Understanding the power of connection that young people feel when they see themselves and their stories on stage, we are excited to begin this series featuring new commissioned work from Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) playwrights and directors. Amplifying their voices offers us an opportunity to expand our artistic horizons and develop our audience’s perspective.
First Stage is proud to continue Amplify - First Stage's BIPOC Virtual Short Play Series, developed and produced in Fall 2021. These short plays will be crafted by BIPOC playwrights that center on the young person’s point of view, amplifying the voices of these artists and young people throughout our community.
How to Actually Graduate in a Virtual World
Recommended for families with young people ages 12+
By Nikkole Salter
Directed by Samantha D. Montgomery
When Milwaukee High announces that graduation will be virtual, TT gathers friends to come up with a way to make the ceremony special. As they weigh their options – and battle invisibility, hopelessness and indifference – we learn how the pandemic affected them all. Is an achievement an achievement if it goes unacknowledged? Tune in and consider this question in this provocative short play.
Step Kids
Recommended for families with young people ages 10+
A one-act musical by Tyrone L. Robinson and Postell Pringle
Directed by Christopher Gilbert
A group of seemingly unconnected high school students find common ground in the most unlikely of places – the audition for their school’s competitive step dance team. As the students become unified through the power of rhythm and dance, experience the joy of finding your crew in this energetic performance.
The Tale of La Llorona As Told By Consuelo Chavez
Recommended for families with young people ages 12+
By José Casas
Directed by David Flores
Disappointed that a thunderstorm has stopped them from their traditional trick or treating, six middle-schoolers huddle together in a basement on what might be the last time they are together to celebrate All Hallow’s Eve. To pass the time, they share some of their favorite ghost stories...but are they just stories?
Please note: the performance includes blackouts, loud noises, scary moments and references to suicide and violence.
Download THE TALE OF LA LLORONA Enrichment Guide