Travel Back in Time for a Prehistoric Adventure with First Stage!

Hatch a dinosaur egg, befriend a Triceratops and face thrilling challenges in this interactive theatrical experience for young explorers and their families

Romance, Revenge, and Raucous Comedy Abound in THE TEMPEST, a Young Company Performance Project

Join First Stage in a timeless tale of heartfelt reconciliation as the banished Prospero orchestrates the ultimate final showdown.

The Most Famous Reindeer of All Returns to First Stage in its 2024-25 Season

The longest-running holiday TV special of all time, brought to life 12 years ago at First Stage, makes a triumphant return as Rudolph and friends celebrate their 60th Anniversary.

Heroes Assemble: First Stage Soars to New Heights with its 2024/25 Season

Disney favorites, evil queens, prehistoric adventures, holiday classics, and groovy, guitar-playing cats take center stage this season

First Stage proudly presents ESCAPE FROM PELIGRO ISLAND: A Create Your Own Adventure Play

Join Callaway Brown in this interactive, unforgettable adventure of a lifetime

First Stage’s award-winning Young Company presents AN ENEMY OF THE PEOPLE

A searing examination of the intersection of politics and the public good

First Stage announces date for next year’s Make Believe Ball: Saturday, May 10, 2025

Milwaukee’s premier black-tie event for the entire family will be held at Baird Center

First Stage celebrates spring with fun production of DIARY OF A WIMPY KID: THE MUSICAL

Hilarious and heartfelt musical about friendship and surviving middle school

First Stage and Milwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra Announce: 3.5 Million Dollars Awarded for Two Endowments for Advanced Theater and Music Training

A fun-filled, friendship-packed musical ELEPHANT & PIGGIE’S “WE ARE IN PLAY!” comes to Milwaukee Youth Arts Center this month

Real-life friends James Carrington and Rachael Zientek reprise their charming roles as Gerald and Piggie

First Stage’s 30th Annual Make Believe Ball February 24

First Stage presents action-packed, mythical adventure THE LIGHTNING THIEF: The Percy Jackson Musical

Filled with powerful music, ingenious storytelling, high action and compelling characters

First Stage’s award-winning Young Company presents HENRY IV, PART 1

Full of soaring language, epic battles and hilarious hijinks, this play has something for everyone

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever: The Musical returns to First Stage this holiday season!

The horrible Herdmans will make you laugh and melt your heart at the same time

First Stage announces Sensory Friendly Performance Schedule for 2023/24 season

First Stage Announces New Managing Director Daniel Grambow

A Milwaukee native, Grambow brings his collaborative spirit and strategic administrative skills to lead the organization into its next chapter

First Stage proudly presents the world premiere production THE FORGOTTEN GIRL

Mysterious ghost story comes to Milwaukee Youth Arts Center just in time for Halloween

Uplifting world premiere production DREAM, QUICKIE! DREAM! opens at Marcus Performing Arts Center’s Todd Wehr Theater this October

Inspired by the life of Donald Driver and celebrating the idea to dream big

First Stage announces Artistic and Creative Teams for 2023/24 season

Michelle LoRicco joins First Stage as new Associate Artistic Director

Position will play critical role in new play development, casting and community engagement as First Stage moves forward

Amplify BIPOC Play Series returns to First Stage for fourth season

Featuring three play readings by BIPOC playwrights Ty Defoe, Alvaro Saar Rios and Marcus Yi

First Stage Managing Director Betsy Corry to Retire Following 2022/23 Season

First Stage proudly presents the world premiere production The Gracious Sisters

First Stage’s award-winning Young Company will explore themes of revenge and justice in thrilling, modern adaptation of a Greek play

Bob Marley’s Three Little Birds brings Jamaican good vibes to First Stage this spring

Join Ziggy as he overcomes his fears and enjoys the adventures of life

First Stage raises over $150,000 at 29th Annual Make Believe Ball

Managing Director Betsy Corry was also honored for her years of service at the event

First Stage brings Tolkien’s epic tale The Hobbit to Milwaukee Youth Arts Center

An immersive theatrical experience featuring 5 actors, 1 musician and 32 characters

