Grades 5-12 Sessions

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, acting theory, playwriting & design, improvisation, and Shakespeare. 

These sessions are for students entering Grades 5-12 in Fall 2024, offered in two-week, three-week, and four-week sessions for new and returning students. Classes are 8:15AM - 4:20PM. There is no class on June 19, in honor of Juneteenth Day, or on July 4. Students are grouped according to grade level.

Explore Grades 5-12 Curriculum:

Beginning of Day: Each Academy day begins with a gathering to prepare, share goals, and encourage each other to do our best. Students will proceed to rotate through the following curriculum:

  • Acting Theory: Explore characters, relationships, action and text while developing overall acting skills and confidence.

  • Musical Theater: Increase your versatility and work on new vocal and dance techniques while exploring the art of telling a story through words, music, and movement.

  • Improvisation: Develop expressiveness, spontaneity, and train your brain to think quickly and with reason through improvisational character and scene work.

  • Shakespeare: Examine dynamic language, characters, and plots in scenes and monologues from one of the most influential playwrights in history.

  • Voice and Movement: The use of speaking techniques increases relaxation, resonance, articulation and projection. By using movement techniques – including mime, dance, circus and combat—students will enhance balance, agility, stage presence, awareness and focus.

  • Playwriting and Design: Students will gain hands-on knowledge of what goes into being a professional designer. Students will also learn the early process of expressing theme, character, and plot through dramatic writing.

End of Day:  Each Academy Day concludes with a gathering to reflect and acknowledge the effort of fellow students.

Registration is now open!

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.

June 17-28* at the Milwaukee Youth Arts Center

July 1-12** at the Milwaukee Youth Arts Center and the Oak Creek Performing Arts & Education Center

July 22 - August 2 at the Milwaukee Youth Arts Center

August 5-16 at the Milwaukee Youth Arts Center

*No class on June 19, in honor of Juneteenth Day
**No class on July 4

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Three-Week Sessions

8:45AM - 4:15PM

Students will spend three weeks rotating through theater curriculum developing tools essentials to the craft of theater.

June 17 - July 5* at the Milwaukee Youth Arts Center

July 22 - August 9 at the Milwaukee Youth Arts Center


*No class on June 19, in honor of Juneteenth Day, or on July 4

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Four-Week Sessions

New or returning 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.

June 17 - July 12* at the Milwaukee Youth Arts Center
July 22 - August 16 at the Milwaukee Youth Arts Center

*No class on June 19, in honor of Juneteenth Day, or on July 4

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