First Stage Theater Academy is the nation’s leading theater training program for young people. Students in grades K4-12 will develop skills in musical theater, scene study, Shakespeare, improvisation, and much more, while simultaneously building life skills, such as confidence, focus, and teamwork, learning from the area’s leading theater artists. One, two, three, and four-week sessions are available.
We are excited to say that Summer Academy will be in three locations this year!
Click here to view the 2025 Summer Academy Brochure.
*No class June 19, in honor of Juneteenth Day, No class July 4
SUMMER ACADEMY REGISTRATION NOW OPEN!
Register before April 20 to recieve an Early Bird Discount of $20 off per class!
Lowest tuition rates are available when registering early. A $75 deposit per class is required, with all remaining balances due at the end of May. Any remaining balances will be automatically deducted one week prior to the start of class. All new students will be charged a one-time $20 application fee.
Starting in the 2024-25 Season, qualifying families and individuals can enjoy up to 85% scholarships for our Theater Academy. We aim to ensure financial constraints don't prevent anyone from the joy of theater. Learn more about Access for All.
Registration for Summer Academy 2025 is now open! Click the register button at the top of this page to register today!
Every Summer Academy session will culminate in a lively presentation of class work for family and friends on the final class day. Details are included in the welcome letter you will receive following registration.
Extended Care will be available Monday-Friday at the Milwaukee Youth Arts Center location from 3pm-4:30pm by purchase only. There is no extended care option prior to 3:00PM. If your child’s class session ends before 3:00PM, please plan accordingly for pick up. There is no extended care option at other locations besides the Milwaukee Youth Arts Center.
Click here for more information or to add Extended Care to your cart.
Attending one orientation session is required for new students. A parent or guardian should also attend. These orientations allow new families to learn more about the program structure and policies, ask questions, and get a glimpse into the classroom content. New Student Orientations are held at the same location as your class.
Click here to register for New Student Orientation.
Bring exciting tales to life through dramatic play! Through drama- based activities, young people will begin to develop their actor toolbox of body, voice, and imagination, all while strengthening their ability to focus, cooperate with others, and solve problems. One-week, half-day sessions for new & returning students.
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Young actors will go on a new adventure each week as they utilize creative thinking as a group to further develop their beginning acting skills. Students will work as a group to pull inspiration from popular themes, create their own stories, and act them out together! One-week, half-day or full-day sessions for new & returning students.
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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 & speech, and scene study. One-week or two-week full-day sessions for new & returning students available.
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Two, three, and four-week sessions are available for new and returning students.
Two-Week Sessions: Students will rotate through theater curriculum that explores the fundamental elements of theater training: Shakespeare; Improvisation; Playwriting and Design; Acting Theory; Musical Theater; and Voice, Speech and Movement.
Three-Week Sessions- Students will spend three weeks rotating through theater curriculum developing tools essentials to the craft of theater.
Four-Week Sessions-First Stage students will continue their theater training through immersion in our theater curriculum, diving deeper into all aspects of theater to help refine and sharpen their skills.
Company classes will work with a professional director for four weeks to broaden performance skills, deepen knowledge of theater, and produce a show. By audition only, for returning students (MYAC) or new students (UW-Parkside).
Designed for neurodivergent students, Next Steps classes help students take their next steps as an artist and a person. First Stage creates a safe space for all students to be creative and be themselves without judgment or fear of failure. Guided by our philosophy of teaching life skills through stage skills, students will experience the joy of acting and musical theater each day with a team of teaching artists and special education professionals.
We aim to ensure financial constraints don't prevent anyone from the joy of theater. Elevate your or your child's theater skills with financial scholarships covering up to 85% of tuition to our Theater Academy. Dive into a world of creativity with a limit of one scholarship per student for each of our seasonal sessions.