First Stage Breaks Fundraising Record at Annual Wine Tasting & Dinner Event

First Stage’s award-winning Young Company presents A Midsummer Night’s Dream

First Stage celebrates the holidays with Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer™: The Musical

The beloved TV classic soars off the screen and returns to the Todd Wehr this holiday season

First Stage welcomes Chris Marschka as new President of the Board of Directors

Other new Board Members include Jeremy Tardy and Ashley Wroblewski

First Stage Announces Sensory Friendly Performance Schedule for 2022/23 Season

Milwaukee’s First Stage and Ko-Thi Dance Company in collaboration present THE DANCING GRANNY

A fun, interactive First Steps production that kids and adults will enjoy together

First Stage Announces Sensory Friendly Performance Schedule for Remainder of 2021/22 Season

First Stage’s Annual ImpACT Event Highlights Community Impact and Commitment

Samantha D. Montgomery is named Artistic Inclusion and Community Engagement Director at First Stage

New role will help expand First Stage’s Equity, Inclusion, Diversity and Justice efforts

First Stage Offers Holiday Gift to the Milwaukee Community CHRISTMASTOWN COMES TO FIRST STAGE

A free virtual holiday special featuring music, humor and a healthy dose of magic

First Stage’s Virtual Season of Plays continues with comedic romp SHE KILLS MONSTERS: VIRTUAL REALMS

Featuring First Stage Theater Academy’s Advanced Acting students

Milwaukee’s First Stage Receives COVID-19 Cultural Organization Grant Award

World Premiere The Quest for Solomon’s Treasure

Opens First Stage’s 2020/21 Virtual Season of Plays

First Stage Announces New HOPE Fund Special Relief Initiative

First Stage Announces Through Our Lens – A New Virtual Performance Series

-Featuring a New Membership program for the 2020/21 Season-

First Stage cancels all remaining performances for 2019/20 season

First Stage cancels all remaining performances of GRETEL!

An urgent message regarding First Stage performance schedule due to COVID-19

ELF – The Musical Becomes Highest Grossing Production in First Stage History

Performances have been added to accommodate ticket sales demand

First Stage Breaks Fundraising Record at Tenth Annual Wine Tasting & Dinner Event

Funds raised through this event support First Stage’s mission of transforming lives through theater.

First Stage Announces Pay What You Choose Performance Schedule for the 2019/20 Season

Pay What You Choose tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis with a minimum suggested donation of $5 per person.

Delightful ELEPHANT & PIGGIE’S “WE ARE IN A PLAY!” Opens at First Stage this September

Featuring James Carrington as Gerald the Elephant and Rachael Zientek as Piggie the Pig. Based on the Elephant & Piggiebooks by Mo Willems. Published by Hyperion Books for Children Book and lyrics by Mo Willems/Music by Deborah Wicks La Puma Directed by Matt Daniels

Generous Milwaukee Bucks Foundation Grant will support First Stage Community Partnership Program

The grant will support First Stage’s Community Partnership Program this season.

Single Tickets for First Stage’s 2019/20 SEASON Go on Sale Monday, August 5th!

Celebrate Girl Power at First Stage this season

First Stage Announces Expanded Playwrights-In-Residence and Commitment to New Play Development

Three of the Playwrights-in-Residence plays will be included in First Stage’s upcoming 2019/20 season.

Associated Bank and Reinhart Boerner Van Deuren s.c. to sponsor ELF – The Musical, First Stage’s holiday production

Based on the beloved 2003 holiday film, this Broadway holiday musical is sure to have everyone embracing their inner elf.

First Stage presents World Premiere production of GIRLS IN THE BOAT

Featuring the award-winning Young Company. By Alice Austen. Directed by Marcella Kearns

First Stage announces complete casting for Roald Dahl’s MATILDA The Musical

Tickets start at $25

Connecting with the Milwaukee community through ANTARCTICA, WI, Opening this weekend at First Stage

The world premiere ANTARCTICA, WI came about from international, award-winning playwright Finegan Kruckemeyer having conversations with the young people of Milwaukee.

First Stage announces its most ambitious and inspiring season yet!

Featuring four musicals including the full-length, Tony Award-winning Roald Dahl’s MATILDA THE MUSICAL, direct from Broadway

First Stage announces Free Class Day – Sunday, February 25, 2018 at the Milwaukee Youth Arts Center

First Stage to hold day-long open house featuring free acting classes for students!

