Our exciting acting curriculum varies in intensity with age, experience, and length of session. Acting is at the core of everything we teach and it takes a lifetime to master.
For Summer Academy 2025, please select the classes based on the grade level your student will be entering in the 2025-2026 school-year.
Please note that discounts cannot be stacked. The website will automatically apply the best discount available based on the contents of your cart.
4:30-5:30pm, Tuesdays, September 30 - November 4
SCENE STUDY
THE PIGEON GETS A BIG TIME HOLIDAY EXTRAVAGANZA!
When Mo Willems’ characters get together for the holidays, it’s bound to be the biggest extravaganza ever! Explore characters, relationships, action, and text while developing overall acting skills and confidence using this brand-new script.
4:30-5:30pm, Tuesdays, September 30 - November 4
MUSICAL THEATER
BROADWAY’S DISNEY HITS
From the castle to the stage, this musical theater class will feature songs from beloved Disney classics that made their way to Broadway! Sing, dance, and act your heart out as you bring the magic of Disney to life.
4:30-5:30pm, Tuesdays, September 30 - November 4
ACTING
Dive into mysterious characters, creepy scenes, and ghostly drama as we explore the story behind our upcoming show Goosebumps: Phantom of the Auditorium! Explore characters, relationships, action, and text while developing overall acting skills and confidence.
9:45-10:15am, Saturdays, October 4 - November 8
YOU & ME
MOTHER GHOST: NURSERY RHYMES FOR LITTLE MONSTERS
Young people love using their imaginations to explore the world around them, and they love the special interactions that exist with a guardian. Share unique experiences and wonderful moments through creative drama by participating in a class with your favorite young person.
Note: An adult, Parent, or Guardian must accompany student to all You & Me classes
9:30-10:15am, Saturdays, October 4 - November 8
STORY DRAMA
PUMPKIN PATCH OF POSSIBILITY!
All of us are unique, just like pumpkins! Students will use their imagination and voice to explore the importance of being ourselves and supporting each other like good friends in a patch.
10:30-11:15am, Saturdays, October 4 - November 8
STORY DRAMA
PUMPKIN PATCH OF POSSIBILITY!
All of us are unique, just like pumpkins! Students will use their imagination and voice to explore the importance of being ourselves and supporting each other like good friends in a patch.
9:30-10:30am, Saturdays, October 4 - November 8
MONSTER MAYHEM
Monsters are so much more than just scary things under your bed! Use your body, voice, and imagination to build hauntingly fun stories.
10:45-11:45am, Saturdays, October 4 - November 8
MONSTER MAYHEM
Monsters are so much more than just scary things under your bed! Use your body, voice, and imagination to build hauntingly fun stories.
11:00-12:00pm, Saturdays, October 4 - November 8
THE PIGEON GETS A BIG TIME HOLIDAY EXTRAVAGANZA!
When Mo Willems’ characters get together for the holidays, it’s bound to be the biggest extravaganza ever! Explore characters, relationships, action, and text while developing overall acting skills and confidence using this brand-new script.
12:00-1:00pm, Saturdays, October 4 - November 8
ACTING
Dive into mysterious characters, creepy scenes, and ghostly drama as we explore the story behind our upcoming show Goosebumps: Phantom of the Auditorium! Explore characters, relationships, action, and text while developing overall acting skills and confidence.
10:00-11:00am, Saturdays, October 4 - November 8
BROADWAY’S DISNEY HITS
From the castle to the stage, this musical theater class will feature songs from beloved Disney classics that made their way to Broadway! Sing, dance, and act your heart out as you bring the magic of Disney to life.
10:30-11:30am, Saturdays, October 4 - November 8
MUSICAL THEATER
Take the stage with Live from Broadway!, a high-energy musical theater class featuring songs from today’s hottest Broadway hits! Sing, dance, and act your heart out as you bring the magic of modern musicals to life.
12:30-1:30pm, Saturdays, October 4 - November 8
IMPROVISATION
Develop expressiveness, spontaneity, and train your brain to think quickly and with reason through improvisational character and scene work.
