School Year Theater Academy
First Stage Theater Academy is the nation’s largest high impact theater training program for young people. Theater training is more than learning skills to perform on a stage; it’s a transformative journey where creativity becomes your compass, empathy your script, and resilience your standing ovation. For more than 30 years, First Stage Theater Academy classes meet students where they are and offer an experience unlike any other.
First Stage’s philosophy is teaching life skills through stage skills in all of our classes. Our Professional Teaching Artists create a safe, positive learning environment that allow students to take risks and conquer fears all while being fully supported.
We believe that theater training for young people is where the imagination takes the spotlight and has the power to ignite minds, touch hearts, and change the world.
Explore our curriculum below. Click here to learn more about our financial assistance program, Access for All.
Milwaukee Youth Arts Center
325 W Walnut Street, Milwaukee, WI 53212
Fall Session — Tuesdays or Saturdays, October 1 – November 9, 2024
Winter Session — Tuesdays or Saturdays, January 14 – February 22, 2025
Spring Session — Tuesdays or Saturdays, April 1 – May 10, 2025
Sharon Lynne Wilson Center for the Arts
19805 W Capitol Drive, Brookfield, WI 53045
Fall Session — Saturdays, September 28 – October 19, 2024
Winter Session — Saturdays, January 18, February 1, February 15, and February 22, 2025
Spring Session — Saturdays, March 15, March 29, April 5, and April 12, 2025
Oak Creek Performing Arts & Education Center
340 E Puetz Road, Oak Creek, WI 53154
Fall Session — Saturdays, September 28 – November 2, 2024
Winter Session — Saturdays, January 18 – February 22, 2025
Spring Session — Saturdays, April 5 – May 10, 2025
Story Drama
Grades K4–1
Bring exciting tales to life through dramatic play! Young people begin to develop their actor tools of body, voice, and imagination by actively engaging in creative play, all while strengthening their ability to focus, cooperate with others, and solve problems.
Playmakers
Grades 1–2
Each session is a new adventure created by the class! Further develop your beginning acting skills and use improvisation techniques to create your own characters and story.
Acting Fundamentals
Grades 3–12
Explore characters, relationships, action and text while developing overall acting skills and confidence.
Musical Theater Fundamentals
Grades 3–12
Expand your versatility and work on new vocal and dance techniques while exploring the art of storytelling through words, music, and movement.
Improvisation Fundamentals
Grades 5–12
Develop expressiveness, spontaneity, and train your brain to think quickly and with reason through improvisational character and scene work.
Stage Combat
Grades 6–12
Create realistic-looking stunts, falls, and fights—safely! Learn fundamental stage combat techniques with hands-on lessons in a safe and controlled classroom.
Next Steps
Grades 3–12
Next Steps is designed for students on the autism spectrum guided by research-based best practices and our philosophy of life skills through stage skills.Experience the joy of theater with a team of teaching artists and special education professionals.