Course Listings

Theater Academy classes designed for both verbal and non-verbal students, students with classic autism, PDD-NOS, other sensory processing disorders, and Asperger's. If you wish to hear about our program offerings and course availability, please contact our Theater Academy offices at (414) 267-2970 or nextsteps@firststage.org. 

Theater Academy classes designed for both verbal and non-verbal students, students with classic autism, PDD-NOS, other sensory processing disorders, and Asperger's. If you wish to hear about our program offerings and course availability, please contact our Theater Academy offices at (414) 267-2970 or nextsteps@firststage.org. 

Theater Academy classes designed for both verbal and non-verbal students, students with classic autism, PDD-NOS, other sensory processing disorders, and Asperger's. If you wish to hear about our program offerings and course availability, please contact our Theater Academy offices at (414) 267-2970 or nextsteps@firststage.org. 

Theater Academy classes designed for both verbal and non-verbal students, students with classic autism, PDD-NOS, other sensory processing disorders, and Asperger's. If you wish to hear about our program offerings and course availability, please contact our Theater Academy offices at (414) 267-2970 or nextsteps@firststage.org. 

Theater Academy classes designed for both verbal and non-verbal students, students with classic autism, PDD-NOS, other sensory processing disorders, and Asperger's. If you wish to hear about our program offerings and course availability, please contact our Theater Academy offices at (414) 267-2970 or nextsteps@firststage.org. 

Theater Academy classes designed for both verbal and non-verbal students, students with classic autism, PDD-NOS, other sensory processing disorders, and Asperger's. If you wish to hear about our program offerings and course availability, please contact our Theater Academy offices at (414) 267-2970 or nextsteps@firststage.org. 

MONSTER MAYHEM

Monsters are so much more than just scary things under your bed! Use your body, voice, and imagination to build hauntingly fun stories.

SCENE STUDY

THE PIGEON GETS A BIG TIME HOLIDAY EXTRAVAGANZA!

When Mo Willems’ characters get together for the holidays, it’s bound to be the biggest extravaganza ever! Explore characters, relationships, action, and text while developing overall acting skills and confidence using this brand-new script.

MUSICAL THEATER

BROADWAY’S DISNEY HITS

From the castle to the stage, this musical theater class will feature songs from beloved Disney classics that made their way to Broadway! Sing, dance, and act your heart out as you bring the magic of Disney to life.

ACTING

Dive into mysterious characters, creepy scenes, and ghostly drama as we explore the story behind our upcoming show Goosebumps: Phantom of the Auditorium! Explore characters, relationships, action, and text while developing overall acting skills and confidence.

YOU & ME

MOTHER GHOST: NURSERY RHYMES FOR LITTLE MONSTERS

Young people love using their imaginations to explore the world around them, and they love the special interactions that exist with a guardian. Share unique experiences and wonderful moments through creative drama by participating in a class with your favorite young person.

Note: An adult, Parent, or Guardian must accompany student to all You & Me classes

YOU & ME

MOTHER GHOST: NURSERY RHYMES FOR LITTLE MONSTERS

Young people love using their imaginations to explore the world around them, and they love the special interactions that exist with a guardian. Share unique experiences and wonderful moments through creative drama by participating in a class with your favorite young person.

Note: An adult, Parent, or Guardian must accompany student to all You & Me classes

STORY DRAMA

PUMPKIN PATCH OF POSSIBILITY!

All of us are unique, just like pumpkins! Students will use their imagination and voice to explore the importance of being ourselves and supporting each other like good friends in a patch.

STORY DRAMA

PUMPKIN PATCH OF POSSIBILITY!

All of us are unique, just like pumpkins! Students will use their imagination and voice to explore the importance of being ourselves and supporting each other like good friends in a patch.

MONSTER MAYHEM

Monsters are so much more than just scary things under your bed! Use your body, voice, and imagination to build hauntingly fun stories.

MONSTER MAYHEM

Monsters are so much more than just scary things under your bed! Use your body, voice, and imagination to build hauntingly fun stories.

THE PIGEON GETS A BIG TIME HOLIDAY EXTRAVAGANZA!

