Summer Academy
First Stage Theater Academy is celebrating its 30TH YEAR as the nation’s largest high-impact theater training program for young people! Our region’s finest professional theater artists share their expertise, skills, and passion for their art with over 2,000 young people this summer.
In accordance with the Milwaukee Youth Arts Center guidelines and the CDC recommended guidelines, masks are now optional within all Academy classes starting on March 7, 2022. As we move ahead, we will be equally supportive and respectful of those that are ready to remove masks, and those who will continue to wear them. We will continue to follow the CDC recommendations and make adjustments when necessary.
THANK YOU to all students and families who were a part of our 30th Summer Academy - we are SO PROUD of you!
Registration for Summer 2023 will be opened in March 2023 - stay tuned. For now, check out what we were up to in '22!
Story Drama (Grades K4 - 1) | Playmakers (Grades 1-3) | Lower Academy Rotation (Grades 3-4)
Upper Academy Rotation (Grades 5-12) | Performance Experiences (Grades 3-8)
Company Class (Grades 9-12) | Next Steps (for students on the autism spectrum)
Tuition and Discounts | About the Academy
Story Drama
Grades K4 - 1
Young people will have the opportunity to develop their actor tools of body, voice, and imagination by actively engaging in creative play. One-week, half-day sessions will explore story books each week.
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Playmakers
Grades 1-3
Get ready for mysteries, creative exploration, fairies, and animals! Students will work together to solve problems, develop characters, and act out their stories. Weekly themes vary from week to week.
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Lower Academy Rotation
Grades 3-4
Students wanting to learn performance fundamentals (or expand upon their existing knowledge) will explore core elements of actor training, rotating through the various subjects each day: musical theater, voice & movement, and acting/scene study.
Upper Academy Rotation
Grades 5-12
Upper Academy is offered in a variety of lengths:
One-week Classes- If this is your first First Stage summer academy experience, this class is for you! Each actor will explore musical theater, basic acting techniques, Shakespeare, and Improvisation. No acting experience needed!
Two-week Classes- These classes will take a more intermediate approach to the actors toolbox. Each actor will explore musical theater, advanced acting techniques, Shakespeare, and Improvisation. Acting experience recommended, but not required.
Three-week Classes- These classes are designed for an advanced approach to the actors toolbox. This is the most advanced class offered where each actor will explore musical theater, advanced acting techniques, Shakespeare, and Improvisation. A previous First Stage class is required to register for this class.
All Upper Academy classes are from 9:00am-3:00pm
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Performance Experiences
Grades 3-8
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. Performance Experience classes will be 9:00am-3:00pm each day. On the final day of class students will perform their show for parents and guardians without the costumes, make up, and lights.
ANNIE (KIDS)
Grades 3-5
June 13 - 24, 2022
MAGIC TREEHOUSE DINOSAURS BEFORE DARK
*NO AUDITION REQUIRED
Grades 3-5
June 27 - July 8, 2022
ANNIE (KIDS) at the Sharon Lynne Wilson Center
*NO AUDITION REQUIRED
Grades 3-5
July 5 - July 15, 2022
13 THE MUSICAL
Grades 6-8
June 13 - July 1, 2022
PUFFS
Grades 6-8
July 5 - 22, 2022
YOU CAN'T TAKE IT WITH YOU
Grades 6-8
July 25 - August 5, 2022
Auditions are required. Learn more about auditions and sign up for a time slot.
Company Class
Grades 9 - 12
High School students will work with theater professionals for four weeks to broaden their performance skills, deepen knowledge of theater, and produce a show. Students serve as role models of teamwork and positive energy, and carry the Company Class legacy of leadership, energy, discipline, focus and joy. Company Classes will be from 9:00am-3:00pm each day. Performances will be on the Friday and Saturday of the final class week.
Musical Company Class
SPRING AWAKENING
June 13 - July 9, 2022
Classical Company Class
LOVE'S LABOUR'S LOST
July 11 - August 6, 2022
Auditions are required. Learn more about auditions and sign up for a time slot.
Next Steps
Grades 3-12
Using research-based best practices, Next Steps serves both verbal and non-verbal students, students with classic autism, PDD-NOS, other sensory processing disorders, and Asperger's. With small class sizes, our curriculum explores acting, singing, dancing and improvisation, through which students improve social understanding, fine and gross motor skills, empathy, conversation skills, public speaking and confidence.
Next Steps 2022 will run August 8-12 - register now!
Location and Dates
Milwaukee Youth Arts Center
325 W. Walnut Street, Milwaukee, WI 53212
June 13 - August 12, 2022
Sharon Lynne Wilson Center for the Arts
3270 Mitchell Park Drive, Brookfield, WI 53045
July 5 - 15, 2022
Tuition and Discounts
Tuition
Tuition ranges from $90 - $635 depending upon age and length of class. Payment plans are available with a $75 deposit. There is a $20 fee for all new students, which covers enrollment and t-shirt costs.
Multi-class and Sibling Discounts
Save $10 when you enroll in multiple classes this summer. Sibling discount also available. Your discount will be automatically applied when you register for multiple classes online. Restrictions may apply.
Financial Assistance
Financial assistance is available to any student; awards are need-based. Learn more about our financial assistance program and how to apply.
About Summer Theater Academy
First Stage Theater Academy is the nation’s largest high-impact theater training program for young people! Our region’s finest professional theater artists share their expertise, skills, and passion for their art with over 2,000 young people this summer. Students will develop skills in musical theater, scene study, Shakespeare, improvisation, and much more, while simultaneously building life skills, such as confidence, focus, and teamwork. Young people are encouraged to take risks and conquer their fears, and we are proud to be building the next generation of artists and leaders.