Privacy Policy
Last Updated: August 2026
First Stage respects your privacy and is committed to protecting the personal information you share with us. This Privacy Policy explains what information First Stage may collect, how we use and share that information, and the choices available to you.
This policy applies to information collected through First Stage websites, online forms, ticketing, and registration systems, donation platforms, email and text communications, and other
online services operated by or on behalf of First Stage.
Information We Collect
We may collect information that you provide directly to us, including:
- Name, mailing address, email address, and telephone number
- Ticket purchase and attendance information
- Donation and fundraising information
- Academy, education, school group, volunteer, or event registration information
- Communication and marketing preferences
- Information you provide through forms, surveys, inquiries, or other communications with First Stage
- Information necessary to process transactions
When a registration or program involves a child, we may also collect information about the participating young person that is necessary to administer the program or activity. Whenever appropriate, this information is provided by a parent, guardian, teacher, or other authorized adult.
Payment card information is processed through our payment service providers. First Stage does not use payment card information for purposes unrelated to processing your transaction.
Information Collected Automatically
When you visit a First Stage website, certain information may be collected automatically through cookies and similar technologies. This information may include:
- IP address
- Browser and device type
- Operating system
- Approximate geographic location
- Pages viewed and links clicked
- Date and time of visits
- Referral source
- Information about how visitors use our website
We use this information to operate and improve our website, understand how visitors interact with First Stage online, evaluate marketing efforts, and improve the patron experience.
Cookies and Analytics
First Stage may use cookies, pixels, and similar technologies to support website functionality, remember preferences, understand website usage, and measure the effectiveness of our communications and advertising.
We may use third-party analytics services, including Google Analytics, to help us understand how visitors use our website. These services may collect information through cookies or similar technologies according to their own privacy practices.
Depending on your browser and device settings, you may be able to block, limit, or delete cookies. Disabling certain cookies may affect the functionality of portions of the website.
How We Use Your Information
First Stage may use personal information to:
- Process ticket purchases, donations, registrations, and other transactions
- Provide requested programs, services, and customer support
- Communicate important information about purchases, registrations, performances, classes, or events
- Send newsletters, fundraising appeals, program information, and other First Stage communications
- Maintain patron, donor, student, volunteer, and organizational records
- Understand participation and engagement with First Stage
- Improve our programs, website, communications, and patron experience
- Conduct fundraising and audience-development activities
- Protect the security and integrity of our systems
- Comply with applicable legal, accounting, and regulatory requirements
How We Share Information
First Stage does not sell personal information for commercial purposes.
We may share information with trusted companies and organizations that provide services on our behalf, including providers that assist with:
- Ticketing and customer relationship management
- Payment processing
- Website hosting and administration
- Email and text-message communications
- Analytics and advertising
- Program registration
- Fundraising and donor services
- Mailing and fulfillment services
- Technology and data management
These organizations receive information as necessary to provide services to First Stage and are expected to handle that information appropriately.
Mailing Information and Cooperative Marketing
First Stage may participate in cooperative marketing or mailing programs with cultural or nonprofit organizations when appropriate. This may include the use or exchange of limited contact information, such as names and mailing addresses, for audience-development purposes.
We do not provide email addresses, telephone numbers, payment information, or information about children for another organization’s independent marketing purposes.
If you do not want your name or mailing address included in these activities, please contact us using the information below.
Email Communications
If you receive promotional email from First Stage, you may unsubscribe at any time by using the unsubscribe link included in the message.
You may continue to receive transactional or administrative messages related to purchases, donations, registrations, or other interactions with First Stage even if you unsubscribe from
promotional communications.
Text Messages
If you choose to receive text messages from First Stage, we may use your mobile telephone number to send information you have requested or agreed to receive.
Message and data rates may apply. Message frequency may vary. You may opt out of marketing text messages at any time by replying STOP.
First Stage does not sell or share mobile telephone numbers or SMS consent information with third parties for those third parties' independent marketing purposes.
Children's Privacy
First Stage serves children, families, schools, and educators and takes the privacy of young people seriously.
Our online ticket purchases, donations, account creation, registrations, and similar transactions are generally intended to be completed by parents, guardians, teachers, or other adults.
When information about a child is required to participate in an Academy class, education program, performance opportunity, or other First Stage activity, we collect only information reasonably necessary to administer that activity, communicate with the appropriate adult, support the participant, and fulfill applicable safety or operational requirements.
First Stage does not use personal information collected from children for behavioral advertising or sell children's personal information.
Parents or legal guardians who have questions about information First Stage maintains about their child, or who wish to request that information be reviewed, corrected, or deleted when
appropriate, may contact us using the information below.
Data Retention
First Stage retains personal information for as long as reasonably necessary to fulfill the purposes described in this policy and to meet operational, legal, accounting, fundraising, archival, and regulatory requirements.
Different types of records may be retained for different periods depending on their purpose.
Data Security
First Stage maintains reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards designed to protect personal information from unauthorized access, use, alteration, or disclosure.
However, no website, electronic transmission, or information-storage system can be guaranteed to be completely secure.
Your Choices
You may contact First Stage to:
- Update or correct your contact information
- Change your communication preferences
- Opt out of promotional postal mail
- Ask questions about information associated with you
- Request deletion of certain information when appropriate
Some information may need to be retained for legal, financial, archival, or operational purposes even after a request is received.
Links to Other Websites
First Stage websites may contain links to websites or services operated by third parties. First Stage is not responsible for the privacy practices or content of websites that we do not operate.
We encourage you to review the privacy policies of those websites before providing personal information.
Changes to This Policy
First Stage may update this Privacy Policy periodically to reflect changes in our practices, technology, services, or legal requirements.
When we make changes, we will update the “Last Updated” date at the top of this page. Material changes may also be communicated through additional means when appropriate.
Contact Us
If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or First Stage's privacy practices, or if you would like to update your communication preferences, please contact:
First Stage
325 W. Walnut Street
Milwaukee, WI 53212
Phone: 414-267-2929
Email: info@firststage.org