ever. Strengthen your acting skills through character development and scene analysis all while building confidence and sharpening your presentation skills.
Apr 10 – May 22 | Sat, 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM
(No class on May 8)
Jump into Frist Stage Theater Academy’s favorite stories from the past 40 years. Anything from Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse to Nancy Drew and Her Biggest Case Ever. Strengthen your acting skills through character development and scene analysis all while building confidence and sharpening your presentation skills.
Apr 10 – May 15 | Sat, 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM
Jump into Frist Stage Theater Academy’s favorite stories from the past 40 years. Anything from Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse to Nancy Drew and Her Biggest Case Ever. Strengthen your acting skills through character development and scene analysis all while building confidence and sharpening your presentation skills.
Apr 10 – May 22 | Sat, 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM
(No class on April 24)
Jump into Frist Stage Theater Academy’s favorite stories from the past 40 years. Anything from Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse to Nancy Drew and Her Biggest Case Ever. Strengthen your acting skills through character development and scene analysis all while building confidence and sharpening your presentation skills.
Apr 10 – May 22 | Sat, 1:15 PM – 2:15 PM
(No class on April 24)
Using inspiration from The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe we learn how to create a mass battle fight while being mystical creatures from Narnia. Learning how to be safe with swords and staff while telling the story of fighting against the white witch.
Apr 10 – May 22 | Sat, 9:00 AM – 9:45 AM
(No class on April 24)
Inspired by Mo Willems’ hilarious series, students will use their voice, body, and imagination to create silly scenes, explore expressive characters, and maybe even help The Pigeon find a hot dog.
Apr 10 – May 22 | Sat, 9:30 AM – 10:15 AM
(No class on May 8)
Inspired by Mo Willems’ hilarious series, students will use their voice, body, and imagination to create silly scenes, explore expressive characters, and maybe even help The Pigeon find a hot dog.
Apr 10 – May 15 | Sat, 9:30 AM – 10:15 AM
Inspired by Mo Willems’ hilarious series, students will use their voice, body, and imagination to create silly scenes, explore expressive characters, and maybe even help The Pigeon find a hot dog.
Apr 10 – May 22 | Sat, 9:15 AM – 9:45 AM
(No class on April 24)
Mo Willems’ characters, Gerald and Piggie, know that every day is better with a friend! Create special shared moments in this class designed for young people and their favorite grown-up.
Note: An adult, parent, or guardian must accompany their student to all You & Me classes.
Apr 10 – May 22 | Sat, 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM
(no class on April 24)
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.
2:00-3:30pm, Saturday, October 24
BROADWAY MASTERCLASS w/ James Gray
Work with BROADWAY's JAMES GRAY (Bullets over Broadway, The Producers) in a Broadway dance masterclass.
Those interested will also have an opportunity to audition to attend the Open Jar Institute in NYC, Summer 2027. Be ready to sing a 16-32 bar cut of a song that shows you at your best.
Contact J.T. Backes with any questions: 414-267-2917
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.