1:00-2:00pm, Saturdays, October 4 - November 8
STAGE COMBAT
Stage combat is the art of creating realistic-looking stunts, falls, and fights — safely! Students of all experience levels will be able to learn fundamental stage combat techniques with hands-on lessons in a safe and controlled classroom, all while gaining trust in each other and their own physicality
2:00-3:00pm, Saturdays, October 4 - November 8
PUPPETRY
Bring characters to life in this hands-on class — Bringing Puppets to Life — where your imagination takes center stage! From shadow puppets to hand puppets, you’ll learn how to move, voice, and perform with all types of puppets.
10:30-11:30am, Saturdays, October 4 - November 8
Please email nextsteps@firststage.org or call 414-267-2941 to register.
NEXT STEPS
Designed for students on the autism spectrum, 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 express themselves and develop as individuals without judgment or fear of failure. Guided by our philosophy of teaching life skills through stage skills, students will experience the joy of theater arts each day with a team of teaching artists and special education professionals.
Class Sizes: Our classroom model includes teams of lead teachers, special education professionals, and teaching assistants with approximately a 2:1 student to teacher ratio. Family aides may accompany a student to class as necessary and agreed upon between the family and First Stage.
Next Steps Curriculum: Explore character, relationships, action and text while developing overall acting skills and confidence.
Special registration form required — to register, contact nextsteps@firststage.org or call (414) 267-2941.
9:00-9:45am, Saturdays, October 4 - November 8
PUMPKIN PATCH OF POSSIBILITY!
All of us are unique, just like pumpkins! Students will use their imagination and voice to explore the importance of being ourselves and supporting each other like good friends in a patch.
10:00-10:45am, Saturdays, October 4 - November 8
PUMPKIN PATCH OF POSSIBILITY!
All of us are unique, just like pumpkins! Students will use their imagination and voice to explore the importance of being ourselves and supporting each other like good friends in a patch.
9:45-10:45am, Saturdays, October 4 - November 8
MONSTER MAYHEM
Monsters are so much more than just scary things under your bed! Use your body, voice, and imagination to build hauntingly fun stories.
9:45-10:45am, Saturdays, October 4 - November 8
SCENE STUDY
THE PIGEON GETS A BIG TIME HOLIDAY EXTRAVAGANZA!
When Mo Willems’ characters get together for the holidays, it’s bound to be the biggest extravaganza ever! Explore characters, relationships, action, and text while developing overall acting skills and confidence using this brand-new script.
11:00-12:00pm, Saturdays, October 4 - November 8
MUSICAL THEATER
BROADWAY’S DISNEY HITS
From the castle to the stage, this musical theater class will feature songs from beloved Disney classics that made their way to Broadway! Sing, dance, and act your heart out as you bring the magic of Disney to life.
9:45-10:45am, Saturdays, September 20 - October 25
THE PIGEON GETS A BIG TIME HOLIDAY EXTRAVAGANZA!
When Mo Willems’ characters get together for the holidays, it’s bound to be the biggest extravaganza ever! Explore characters, relationships, action, and text while developing overall acting skills and confidence using this brand-new script.
11:00-12:00pm, Saturdays, September 20 - October 25
BROADWAY’S DISNEY HITS
From the castle to the stage, this musical theater class will feature songs from beloved Disney classics that made their way to Broadway! Sing, dance, and act your heart out as you bring the magic of Disney to life.
4:30-5:30pm, Tuesdays, January 13 - February 17
MEDIEVAL MAGIC
Kings, princesses, wizards, and dragons are everywhere! Students will use their bodies, voices, and imaginations to craft royally fun stories.
4:30-5:30pm, Tuesdays, January 13 - February 17
LOVABYE DRAGON
An enchanting musical of unexpected friendship between a lonely girl and an even lonelier dragon. Together they embark on a grand adventure to the farthest far away only to face their greatest challenge. Explore characters, relationships, action, and text while developing overall acting skills and confidence using this touching story.