When Mo Willems’ characters get together for the holidays, it’s bound to be the biggest extravaganza ever! Explore characters, relationships, action, and text while developing overall acting skills and confidence using this brand-new script.

ACTING

Dive into mysterious characters, creepy scenes, and ghostly drama as we explore the story behind our upcoming show Goosebumps: Phantom of the Auditorium! Explore characters, relationships, action, and text while developing overall acting skills and confidence.

BROADWAY’S DISNEY HITS

From the castle to the stage, this musical theater class will feature songs from beloved Disney classics that made their way to Broadway! Sing, dance, and act your heart out as you bring the magic of Disney to life.

MUSICAL THEATER

Take the stage with Live from Broadway!, a high-energy musical theater class featuring songs from today’s hottest Broadway hits! Sing, dance, and act your heart out as you bring the magic of modern musicals to life.

IMPROVISATION

Develop expressiveness, spontaneity, and train your brain to think quickly and with reason through improvisational character and scene work.

STAGE COMBAT

Stage combat is the art of creating realistic-looking stunts, falls, and fights — safely! Students of all experience levels will be able to learn fundamental stage combat techniques with hands-on lessons in a safe and controlled classroom, all while gaining trust in each other and their own physicality

PUPPETRY

Bring characters to life in this hands-on class — Bringing Puppets to Life — where your imagination takes center stage! From shadow puppets to hand puppets, you’ll learn how to move, voice, and perform with all types of puppets.

NEXT STEPS

Designed for students on the autism spectrum, Next Steps classes help students take their “next steps” as an artist and a person. First Stage creates a safe space for all students to express themselves and develop as individuals without judgment or fear of failure. Guided by our philosophy of teaching life skills through stage skills, students will experience the joy of theater arts each day with a team of teaching artists and special education professionals.

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.

Next Steps Curriculum: Explore character, relationships, action and text while developing overall acting skills and confidence.

Special registration form required — to register, contact nextsteps@firststage.org or call (414) 267-2941.

PUMPKIN PATCH OF POSSIBILITY!

All of us are unique, just like pumpkins! Students will use their imagination and voice to explore the importance of being ourselves and supporting each other like good friends in a patch.

PUMPKIN PATCH OF POSSIBILITY!

All of us are unique, just like pumpkins! Students will use their imagination and voice to explore the importance of being ourselves and supporting each other like good friends in a patch.

MONSTER MAYHEM

Monsters are so much more than just scary things under your bed! Use your body, voice, and imagination to build hauntingly fun stories.

SCENE STUDY

THE PIGEON GETS A BIG TIME HOLIDAY EXTRAVAGANZA!

When Mo Willems’ characters get together for the holidays, it’s bound to be the biggest extravaganza ever! Explore characters, relationships, action, and text while developing overall acting skills and confidence using this brand-new script.

MUSICAL THEATER

BROADWAY’S DISNEY HITS

From the castle to the stage, this musical theater class will feature songs from beloved Disney classics that made their way to Broadway! Sing, dance, and act your heart out as you bring the magic of Disney to life.

YOU & ME

MOTHER GHOST: NURSERY RHYMES FOR LITTLE MONSTERS

Young people love using their imaginations to explore the world around them, and they love the special interactions that exist with a guardian. Share unique experiences and wonderful moments through creative drama by participating in a class with your favorite young person.

Note: An adult, Parent, or Guardian must accompany student to all You & Me classes.

PUMPKIN PATCH OF POSSIBILITY!

All of us are unique, just like pumpkins! Students will use their imagination and voice to explore the importance of being ourselves and supporting each other like good friends in a patch.

PUMPKIN PATCH OF POSSIBILITY!

All of us are unique, just like pumpkins! Students will use their imagination and voice to explore the importance of being ourselves and supporting each other like good friends in a patch.

MONSTER MAYHEM

Monsters are so much more than just scary things under your bed! Use your body, voice, and imagination to build hauntingly fun stories.

THE PIGEON GETS A BIG TIME HOLIDAY EXTRAVAGANZA!

When Mo Willems’ characters get together for the holidays, it’s bound to be the biggest extravaganza ever! Explore characters, relationships, action, and text while developing overall acting skills and confidence using this brand-new script.