First Stage to Receive $10,000 Grant from the National Endowment for the Arts

First Stage is one of the nation’s leading theaters for young people and families.

THE MIRACULOUS JOURNEY OF EDWARD TULANE comes to First Stage this January

Directed by John Maclay

A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS returns to First Stage this holiday season

November 24, 2017 – December 31, 2017

First Stage Announces its 2017-2018 Season!

With two world premieres and celebrated family favorites, First Stage continues its commitment to spectacular theater experiences for young people and families.

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical returns to First Stage this holiday season!

November 25 – December 31, 2016 at the The Marcus Center’s Todd Wehr Theater

First Stage commissions its first international playwright with THE SNOW world premiere.

February 26 – March 20, 2016 at the Todd Wehr Theater, Marcus Center for the Performing Arts

First Stage presents world premiere musical JUST A LITTLE CRITTER MUSICAL

February 13 – March 13, 2016 at the Milwaukee Youth Arts Center

First Stage Young Company opens twelfth season with ALL’S WELL THAT ENDS WELL

December 11-20, 2015 at the Milwaukee Youth Arts Center – Youth Arts Hall. This play is for everyone ages 13 and up.

First Stage announces Free Class Day

First Stage to hold day-long open house featuring free acting classes for students, free Danceworks classes for parents, and special registration offers

First Stage to serve as lead agency of newly-formed CLC at MPS’ Kluge Elementary School

Through this after-school partnership, students will have access to First Stage Theater Academy acting classes, arts-integrated literacy programs and character development workshops.

First Stage’s 29th season begins with family favorite Roald Dahl’s James and the Giant Peach

October 16 – November 15, 2015 at the Todd Wehr Theater, Marcus Center for the Performing Arts.

First Stage’s 2015-16 First Steps series kicks off with world premiere play SPOOKLEY THE SQUARE PUMPKIN

October 10 – November 1, 2015 at the Milwaukee Youth Arts Center

First Stage announces $70,000 grant award from the Shubert Foundation

General operating support from the Shubert Foundation has been awarded to First Stage for twelve consecutive years.

First Stage Young Company presents HAMLET

The nationally acclaimed Young Company to collaborate with area professionals, bringing Shakespeare’s greatest tragedy to life.

First Stage Announces Added Performance of BIG NATE: THE MUSICAL

Saturday, March 28 at 7:00 p.m.

First Stage Announces its 2015-2016 Season!

Your adventure awaits! Our 29th season includes four captivating World Premiere productions as well as beloved family favorites – Roald Dahl’s James and the Giant Peach, A Charlie Brown Christmas, Holes and Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse.

First Stage presents world premiere LUCHADORA!

