Grades 1-2: Playmakers - Medieval Magic
4:30-5:30pm, Tuesdays, January 13 - February 17
MEDIEVAL MAGIC
Kings, princesses, wizards, and dragons are everywhere! Students will use their bodies, voices, and imaginations to craft royally fun stories.
REGISTER FOR CLASSES
Our exciting acting curriculum varies in intensity with age, experience, and length of session. Acting is at the core of everything we teach and it takes a lifetime to master.
For Summer Academy 2025, please select the classes based on the grade level your student will be entering in the 2025-2026 school-year.
Please note that discounts cannot be stacked. The website will automatically apply the best discount available based on the contents of your cart.
Grades 3-4: Scene Study - Lovabye Dragon
4:30-5:30pm, Tuesdays, January 13 - February 17
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.
Grades 3-4: Musical Theater - Wicked
4:30-5:30pm, Tuesdays, January 13 - February 17
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!
Grades 5-8: Acting - Peter Pan & Wendy
4:30-5:30pm, Tuesdays, January 13 - February 17
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.
Grades K3-K4: You & Me - Dragon Dreamland
9:00-9:30am, Saturdays, January 17 - February 21
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
Grades K3-K4: You & Me - Dragon Dreamland
9:45-10:15am, Saturdays, January 17 - February 21
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
Grades K4-1: Story Drama - Lovabye Dragon
9:30-10:15am, Saturdays, January 17 - February 21
LOVABYE DRAGON
Students will explore the heartwarming story Lovabye Dragon and learn that kindness, empathy, and understanding can build strong bonds. Using their voice, body, and imagination, students will immerse themselves in the story and discover that friends come in all shapes and sizes - even dragons!
Grades K4-1: Story Drama - Lovabye Dragon
10:30-11:15am, Saturdays, January 17 - February 21
LOVABYE DRAGON
Students will explore the heartwarming story Lovabye Dragon and learn that kindness, empathy, and understanding can build strong bonds. Using their voice, body, and imagination, students will immerse themselves in the story and discover that friends come in all shapes and sizes - even dragons!
Grades 1-2: Playmakers - Medieval Magic
9:30-10:30am, Saturdays, January 17 - February 21
MEDIEVAL MAGIC
Step into a magical world where dragons are gentle, princesses are brave, and friendship saves the day! Students will journey through the story of Lovabye Dragon and use their voice, body, and imagination to help build a story full of wonder and heart.
Grades 1-2: Playmakers - Medieval Magic
10:45-11:45am, Saturdays, January 17 - February 21
MEDIEVAL MAGIC
Step into a magical world where dragons are gentle, princesses are brave, and friendship saves the day! Students will journey through the story of Lovabye Dragon and use their voice, body, and imagination to help build a story full of wonder and heart.
Grades 3-4: Scene Study - Lovabye Dragon
12:00-1:00pm, Saturdays, January 17 - February 21
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.
Grades 5-8: Acting - Peter Pan & Wendy
12:00-1:00pm, Saturdays, January 17 - February 21
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.
Grades 3-4: Musical Theater - Wicked
10:00-11:00am, Saturdays, January 17 - February 21
WICKED
Step into the shoes of Elphaba, Glinda, and other magical characters to explore themes of friendship, identity, and courage. Students will bring songs to life while learning about character, storytelling, and stage presence. With a focus on ensemble work, this class is perfect for young performers who are ready to defy gravity!
Grades 5-8: Musical Theater - The Songs of Stephen Schwartz
1:00-2:00pm, Saturdays, January 17 - February 21
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.
Grades 5-8: Improvisation
10:30-11:30am, Saturdays, January 17 - February 21
IMPROVISATION
Develop expressiveness, spontaneity, and train your brain to think quickly and with reason through improvisational character and scene work.
Grades 5-12: Stage Combat
1:30-2:30pm, Saturdays, January 17 - February 21
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
Grades 5-12: Acting for the Camera
12:30-1:30pm, Saturdays, January 17 - February 21
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.
Grades 3-12: Next Steps
10:30-11:30am, Saturdays, January 17 - February 21
Please email nextsteps@firststage.org or call 414-267-2941 to register.
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.
Grades K4-1: Story Drama - Lovabye Dragon (CUW)
9:00-9:45am, Saturdays, January 17 - February 21
LOVABYE DRAGON
Students will explore the heartwarming story Lovabye Dragon and learn that kindness, empathy, and understanding can build strong bonds. Using their voice, body, and imagination, students will immerse themselves in the story and discover that friends come in all shapes and sizes - even dragons!
Grades K4-1: Story Drama - Lovabye Dragon (CUW)
10:00-10:45am, Saturdays, January 17 - February 21
LOVABYE DRAGON
Students will explore the heartwarming story Lovabye Dragon and learn that kindness, empathy, and understanding can build strong bonds. Using their voice, body, and imagination, students will immerse themselves in the story and discover that friends come in all shapes and sizes - even dragons!
Grades 1-2: Playmakers - Medieval Magic (CUW)
9:45-10:45am, Saturdays, January 17 - February 21
MEDIEVAL MAGIC
Step into a magical world where dragons are gentle, princesses are brave, and friendship saves the day! Students will journey through the story of Lovabye Dragon and use their voice, body, and imagination to help build a story full of wonder and heart.