BROADWAY’S DISNEY HITS

From the castle to the stage, this musical theater class will feature songs from beloved Disney classics that made their way to Broadway! Sing, dance, and act your heart out as you bring the magic of Disney to life.

MEDIEVAL MAGIC

Kings, princesses, wizards, and dragons are everywhere! Students will use their bodies, voices, and imaginations to craft royally fun stories.

LOVABYE DRAGON

An enchanting musical of unexpected friendship between a lonely girl and an even lonelier dragon. Together they embark on a grand adventure to the farthest far away only to face their greatest challenge. Explore characters, relationships, action, and text while developing overall acting skills and confidence using this touching story.

WICKED

This musical theater class will feature songs from the Tony Award Winning Musical, Wicked! Our students will dance through life using the engaging world of Oz and the hit songs and dances of the fan-favorite musical!

PETER PAN & WENDY

Through the magic of stage wizardry and the power of your imagination, you will find yourself transported along with Wendy and her brothers to Neverland — a place of magic and wonder, of danger and suspense, but above all a place where you will believe in the seemingly unbelievable! Explore characters, relationships, action, and text while developing overall acting skills and confidence.

DRAGON DREAMLAND

Young people love using their imaginations to explore the world around them, and they love the special interactions that exist with a guardian. Share unique experiences and wonderful moments through creative drama by participating in a class with your favorite young person.

Note: An adult, Parent, or Guardian must accompany student to all You & Me classes

DRAGON DREAMLAND

Young people love using their imaginations to explore the world around them, and they love the special interactions that exist with a guardian. Share unique experiences and wonderful moments through creative drama by participating in a class with your favorite young person.

Note: An adult, Parent, or Guardian must accompany student to all You & Me classes

LOVABYE DRAGON

Even dragons need a friend! Students will use movement, imagination, and storytelling to explore themes of kindness, comfort, and connection as they bring the world of Lovabye Dragon to life.

LOVABYE DRAGON

Even dragons need a friend! Students will use movement, imagination, and storytelling to explore themes of kindness, comfort, and connection as they bring the world of Lovabye Dragon to life.

MEDIEVAL MAGIC

Kings, princesses, wizards, and dragons are everywhere! Students will use their bodies, voices, and imaginations to craft royally fun stories.

MEDIEVAL MAGIC

Kings, princesses, wizards, and dragons are everywhere! Students will use their bodies, voices, and imaginations to craft royally fun stories.

LOVABYE DRAGON

An enchanting musical of unexpected friendship between a lonely girl and an even lonelier dragon. Together they embark on a grand adventure to the farthest far away only to face their greatest challenge. Explore characters, relationships, action, and text while developing overall acting skills and confidence using this touching story.

PETER PAN & WENDY

Through the magic of stage wizardry and the power of your imagination, you will find yourself transported along with Wendy and her brothers to Neverland — a place of magic and wonder, of danger and suspense, but above all a place where you will believe in the seemingly unbelievable! Explore characters, relationships, action, and text while developing overall acting skills and confidence.

WICKED

This musical theater class will feature songs from the Tony Award Winning Musical, Wicked! Our students will dance through life using the engaging world of Oz and the hit songs and dances of the fan-favorite musical!

THE SONGS OF STEPHEN SCHWARTZ

From Wicked to Pippin to Godspell, discover the unforgettable music of Stephen Schwartz! In this dynamic musical theater class, students will sing, dance, and act their way through iconic songs that celebrate storytelling, imagination, and heart.

IMPROVISATION

Develop expressiveness, spontaneity, and train your brain to think quickly and with reason through improvisational character and scene work.

STAGE COMBAT

Stage combat is the art of creating realistic-looking stunts, falls, and fights — safely! Students of all experience levels will be able to learn fundamental stage combat techniques with hands-on lessons in a safe and controlled classroom, all while gaining trust in each other and their own physicality

ACTING FOR THE CAMERA

Lights, camera, action! In this on-camera acting class, students will learn the fundamentals of performing for film and TV. Through scenes, monologues, and on-set exercises, young actors will explore how to adapt their performance for the screen, build confidence in front of the camera, and bring characters to life with subtlety and truth.