A vibrant exploration of Mexican American tradition

First Stage announces extended run of GOLDILOCKS AND THE THREE BEARS

First Stage’s First Steps Series presents Stiles and Drewe’s GOLDILOCKS AND THE THREE BEARS at the Milwaukee Youth Arts Center, 325 W. Walnut Street, Milwaukee. Due to the popularity of this show, five performances have been added, extending the run from January 31 through March 1, 2015. This fun, interactive performance is part of First Stage’s First Steps Series, designed to introduce children ages 3 to 6 to live theater in an engaging and lively environment. Tickets can be purchased in person at the First Stage box office by phone at (414) 267-2961 or online at www.firststage.org. Several performances are sold out, so patrons are encouraged to buy tickets early. From the musical team behind Mary Poppins and Honk!, with music by George Stiles and book and lyrics by Anthony Drewe, this story is an exciting musical journey through one of the most well-loved fairytales of all time. A special sensory-friendly performance, designed to serve children on the autism spectrum and their families is planned for Saturday, February 14, 2015 at 3:30 p.m. Families can enjoy a welcoming and comfortable environment including lower sound, lights up, and available quiet areas staffed by experienced educators. Jennifer Adams (Director)Jennifer is a teaching artist and director who joined the staff at First Stage in May of 2011.  Jennifer has taught and directed at theaters across the southeast at theaters including the Springer Opera House, Orlando Repertory Theater, Orlando Shakespeare Theatre, Rose of Athens Theater, Dramatic English, Columbus State University, and a variety of high schools and community organizations.  Jennifer currently serves as an Academy Director at First Stage as well as program director for the Next Steps program for students with autism.  Jennifer earned an M.F.A. in Theatre for Young Audiences from the University of Central Florida. The adult actor cast of GOLDILOCKS AND THE THREE BEARS includes Matt Daniels (Member of Actor’s Equity Association) as Goldi’s Father/Puppetter; Marvette Knight (Member of Actor’s Equity Association) as Mama Bear; andThomas Novak as Papa Bear.   Young performer roles are double cast.  Young performers in the Itch Cast are Madelyn Ballard (as Goldilocks), Laetitia Faye (Ensemble) and Oshionna Wright (Ensemble) from Milwaukee; Jack Trettin (as Baby Bear) and Hannah Lipscomb (Ensemble) from Whitefish Bay. Young performers in the Scratch Cast are Georgina Pink (as Goldilocks) from Milwaukee; Michael Loomans (as Baby Bear) and Taylor Loomans (Ensemble) from West Bend; Marissa Tucker (Ensemble) from Glendale; and Anna Fitzsimmons (Ensemble) from Mequon.   The artistic staff for GOLDILOCKS AND THE THREE BEARS  includes: Sarah Hunt-Frank (Scenic Designer); Jason Orlenko (Costume Designer); Ross Zentner (Lighting Designer); Erin Paige (Sound Designer); Sarah Deming-Henes (Assistant Stage Manager) and Ryan Treviranus (Assistant Stage Manager).   Tickets for GOLDILOCKS AND THE THREE BEARS are $14.00.  Tickets may be purchased online at www.firststage.org or through the First Stage box office, by phone (414) 267-2961.

First Stage’s RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER™: THE MUSICAL now extended through December 31, 2014!

Special offer announced: Save 20% off main floor tickets for additional RUDOLPH performances.

First Stage presents Y York’s moving adaptation of Jerry Spinelli’s young adult novel STARGIRL

January 16 – February 15, 2015 at the Todd Wehr Theater, Marcus Center for the Performing Arts

First Stage announces sensory-friendly performances of THE THREE LITTLE PIGS and GOLDILOCKS AND THE THREE BEARS

“We’re delighted that children with autism and their families can enjoy these interactive performances.”

First Stage presents: The Three Little Pigs

November 1 – 23, 2014 at the Milwaukee Youth Arts Center.

Rudolph Soars from Screen to Stage in Family-Friendly Adaptation of Highest Rated Christmas Special of All Time

November 28 – December 28, 2014 at The Marcus Center’s Todd Wehr Theater

Milwaukee Teens Place First in Multi-state High School Shakespearean Acting Competition

For the eighth time, First Stage Young Company sent 14 of its members to compete in the Utah Shakespearean Festival/Southern Utah University Shakespeare Competition.

First Stage expands programming for students with autism

One and two-week summer programs begin August 18 Sensory Friendly performances announced for 2014-15 season

First Stage to take Part in Potawatomi Hotel & Casino’s Miracle on Canal Street as a 2014 Signature Charity

Funds raised by casino to be used for First Stage Theater Academy Scholarships, Literacy Residency programs and in-classroom arts integrated lessons.

First Stage adds performance of NANCY DREW AND HER BIGGEST CASE

Saturday, May 31 at 7:00 p.m.

First Stage expands summer programming to West Bend

Week-long theater class offered at West Bend High School July 14-18, 2014.

First Stage presents “Nancy Drew and Her Biggest Case Ever!”

First Stage presents its 50th world premiere play

Educators use First Stage’s CRASH to spark important conversation about bullying

First Stage’s Theater In Education department to facilitate over 75 in-classroom workshops in conjunction with CRASH to teach anti-bullying, leadership and character education this spring.

LeRoy Butler gives extended talkback following 3:30 p.m. performance of First Stage’s CRASH on Sunday, March 30.

The former Packer of Lambeau Leap fame will share his personal story and experiences overcoming bullying.

First Stage completes first successful run of holiday production in Chicago; over 27,000 tickets sold to new audiences.

First Stage successfully introduces its unique brand of theater for young audiences to families in Chicago and beyond.