Advanced Training for Young Actors
First Stage Young Company, the Theater Academy’s award-winning training program for advanced high school actors is open to students who want to take their work to the next level. Accepted students will complete college and graduate-level training in Acting, Voice, Movement, and Shakespeare as well as electives ranging from Auditioning to Stage Combat to Dialects.
Traditionally, the Young Company hosts master classes with guest artists from across the nation, produces a season of three plays, and facilitates special excursions to the Utah Shakespeare Festival and American Players Theater.
Class meets 9:30AM-12:15PM Saturdays throughout the school year with additional workshops and rehearsals scheduled separately.
For questions, please contact Director of Young Company, Michelle LoRicco, at mloricco@firststage.org.
Young Company Performance Projects
Young Company Performance Projects are actor-driven presentations using elemental production values. By stripping down to a nearly bare stage, the connection of actor to audience is enhanced, and the words of the play come alive in exciting ways, allowing our award-winning students to showcase their graduate level skills with full length material, from Shakespeare to American classics to pieces commissioned specially for them.
Young Company Auditions
Auditions are by individual appointment, in person, at the Milwaukee Youth Arts Center (325 W Walnut Street). Sign up for a 20-minute YC Audition Slot via our Bookings Page here.
AUDITION DATES
Wednesday, July 23, 4:30-8:00 PM
Tuesday, August 5, 4:30-8:00 PM
Wednesday, August 6, 4:30-8:00 PM
Wednesday, August 13, 4:30-8:00 PM
WHAT IS YOUNG COMPANY?
For high school actors who want to take their work to the next level, First Stage offers the Young Company, the nationally renowned training program for high school-age actors. Meeting
throughout the year, the Young Company is the college and graduate-level actor training program at First Stage Theater Academy. Accepted students will complete coursework in Advanced Acting,
Voice, Movement, Viewpoints, Shakespeare, and electives ranging from Auditioning to Stage Combat to Dialects. In addition, the Young Company hosts master classes with guest artists from
across the nation, travels annually to compete at the Utah Shakespeare Festival High School Acting Competition, and hosts an overnight training program at American Players Theatre in Spring
Green. The Young Company also produces two to three performance projects each season. Young Company terms for 2025-2026 will run from September 27 – May 23,
2026.
WHO IS IT FOR?
For actors entering 8-12 grade who wish to take their actor training to the next level. NOTE: Rising 8th graders are rarely accepted into the program, but we
still encourage highly dedicated students to audition.
HOW MANY STUDENTS WILL BE ACCEPTED EACH YEAR?
We generally accept 20-25 new students each year.
WHAT DO I NEED TO DO FOR THE AUDITION?
1. Complete this year's Audition Form.
2. Each auditioner will schedule a 20-minute time slot via the YC Bookings Page.
3. Please prepare two contrasting memorized monologues, one classical (preferably Shakespeare), and one contemporary, not to exceed 4 minutes, total. After performing their
pieces, auditioners will stay for the interview portion of the audition.
4. Please email a current headshot/school photo and performing resume to mlorrico@firststage.org ahead of your audition
slot. Plan to arrive at the Milwaukee Youth Arts Center a few minutes prior to your scheduled audition time.
If you have any questions, please contact Michelle LoRicco, Director of Young Company, at mloricco@firststage.org.