NEXT STEPS

Designed for students on the autism spectrum, Next Steps classes help students take their “next steps” as an artist and a person. First Stage creates a safe space for all students to express themselves and develop as individuals without judgment or fear of failure. Guided by our philosophy of teaching life skills through stage skills, students will experience the joy of theater arts each day with a team of teaching artists and special education professionals.

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.

Next Steps Curriculum: Explore character, relationships, action and text while developing overall acting skills and confidence.

Special registration form required — to register, contact nextsteps@firststage.org or call (414) 267-2941.

LOVABYE DRAGON

Even dragons need a friend! Students will use movement, imagination, and storytelling to explore themes of kindness, comfort, and connection as they bring the world of Lovabye Dragon to life.

LOVABYE DRAGON

Even dragons need a friend! Students will use movement, imagination, and storytelling to explore themes of kindness, comfort, and connection as they bring the world of Lovabye Dragon to life.

MEDIEVAL MAGIC

Kings, princesses, wizards, and dragons are everywhere! Students will use their bodies, voices, and imaginations to craft royally fun stories.

LOVABYE DRAGON

An enchanting musical of unexpected friendship between a lonely girl and an even lonelier dragon. Together they embark on a grand adventure to the farthest far away only to face their greatest challenge. Explore characters, relationships, action, and text while developing overall acting skills and confidence using this touching story.

PETER PAN & WENDY

Through the magic of stage wizardry and the power of your imagination, you will find yourself transported along with Wendy and her brothers to Neverland — a place of magic and wonder, of danger and suspense, but above all a place where you will believe in the seemingly unbelievable! Explore characters, relationships, action, and text while developing overall acting skills and confidence.

OLAF AND SVEN'S BIG ADVENTURE

Reindeer, snowmen, and silly surprises await! Students will use their bodies, voices, and imaginations to help Olaf and Sven set off on a brand-new adventure full of friendship, fun, and frosty magic.

FROZEN

Step into the world of Frozen and bring your favorite characters to life! Students will explore short scenes inspired by Anna, Elsa, Olaf, and friends—building acting skills, teamwork, and confidence as they practice working with partners, using expressive voices, and creating magical moments onstage.

FROZEN

Do you want to build a snowman—or belt out “Let It Go”? Students will sing, dance, and act their way through the world of Frozen. With fun group numbers and character moments, young performers will grow their confidence and shine like stars on the snowy stage!

FROZEN

Dive deeper into the world of Frozen through character-driven scene work and storytelling! In this acting class, students will explore the emotions, relationships, and journeys of characters like Anna, Elsa, Kristoff, and more—building performance skills, ensemble connection, and stage presence along the way.

FROZEN TALES

Young people love using their imaginations to explore the world around them, and they love the special interactions that exist with a guardian. Share unique experiences and wonderful moments through creative drama by participating in a class with your favorite young person.

Note: An adult, Parent, or Guardian must  accompany student to all You & Me classes

FROZEN TALES

Young people love using their imaginations to explore the world around them, and they love the special interactions that exist with a guardian. Share unique experiences and wonderful moments through creative drama by participating in a class with your favorite young person.

Note: An adult, Parent, or Guardian must accompany student to all You & Me classes

ADVENTURES IN ARENDELLE

Magic is everywhere in Arendelle! Students will use their imaginations, voices, and movement to journey through snowy forests, enchanted castles, and magical moments—celebrating bravery, friendship, and the power of being yourself.

ADVENTURES IN ARENDELLE

Magic is everywhere in Arendelle! Students will use their imaginations, voices, and movement to journey through snowy forests, enchanted castles, and magical moments—celebrating bravery, friendship, and the power of being yourself.

OLAF AND SVEN'S BIG ADVENTURE

Reindeer, snowmen, and silly surprises await! Students will use their bodies, voices, and imaginations to help Olaf and Sven set off on a brand-new adventure full of friendship, fun, and frosty magic.

