Pre-Show Experiences & Opening Weekend Celebrations

Enhance your time at First Stage with our Pre-Show Experiences — engaging, family-friendly activities led by First Stage teaching artists that explore each show's themes, all designed to spark curiosity and connection before the performance begins.

Join us for Opening Weekend and celebrate with special Artist Talks, enriching lobby activiites, and post-performance on-stage photo opportunities! 

GOOSEBUMPS: PHANTOM OF THE AUDITORIUM OPENING WEEKEND CELEBRATION

Extended Talk Back with the Playwright John Maclay
Join us on Saturday, October 11 at 1 PM and stick around for an extended talkback featuring Director, Jeff Frank, and Goosebumps: Phantom of the Auditorium Playwright and former First Stage staff member, John Maclay.
 
Join us for our Goosebumps: Phantom of The Auditorium Opening Weekend Celebration!
Celebrate the Chills cast on Saturday, October 11 at 3:30 PM and the Thrills cast on Sunday, October 12 at 3:30 PM for a frightfully fun weekend!

Pre-Show Halloween Party and Special Goosebumps Guest Artist Talk
Starting at 2:30 PM, enjoy family-friendly activities, games, and candy. At 3:00 PM in the upper Todd Wehr lobby, hear directly from a Goosebumps guest artist about the creative process behind the production.
 
Post-Show Celebration
For $25, families can purchase a ticket to take a photo on stage following the 3:30 PM performance on October 11 or 12. Tickets will be available in the lobby prior to the performance, during intermission, and briefly after the performance while supplies last.
 

PRE-SHOW HALLOWEEN PARTIES GOOSEBUMPS: PHANTOM OF THE AUDITORIUM

Recommended for families with young people ages 8-18 and thrill seekers of all ages

Join us for a frightfully fun Pre-Show Halloween Party where families and thrill seekers alike can dive into hands-on activities, eerie games, and candy, of course! Arrive early and get into the Halloween spirit before the mystery unfolds on stage.

  • October 11 – November 2, 2025 (before all public performances)

PRE-SHOW WORKSHOPS ROSE OF TREASON

Recommended for families with young people ages 12-18 and courageous leaders of all ages

These 45-minute workshops allow families to learn more about the themes and topics of The Rose of Treason through participation in theater and drama activities before attending the performance at MYAC's Goodman Mainstage Hall.

  • Saturday, November 8 at 2:30 PM (before the 3:30 PM performance)
  • Saturday, November 15 at 2:30 PM (before the 3:30 PM performance)

PRE-SHOW EXPERIENCES THE PIGEON GETS A BIG TIME HOLIDAY EXTRAVAGANZA!

Recommended for families with young people ages 4-14 and festive celebrators of all ages

Join First Stage teaching artists in the Todd Wehr Theater lobby before select performances to explore literacy, STEM, and sensory centers, themed around your favorite Mo Willems characters!

  • Friday, November 21 at 6:00 PM (before the 7:00 PM performance)
  • Saturday, November 22 at 12:00 PM (before the 1:00 PM performance)
  • Saturday, November 22 at 2:30 PM (before the 3:30 PM performance)
  • Sunday, November 23 at 12:00 PM (before the 1:00 PM performance)
  • Sunday, November 23 at 2:30 PM (before the 3:30 PM performance)

PRE-SHOW EXPERIENCES LOVABYE DRAGON

Recommended for families with young people ages 3-8 and brave explorers of all ages

Join First Stage teaching artists in MYAC's Goodman Mainstage Hall lobby before each performance to explore literacy, STEM, and sensory centers, themed around Lovabye Dragon

  • January 24 – February 15, 2026 (before all public performances)

PRE-SHOW EXPERIENCES DISNEY'S FROZEN

Recommended for families with young people ages 8-18 and determined adventurers of all ages

Join First Stage teaching artists in Todd Wehr Theater lobby before select performance to explore literacy, STEM and sensory centers, themed around Frozen! 

  • Saturday, April 11 at 1:00 PM (before the 2:00 PM performance)
  • Saturday, April 11 at 6:00 PM (before the 7:00 PM performance)
  • Sunday, April 12 at 12:00 PM (before the 1:00 PM performance)
  • Sunday, April 12 at 5:00 PM (before the 6:00 PM performance)