4:30-5:30pm, Tuesdays, January 13 - February 17
WICKED
This musical theater class will feature songs from the Tony Award Winning Musical, Wicked! Our students will dance through life using the engaging world of Oz and the hit songs and dances of the fan-favorite musical!
4:30-5:30pm, Tuesdays, January 13 - February 17
PETER PAN & WENDY
Through the magic of stage wizardry and the power of your imagination, you will find yourself transported along with Wendy and her brothers to Neverland — a place of magic and wonder, of danger and suspense, but above all a place where you will believe in the seemingly unbelievable! Explore characters, relationships, action, and text while developing overall acting skills and confidence.
9:00-9:30am, Saturdays, January 17 - February 21
DRAGON DREAMLAND
Young people love using their imaginations to explore the world around them, and they love the special interactions that exist with a guardian. Share unique experiences and wonderful moments through creative drama by participating in a class with your favorite young person.
Note: An adult, Parent, or Guardian must accompany student to all You & Me classes
9:45-10:15am, Saturdays, January 17 - February 21
DRAGON DREAMLAND
Young people love using their imaginations to explore the world around them, and they love the special interactions that exist with a guardian. Share unique experiences and wonderful moments through creative drama by participating in a class with your favorite young person.
Note: An adult, Parent, or Guardian must accompany student to all You & Me classes
9:30-10:15am, Saturdays, January 17 - February 21
LOVABYE DRAGON
Students will explore the heartwarming story Lovabye Dragon and learn that kindness, empathy, and understanding can build strong bonds. Using their voice, body, and imagination, students will immerse themselves in the story and discover that friends come in all shapes and sizes - even dragons!
10:30-11:15am, Saturdays, January 17 - February 21
LOVABYE DRAGON
Students will explore the heartwarming story Lovabye Dragon and learn that kindness, empathy, and understanding can build strong bonds. Using their voice, body, and imagination, students will immerse themselves in the story and discover that friends come in all shapes and sizes - even dragons!
9:30-10:30am, Saturdays, January 17 - February 21
MEDIEVAL MAGIC
Step into a magical world where dragons are gentle, princesses are brave, and friendship saves the day! Students will journey through the story of Lovabye Dragon and use their voice, body, and imagination to help build a story full of wonder and heart.
10:45-11:45am, Saturdays, January 17 - February 21
MEDIEVAL MAGIC
Step into a magical world where dragons are gentle, princesses are brave, and friendship saves the day! Students will journey through the story of Lovabye Dragon and use their voice, body, and imagination to help build a story full of wonder and heart.
12:00-1:00pm, Saturdays, January 17 - February 21
LOVABYE DRAGON
An enchanting musical of unexpected friendship between a lonely girl and an even lonelier dragon. Together they embark on a grand adventure to the farthest far away only to face their greatest challenge. Explore characters, relationships, action, and text while developing overall acting skills and confidence using this touching story.
12:00-1:00pm, Saturdays, January 17 - February 21
PETER PAN & WENDY
Through the magic of stage wizardry and the power of your imagination, you will find yourself transported along with Wendy and her brothers to Neverland — a place of magic and wonder, of danger and suspense, but above all a place where you will believe in the seemingly unbelievable! Explore characters, relationships, action, and text while developing overall acting skills and confidence.
10:00-11:00am, Saturdays, January 17 - February 21
WICKED
Step into the shoes of Elphaba, Glinda, and other magical characters to explore themes of friendship, identity, and courage. Students will bring songs to life while learning about character, storytelling, and stage presence. With a focus on ensemble work, this class is perfect for young performers who are ready to defy gravity!
1:00-2:00pm, Saturdays, January 17 - February 21
THE SONGS OF STEPHEN SCHWARTZ
From Wicked to Pippin to Godspell, discover the unforgettable music of Stephen Schwartz! In this dynamic musical theater class, students will sing, dance, and act their way through iconic songs that celebrate storytelling, imagination, and heart.
