FAQ and Policies

First Stage t-shirts must be worn every day!
All new students will receive a First Stage t-shirt on the first day of class. Shirts available for pick-up at the Milwaukee Youth Arts Center prior to their class start date. Extra t-shirts may be purchased from the Academy office at a cost of $10 each.

Closed-toed shoes and socks are required.
Students may wear shorts or long pants. Clothing must allow for movement.

We recommend against jewelry that might interfere with movement.

Bring a backpack to carry your personal belongings, as there are no lockers or storage areas available. It's helpful to have all of your belongings labeled in case they get left behind.

Bring a water bottle with you to stay hydrated during the day. Make sure to label your water bottle!

Students attending full-day sessions will need to bring their own lunch.

Students taking full-day sessions must bring their own lunches. We use the lunch break to get some fresh air and we eat in groups outside.

Refrigerators and microwaves are off-limits to students. Please have your student bring a meal that does not require refrigeration or heating.

Staff members supervise students during breaks and throughout lunch.

Vending machines are off-limits to students.

Our in-person Summer Academy classes will hold presentations on the final class day. Families will receive more information about their student's specific presentation prior to presentation dates.

We recognize the financial strain faced by some families in our community, but we recognize that should not be a barrier to receiving top-quality experiences for their children. First Stage can arrange customizable payment plans for any families, regardless of income level or number of children enrolled.

For additional financial assistance, portions of tuition may also be covered by Access for All. Families do not need to qualify for free or reduced lunch to be eligible for assistance. In order to continue being able to fulfill all financial assistance requests received, all families are required to contribute towards the Academy tuition at an amount mutually determined between the family and First Stage.

Please contact the Academy office at academy@firststage.org for more information on payment plans or financial assistance.

First Stage Theater Academy reserves the right to cancel any course if enrollment is insufficient. Any tuition paid will be refunded in full.

Class Cancellations: If First Stage Theater Academy needs to cancel one or more days of class due to circumstances beyond the Academy’s control (e.g. government or public health shutdowns, severe weather, power outage, etc.), there will be no refunds or make up classes.

Can my child switch a class? If families find that they have a scheduling conflict or other emergency circumstance and need to switch their course selection, please contact the Academy office to request a change. Please be aware that switching class is contingent upon space availability in the desired class. Students will not be moved from their assigned group after the first day of class.

What if my student needs to miss a class? If you know your student will be absent from class please email attendance@firststage.org. Due to the nature of the program we are unable to offer make up classes.

What if my child is sick? Please use good judgment about bringing your student to the Academy. If your student is sick - exhibiting any symptoms including fever, chills, vomiting, or cough - please keep them home until their symptoms subside. Parents of students who become ill during the day will be promptly notified and are expected to arrange to pick up their student immediately.

What if my child is being disrespectful? First Stage Theater Academy also reserves the right to send children home due to inappropriate or disrespectful behavior.

Please read carefully:

There is a $25 administrative fee for all refunds.

Full refunds (minus the fee) are available until May 23, 2025.

Students withdrawing from a class after this date will receive an on-account credit valid for one year towards future classes or tickets to our productions. No refunds or tuition credits are given after the first day of class.

Missed days will not result in a price reduction, and we cannot offer make-up classes.

If withdrawing from a class after the first date of classes, you are still responsible for payment. There will be no refunds, credits, or prorated costs regardless of attendance.

Call the Academy office at (414) 267-2970 or email academy@firststage.org