First Stage Theater Academy is the nation’s largest high impact theater training program for young people. Classes are offered both virtual, with limited in-person classes held at the Milwaukee Youth Arts Center.
To ensure the health and well-being of our students, families, and staff, First Stage is committed to implementing procedures to create a safe environment for all of our Theater Academy classes this year. Our School Year Theater Academy programming has changed in order to provide the same high-impact theater arts training for young people as always, yet taking new measures to ensure the health and safety of our students, families, staff, and teaching artists.
Register for Winter and Spring Academy
Winter Schedule at a Glance | Spring Schedule at a Glance | Safety Measures | School Year Intensives | Private Coaching | Performance Experiences | Master Class Series | For Students with Special Needs | Cost | Registration Tips
SAFETY PROCEDURES
First Stage and Milwaukee Youth Arts Center (MYAC) staff will be following and exceeding CDC guidelines without exception as we hold modified classes in the building. More information regarding health and safety procedures will be sent to all registered family. Read our In-Person Safety Procedures.
- Absolutely NO student will be allowed in the building without a signed waiver from a parent or guardian.
- Each class will have a maximum of 10 students in the room.
- Six feet of social distancing will be adhered to at all times.
- Temperature checks will be taken upon arrival.
- Masks must be worn AT ALL TIMES
- No parents, guardians, or other family members will be allowed inside MYAC.
SCHOOL YEAR INTENSIVES
Winter Saturdays, January 16 - February 27
Spring Saturdays, March 20 - May 15 (no class April 3)
These year-long classes foster the disciplines of Acting, Improvisation, Musical Theater, and Playwriting. Professional theater artists work with young performers to focus and polish various concentrations of live theater. Join us for any or all of these year-long sessions. Auditions are required and must be submitted by Friday, Wednesday, September 9. Learn more about audition requirements and the submission process.
All School Year Intensives are held in-person at the Milwaukee Youth Arts Center (with the exception of Playwrights' Ensemble). First Stage and MYAC staff will be following and exceeding CDC guidelines without exception as we hold modified classes in the building. More information regarding health and safety procedures will be sent to all registered families.
This fall, we will offer multiple sections of each class to maintain a maximum of 10 students/group. Students may audition for as many School Year Intensives they would like. The schedule allows students to take multiple classes, but all class time(s) will be assigned.
PRIVATE COACHING
New for 2020
Students will meet with a First Stage artist virtually for a one-on-one coaching session. These sessions can be scheduled as needed (audition prep, for example), or on a weekly on-going basis throughout the semester. Meeting times will be scheduled based no availability of our artists. Coaching is available for Acting, Voice, or Acting for Students on the Autism Spectrum.
- Sessions will be 30-minute virtual meetings
- Can be scheduled a la carte or on a weekly basis
- $38/half hour
- One student per class (no semi-privates)
NOTE: Please register online as usual (there will be a $0 charge). The Academy staff will follow up to schedule, and coordinate payment for any sessions.
PERFORMANCE EXPERIENCES
In these concentrated show clinics, students work with theater professionals for two weeks to broaden their performance skills, deepen their knowledge of theater, and perform a popular show as their final presentation. Final Presentations will be shared on a virtual platform for family and friends to view.
These classes are held in-person at the Milwaukee Youth Arts Center. First Stage and MYAC staff will be following and exceeding CDC guidelines without exception as we hold modified classes in the building. More information regarding health and safety procedures will be sent to all registered families.
Learn audition requirements and submit audition online for each class through the links below:
MASTER CLASSES
Students will work directly with a theater professional and dive into a specific exploration of the acting craft. These experts will share their experiences, knowledge, and passion with students in a one-of-a-kind workshop setting.
Middle School Master Classes - Winter 2020
Purchase all four for $85
High School Master Classes - Winter 2020
Purchase all four classes for $85
NEXT STEPS - FOR STUDENTS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS
As we strive to make theater accessible for all, the Next Steps program was created for students with a variety of special needs, auditory and other sensory processing disorders, and throughout the autism spectrum. These classes are designed to be highly individualized, supportive, and adhere to our philosphy of life skills through stage skills.
For the 2020-2021 school year, we are holding all Next Steps classes virtually for the safety of our students who might be of particular vulnerability. We are also offering a FREE session for any families who might be interested in a trial class. If interested, please contact the Next Steps directors.
COST
- Tuition varies upon length and intensity of class.
- Tuition includes all class materials and one Academy t-shirt per students.
- A $35 deposit is required to hold any spot in a class. Full payment must be paid by the first day of class, but we are happy to create a payment schedule that is most convenient for you.
- Financial assistance is available to any student; awards are need-based. Learn more about our financial assistance program and how to apply.
REGISTRATION TIPS
- Register online or download our Registration Form.
- 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
- Please have your schedule, child’s emergency contact information, and any pertinent medical information available.
- Please note: our website is best compatible with the Google Chrome browser, with a ten-minute limit on our website’s shopping cart.
Questions? Contact the Academy Office at (414) 267-2970 or email academy@firststage.org.