10:30-11:30am, Saturdays, January 17 - February 21
IMPROVISATION
Develop expressiveness, spontaneity, and train your brain to think quickly and with reason through improvisational character and scene work.
1:30-2:30pm, Saturdays, January 17 - February 21
STAGE COMBAT
Stage combat is the art of creating realistic-looking stunts, falls, and fights — safely! Students of all experience levels will be able to learn fundamental stage combat techniques with hands-on lessons in a safe and controlled classroom, all while gaining trust in each other and their own physicality
12:30-1:30pm, Saturdays, January 17 - February 21
ACTING FOR THE CAMERA
Lights, camera, action! In this on-camera acting class, students will learn the fundamentals of performing for film and TV. Through scenes, monologues, and on-set exercises, young actors will explore how to adapt their performance for the screen, build confidence in front of the camera, and bring characters to life with subtlety and truth.
10:30-11:30am, Saturdays, January 17 - February 21
Please email nextsteps@firststage.org or call 414-267-2941 to register.
NEXT STEPS
Designed for students on the autism spectrum, 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 express themselves and develop as individuals without judgment or fear of failure. Guided by our philosophy of teaching life skills through stage skills, students will experience the joy of theater arts each day with a team of teaching artists and special education professionals.
Class Sizes: Our classroom model includes teams of lead teachers, special education professionals, and teaching assistants with approximately a 2:1 student to teacher ratio. Family aides may accompany a student to class as necessary and agreed upon between the family and First Stage.
Next Steps Curriculum: Explore character, relationships, action and text while developing overall acting skills and confidence.
Special registration form required — to register, contact nextsteps@firststage.org or call (414) 267-2941.
9:00-9:45am, Saturdays, January 17 - February 21
LOVABYE DRAGON
Students will explore the heartwarming story Lovabye Dragon and learn that kindness, empathy, and understanding can build strong bonds. Using their voice, body, and imagination, students will immerse themselves in the story and discover that friends come in all shapes and sizes - even dragons!
10:00-10:45am, Saturdays, January 17 - February 21
LOVABYE DRAGON
Students will explore the heartwarming story Lovabye Dragon and learn that kindness, empathy, and understanding can build strong bonds. Using their voice, body, and imagination, students will immerse themselves in the story and discover that friends come in all shapes and sizes - even dragons!
9:45-10:45am, Saturdays, January 17 - February 21
MEDIEVAL MAGIC
Step into a magical world where dragons are gentle, princesses are brave, and friendship saves the day! Students will journey through the story of Lovabye Dragon and use their voice, body, and imagination to help build a story full of wonder and heart.
9:45-10:45am, Saturdays, January 17 - February 21
LOVABYE DRAGON
An enchanting musical of unexpected friendship between a lonely girl and an even lonelier dragon. Together they embark on a grand adventure to the farthest far away only to face their greatest challenge. Explore characters, relationships, action, and text while developing overall acting skills and confidence using this touching story.
11:00-12:00pm, Saturdays, January 17 - February 21
PETER PAN & WENDY
Through the magic of stage wizardry and the power of your imagination, you will find yourself transported along with Wendy and her brothers to Neverland — a place of magic and wonder, of danger and suspense, but above all a place where you will believe in the seemingly unbelievable! Explore characters, relationships, action, and text while developing overall acting skills and confidence.
4:30-5:30pm, Tuesdays, April 7 - May 19
(No classes on April 21)
OLAF AND SVEN'S BIG ADVENTURE
Reindeer, snowmen, and silly surprises await! Students will use their bodies, voices, and imaginations to help Olaf and Sven set off on a brand-new adventure full of friendship, fun, and frosty magic.
4:30-5:30pm, Tuesdays, April 7 - May 19
(No classes on 4/21)
FROZEN
Step into the world of Frozen and bring your favorite characters to life! Students will explore short scenes inspired by Anna, Elsa, Olaf, and friends—building acting skills, teamwork, and confidence as they practice working with partners, using expressive voices, and creating magical moments onstage.
