DISCOVER THE IMPACT
Founded in 1987, First Stage is one of the nation’s leaders in the Theatre for Young Audiences field and the second largest theater company in Milwaukee, WI. With 50% or more (as it was during the worst of the pandemic) of our annual operating budget being contributed revenue, First Stage relies on the community to keep our programming accessible. Together, with our supporters, First Stage ensures that all children are able develop fundamental life skills such as self-confidence, leadership and teamwork through our Theater Productions and Programming.
View more detail in our 2023-2024 Annual Impact Report.
Our Mission
First Stage touches hearts, engages minds, and transforms lives by creating extraordinary theater experiences for young people and families through:
- Professional Theater Productions that inspire, enlighten, and entertain
- Unparalleled Theater Academy training that fosters life skills through stage skills
- Dynamic Theater in Education programs that promote active learning in our schools and community
Our Vision
First Stage strives to be the national leader and driving force behind the creation of the best and most innovative plays for family audiences, theater training programs for young people, and education initiatives for our schools and our community. These three interwoven programming pillars are accessible to, and reflective of, our increasingly diverse community. Through our exceptional leadership, dedicated team, and commitment to financial sustainability, First Stage will broaden the reach and impact of our transformational programs, thus enabling dreams to be fulfilled, hope to be fostered, and families to enjoy the lasting legacy of a profound shared experience.