Grades 3-4: Scene Study - Lovabye Dragon (CUW)
9:45-10:45am, Saturdays, January 17 - February 21
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.
Grades 5-8: Acting - Peter Pan & Wendy (CUW)
11:00-12:00pm, Saturdays, January 17 - February 21
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.
Grades 1-2: Playmakers - Olaf and Sven's Big Adventure
4:30-5:30pm, Tuesdays, April 7 - May 19
(No classes on April 21)
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.
Grades 3-4: Scene Study - Frozen
4:30-5:30pm, Tuesdays, April 7 - May 19
(No classes on 4/21)
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.
Grades 3-4: Musical Theater - Frozen
4:30-5:30pm, Tuesdays, April 7 - May 19
(No classes on 4/21)
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!
Grades 5-8: Acting - Frozen
4:30-5:30pm, Tuesdays, April 7 - May 19
(No classes on 4/21)
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.
Grades K3-K4: You & Me - Frozen Tales
9:00-9:30am, Saturdays, April 11 - May 23
(No classes on 4/25)
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
Grades K3-K4: You & Me - Frozen Tales
9:45-10:15am, Saturdays, April 11 - May 23
(No classes on 4/25)
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
Grades K4-1: Story Drama - Adventures in Arendelle
9:30-10:15am, Saturdays, April 11 - May 23
(No classes on 4/25)
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.
Grades K4-1: Story Drama - Adventures in Arendelle
10:30-11:15am, Saturdays, April 11 - May 23
(No classes on 4/25)
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.
Grades 1-2: Playmakers - Olaf and Sven's Big Adventure
9:30-10:30am, Saturdays, 9:30-10:30am
(No classes on 4/25)
OLAF AND SVEN'S BIG ADVENTURE
Join Olaf and Sven on their biggest adventure yet! Students will use their voice, body, and imagination to create silly sidekicks, take on brave journeys, and create magical moments as an ensemble.
Grades 1-2: Playmakers - Olaf and Sven's Big Adventure
10:45-11:45am, Saturdays, April 11 - May 23
(No classes on 4/25)
OLAF AND SVEN'S BIG ADVENTURE
Join Olaf and Sven on their biggest adventure yet! Students will use their voice, body, and imagination to create silly sidekicks, take on brave journeys, and create magical moments as an ensemble.
Grades 3-4: Scene Study - Frozen
12:00-1:00pm, Saturdays, April 11 - May 23
(No classes on 4/25)
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.
Grades 5-8: Acting - Frozen
10:00-11:00am, Saturdays, April 11 - May 23
(No classes on 4/25)
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.
Grades 3-4: Musical Theater - Frozen
1:00-2:00pm, Saturdays, April 11 - May 23
(No classes on 4/25)
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!
Grades 5-8: Musical Theater - Contemporary Musical Theater Hits!
1:00-2:00pm, Saturdays, April 11 - May 23
(No classes on 4/25)
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!
Grades 5-8: Improvisation
12:30-1:30pm, Saturdays, April 11 - May 23
(No classes on 4/25)
IMPROVISATION
Develop expressiveness, spontaneity, and train your brain to think quickly and with reason through improvisational character and scene work.
Grades 5-12: Stage Combat
1:30-2:30pm, Saturdays, April 11 - May 23
(No classes on 4/25)
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
Grades 5-12: Costume Creation and Character Design
12:30-1:30pm, Saturdays, April 11 - May 23
(No classes at 4/25)
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!
Grades 3-12: Next Steps
10:30-11:30am, Saturdays, April 11 - May 23
(No classes on 4/25)
Please email nextsteps@firststage.org or call 414-267-2941 to register.
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.
Grades K4-1: Story Drama - Adventures in Arendelle (CUW)
9:00-9:45am, Saturdays, April 11 - May 16
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.
Grades K4-1: Story Drama - Adventures in Arendelle (CUW)
10:00-10:45am, Saturdays, April 11 - May 16
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.
Grades 1-2: Playmakers - Olaf and Sven's Big Adventure (CUW)
9:45-10:45am, Saturdays, April 11 - May 16
OLAF AND SVEN'S BIG ADVENTURE
Join Olaf and Sven on their biggest adventure yet! Students will use their voice, body, and imagination to create silly sidekicks, take on brave journeys, and create magical moments as an ensemble.
Grades 3-4: Scene Study - Frozen (CUW)
9:45-10:45am, Saturdays, April 11 - May 16
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.
Grades 5-8: Acting - Frozen (CUW)
11:00-12:00pm, Saturdays, April 11 - May 16
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.
Open Jar Broadway Masterclass ft. Timothy Hughes
4:00-5:30pm, Tuesday, October 7
Broadway Masterclass
Dance with Broadway's Timothy Hughes (Sweeney Todd, Hadestown, The Greatest Showman) in a Broadway masterclass.
Those interested will also have an opportunity to audition to attend the Open Jar Institute in NYC Summer 2026. Be ready to sing a 16-32 bar cut of a song that shows you at your best.
Contact the Academy Office with any questions at 414-267-2970.
What is Open Jar Institute?
New York City's most Broadway-integrated actor training program, the Open Jar Institute provides selct students one-on-one training with some of Broadway's biggest stars, directors, choreographers, agents, and casting directors. www.openjarinstitute.com