4:30-5:30pm, Tuesdays, April 7 - May 19
(No classes on 4/21)
FROZEN
Do you want to build a snowman—or belt out “Let It Go”? Students will sing, dance, and act their way through the world of Frozen. With fun group numbers and character moments, young performers will grow their confidence and shine like stars on the snowy stage!
4:30-5:30pm, Tuesdays, April 7 - May 19
(No classes on 4/21)
FROZEN
Dive deeper into the world of Frozen through character-driven scene work and storytelling! In this acting class, students will explore the emotions, relationships, and journeys of characters like Anna, Elsa, Kristoff, and more—building performance skills, ensemble connection, and stage presence along the way.
9:00-9:30am, Saturdays, April 11 - May 23
(No classes on 4/25)
FROZEN TALES
Young people love using their imaginations to explore the world around them, and they love the special interactions that exist with a guardian. Share unique experiences and wonderful moments through creative drama by participating in a class with your favorite young person.
Note: An adult, Parent, or Guardian must accompany student to all You & Me classes
9:45-10:15am, Saturdays, April 11 - May 23
(No classes on 4/25)
FROZEN TALES
Young people love using their imaginations to explore the world around them, and they love the special interactions that exist with a guardian. Share unique experiences and wonderful moments through creative drama by participating in a class with your favorite young person.
Note: An adult, Parent, or Guardian must accompany student to all You & Me classes
9:30-10:15am, Saturdays, April 11 - May 23
(No classes on 4/25)
ADVENTURES IN ARENDELLE
Magic is everywhere in Arendelle! Students will use their imaginations, voices, and movement to journey through snowy forests, enchanted castles, and magical moments—celebrating bravery, friendship, and the power of being yourself.
10:30-11:15am, Saturdays, April 11 - May 23
(No classes on 4/25)
ADVENTURES IN ARENDELLE
Magic is everywhere in Arendelle! Students will use their imaginations, voices, and movement to journey through snowy forests, enchanted castles, and magical moments—celebrating bravery, friendship, and the power of being yourself.
9:30-10:30am, Saturdays, 9:30-10:30am
(No classes on 4/25)
OLAF AND SVEN'S BIG ADVENTURE
Join Olaf and Sven on their biggest adventure yet! Students will use their voice, body, and imagination to create silly sidekicks, take on brave journeys, and create magical moments as an ensemble.
10:45-11:45am, Saturdays, April 11 - May 23
(No classes on 4/25)
OLAF AND SVEN'S BIG ADVENTURE
Join Olaf and Sven on their biggest adventure yet! Students will use their voice, body, and imagination to create silly sidekicks, take on brave journeys, and create magical moments as an ensemble.
12:00-1:00pm, Saturdays, April 11 - May 23
(No classes on 4/25)
FROZEN
Step into the world of Frozen and bring your favorite characters to life! Students will explore short scenes inspired by Anna, Elsa, Olaf, and friends—building acting skills, teamwork, and confidence as they practice working with partners, using expressive voices, and creating magical moments onstage.
10:00-11:00am, Saturdays, April 11 - May 23
(No classes on 4/25)
FROZEN
Dive deeper into the world of Frozen through character-driven scene work and storytelling! In this acting class, students will explore the emotions, relationships, and journeys of characters like Anna, Elsa, Kristoff, and more—building performance skills, ensemble connection, and stage presence along the way.
1:00-2:00pm, Saturdays, April 11 - May 23
(No classes on 4/25)
FROZEN
Do you want to build a snowman—or belt out “Let It Go”? Students will sing, dance, and act their way through the world of Frozen. With fun group numbers and character moments, young performers will grow their confidence and shine like stars on the snowy stage!
1:00-2:00pm, Saturdays, April 11 - May 23
(No classes on 4/25)
CONTEMPORARY MUSICAL THEATER HITS!
Get ready to sing, dance, and act to the sounds of today’s biggest musicals! From Hamilton to Waitress to Six, this high-energy class will have students diving into powerful songs, dynamic choreography, and character-driven scenes from modern Broadway favorites. Perfect for performers ready to shine in the spotlight!
