SUMMER ACADEMY
First Stage Theater Academy is one of the nation’s leading high-impact theater training program for young people in grades K4-12. Led by professional teaching artists, we offer a safe, supportive space where students build confidence, collaborate, and discover the joy of storytelling — all while being celebrated for who you are.
READY, SET, GROW! SUMMER ACADEMY REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN!
NEW EARLY BIRD PRICING!
Early Bird Pricing | $50 off until March 2
Regular Bird Pricing | March 2 – April 19
Late Bird Pricing | $50 increase after April 19
MILWAUKEE, WI
MILWAUKEE YOUTH ARTS CENTER
June 15 – August 14, 2026
August 17 – 28, 2026 (Next Steps)
MEQUON, WI
CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY WISCONSIN
July 13 – 24, 2026
WAUKESHA, WI
CARROLL UNIVERSITY
NEW LOCATION!
July 27 – August 7, 2026
MORE INFORMATION
Extended Care is designed to help busy working parents and guardians. This program offers students an opportunity to participate in games, memorize lines, practice scene work, meet new friends, or just hang out.
Extended Care will be available Monday through Friday at the Milwaukee Youth Arts Center location only. Grades K-4 Only: 3:00-4:30 PM at $50 per week.
If you would like to enroll your student in Extended Care please select the option on the registration form.
At First Stage, we believe in the transformative power of theater to enlighten, educate, and entertain. We’re dedicated to making our performances, theater training programs, and in-school education accessible and welcoming for everyone in our community.
For financial support, consider applying to our Access for All program where you can enjoy tickets to our productions for just $10 each and financial scholarships covering a portion of tuition to our Theater Academy classes. We determine eligibility through a blend of financial assessment, a personal interview, and your unique story.
New Student Orientations allow new families to learn more about the program structure and policies, ask questions, and get a glimpse into the classroom content!
Attending orientation is required for new students. A parent or guardian should also attend. Please attend orientation at the same location where you are registering for classes.
Milwaukee Youth Arts Center
Monday, June 1, 5:00-6:00PM
Concordia University Wisconsin
Tuesday, June 2, 5:00-6:00PM
Carroll University
Wednesday, June 3, 5:00-6:00PM
Have you taken a First Stage Academy class before? Do you see yourself as a mentor? Do you want to put your office skills to the test? Are you in eighth grade or higher? If you answered yes, the First Stage Theater Academy Internship program is for you!
Classroom interns serve as role models, guides, mentors, and teacher’s assistants in the classrooms.
Office interns serve as assistants in the Academy Office, answering the phone, taking attendance, and assisting with other administrative duties.
Students may earn tuition credit while serving as an intern. To apply, contact J.T. Backes at jtbackes@firststage.org or (414) 267-2970.
Every Summer Academy session will culminate in a lively presentation of class work for family and friends. Presentations will be held on the final day of class. Details will be noted in the welcome letter you will receive one week prior to the start of class.
New this year! Grades 5-12 presentations for MYAC classes will be held at the Marcus Center's Todd Wehr Theater.
SAVE BIG WHEN YOU SIGN UP EARLY!*
Early Bird Pricing | $50 off until March 2
Regular Bird Pricing | March 2 – April 19
Late Bird Pricing | $50 increase after April 19
* discounts do not apply to Company Class
FAQ
First Stage Theater Academy classes are held Monday through Friday. We do not offer Summer Academy classes on weekends. There will be no classes held on June 19 in observance of Juneteenth.
All registrations are processed on a first-come, first-served basis, accepted by mail, phone, or online. We recommend registering as early as possible, as space fills quickly. Please complete all information on your registration form to ensure your registration is processed as soon as possible.
(414) 267-2970
academy@firststage.org
Confirmations are sent via email for the class(es) for which you have registered. Please read your confirmation thoroughly when you receive it.
Waitlists are established for classes that have reached the enrollment limit. Students on waitlists may be called for enrollment should a cancellation occur. While we cannot predict when or if a cancellation would occur, we encourage you to be added to our waitlists, which are created on a first-come, first-served basis.
Tuition includes all required materials and one Academy t-shirt per student.
A $75 minimum deposit for Summer Academy is required with your registration. Any remaining balances will be deducted automatically. To set up a payment plan, change your payment method, or submit payment via cash or check, please contact the Acdaemy Office at (414) 267-2970 or academy@firststage.org.
All balances must be paid in full before your student’s class begins. Failure to make scheduled payments may result in removal from your students class.
There is a $25 administrative fee for all refunds. Full refunds (minus the fee) are available until the Friday before your respective class begins. No refunds or tuition credits are given after the first day of your class. The deposit and any tuition paid will be forfeited if a student cancels after the session has begun.
Due to the nature of the program, we are unable to offer make up classes. Please use your best judgment about bringing your student to First Stage Theater Academy. If your student is sick or contagious, please keep them home. Parents of students who become ill during the day will be promptly notified and are expected to arrange pick up for their student immediately. Please email attendance@firststage.org if you know in advance that your student will be absent. First Stage Theater Academy also reserves the right to send children home due to inappropriate or disrespectful behavior.
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 (414) 267-2970 or academy@firststage.org to request a change. Students will not be moved from their assigned group after the first day of class. Please be aware that switching class is contingent upon availability in the desired class.