OLAF AND SVEN'S BIG ADVENTURE

Reindeer, snowmen, and silly surprises await! Students will use their bodies, voices, and imaginations to help Olaf and Sven set off on a brand-new adventure full of friendship, fun, and frosty magic.

FROZEN

Step into the world of Frozen and bring your favorite characters to life! Students will explore short scenes inspired by Anna, Elsa, Olaf, and friends—building acting skills, teamwork, and confidence as they practice working with partners, using expressive voices, and creating magical moments onstage.

FROZEN

Dive deeper into the world of Frozen through character-driven scene work and storytelling! In this acting class, students will explore the emotions, relationships, and journeys of characters like Anna, Elsa, Kristoff, and more—building performance skills, ensemble connection, and stage presence along the way.

FROZEN

Do you want to build a snowman—or belt out “Let It Go”? Students will sing, dance, and act their way through the world of Frozen. With fun group numbers and character moments, young performers will grow their confidence and shine like stars on the snowy stage!

CONTEMPORARY MUSICAL THEATER HITS!

Get ready to sing, dance, and act to the sounds of today’s biggest musicals! From Hamilton to Waitress to Six, this high-energy class will have students diving into powerful songs, dynamic choreography, and character-driven scenes from modern Broadway favorites. Perfect for performers ready to shine in the spotlight!

IMPROVISATION

Develop expressiveness, spontaneity, and train your brain to think quickly and with reason through improvisational character and scene work.

STAGE COMBAT

Stage combat is the art of creating realistic-looking stunts, falls, and fights — safely! Students of all experience levels will be able to learn fundamental stage combat techniques with hands-on lessons in a safe and controlled classroom, all while gaining trust in each other and their own physicality

COSTUME CREATION & CHARACTER DESIGN

From sketchbook to stage! In this hands-on class, students will explore the art of costume design and how clothing helps bring characters to life. Through drawing, fabric work, and creative storytelling, young designers will learn how to develop original costume pieces while building characters from the outside in. Perfect for artists, actors, and anyone who loves to imagine bold new worlds through design!

NEXT STEPS

Designed for students on the autism spectrum, Next Steps classes help students take their “next steps” as an artist and a person. First Stage creates a safe space for all students to express themselves and develop as individuals without judgment or fear of failure. Guided by our philosophy of teaching life skills through stage skills, students will experience the joy of theater arts each day with a team of teaching artists and special education professionals.

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.

Next Steps Curriculum: Explore character, relationships, action and text while developing overall acting skills and confidence.

Special registration form required — to register, contact nextsteps@firststage.org or call (414) 267-2941.

ADVENTURES IN ARENDELLE

Magic is everywhere in Arendelle! Students will use their imaginations, voices, and movement to journey through snowy forests, enchanted castles, and magical moments—celebrating bravery, friendship, and the power of being yourself.

ADVENTURES IN ARENDELLE

Magic is everywhere in Arendelle! Students will use their imaginations, voices, and movement to journey through snowy forests, enchanted castles, and magical moments—celebrating bravery, friendship, and the power of being yourself.

OLAF AND SVEN'S BIG ADVENTURE

Reindeer, snowmen, and silly surprises await! Students will use their bodies, voices, and imaginations to help Olaf and Sven set off on a brand-new adventure full of friendship, fun, and frosty magic.

FROZEN

Step into the world of Frozen and bring your favorite characters to life! Students will explore short scenes inspired by Anna, Elsa, Olaf, and friends—building acting skills, teamwork, and confidence as they practice working with partners, using expressive voices, and creating magical moments onstage.

FROZEN

Dive deeper into the world of Frozen through character-driven scene work and storytelling! In this acting class, students will explore the emotions, relationships, and journeys of characters like Anna, Elsa, Kristoff, and more—building performance skills, ensemble connection, and stage presence along the way.

The trip to Utah is a competition at the Utah Shakespeare Festival in Cedar City, Utah. YC assembles a team of 10-15 students to fly to Utah, present in the competition, and see several plays at the Festival. This trip will be October 2-4, 2025, with rehearsals throughout September.

A promotional code is required to register for this class. Please reach out to the Academy Office for assistance at academy@firststage.org or (414) 267-2970.