12:30-1:30pm, Saturdays, April 11 - May 23
(No classes on 4/25)
IMPROVISATION
Develop expressiveness, spontaneity, and train your brain to think quickly and with reason through improvisational character and scene work.
1:30-2:30pm, Saturdays, April 11 - May 23
(No classes on 4/25)
STAGE COMBAT
Stage combat is the art of creating realistic-looking stunts, falls, and fights — safely! Students of all experience levels will be able to learn fundamental stage combat techniques with hands-on lessons in a safe and controlled classroom, all while gaining trust in each other and their own physicality
12:30-1:30pm, Saturdays, April 11 - May 23
(No classes at 4/25)
COSTUME CREATION & CHARACTER DESIGN
From sketchbook to stage! In this hands-on class, students will explore the art of costume design and how clothing helps bring characters to life. Through drawing, fabric work, and creative storytelling, young designers will learn how to develop original costume pieces while building characters from the outside in. Perfect for artists, actors, and anyone who loves to imagine bold new worlds through design!
10:30-11:30am, Saturdays, April 11 - May 23
(No classes on 4/25)
Please email nextsteps@firststage.org or call 414-267-2941 to register.
NEXT STEPS
Designed for students on the autism spectrum, 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 express themselves and develop as individuals without judgment or fear of failure. Guided by our philosophy of teaching life skills through stage skills, students will experience the joy of theater arts each day with a team of teaching artists and special education professionals.
Class Sizes: Our classroom model includes teams of lead teachers, special education professionals, and teaching assistants with approximately a 2:1 student to teacher ratio. Family aides may accompany a student to class as necessary and agreed upon between the family and First Stage.
Next Steps Curriculum: Explore character, relationships, action and text while developing overall acting skills and confidence.
Special registration form required — to register, contact nextsteps@firststage.org or call (414) 267-2941.
9:00-9:45am, Saturdays, April 11 - May 16
ADVENTURES IN ARENDELLE
Magic is everywhere in Arendelle! Students will use their imaginations, voices, and movement to journey through snowy forests, enchanted castles, and magical moments—celebrating bravery, friendship, and the power of being yourself.
10:00-10:45am, Saturdays, April 11 - May 16
ADVENTURES IN ARENDELLE
Magic is everywhere in Arendelle! Students will use their imaginations, voices, and movement to journey through snowy forests, enchanted castles, and magical moments—celebrating bravery, friendship, and the power of being yourself.
9:45-10:45am, Saturdays, April 11 - May 16
OLAF AND SVEN'S BIG ADVENTURE
Join Olaf and Sven on their biggest adventure yet! Students will use their voice, body, and imagination to create silly sidekicks, take on brave journeys, and create magical moments as an ensemble.
9:45-10:45am, Saturdays, April 11 - May 16
FROZEN
Step into the world of Frozen and bring your favorite characters to life! Students will explore short scenes inspired by Anna, Elsa, Olaf, and friends—building acting skills, teamwork, and confidence as they practice working with partners, using expressive voices, and creating magical moments onstage.
11:00-12:00pm, Saturdays, April 11 - May 16
FROZEN
Dive deeper into the world of Frozen through character-driven scene work and storytelling! In this acting class, students will explore the emotions, relationships, and journeys of characters like Anna, Elsa, Kristoff, and more—building performance skills, ensemble connection, and stage presence along the way.
The trip to Utah is a competition at the Utah Shakespeare Festival in Cedar City, Utah. YC assembles a team of 10-15 students to fly to Utah, present in the competition, and see several plays at the Festival. This trip will be October 2-4, 2025, with rehearsals throughout September.
A promotional code is required to register for this class. Please reach out to the Academy Office for assistance at academy@firststage.org or (414) 267-2970.
9:30-12:30pm, Saturdays, September 27 - May 23
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.
9:30-12:30pm, Saturdays, September 27 - May 23
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.