First Stage Launches Young Actors Studio

MILWAUKEE, Wis. (August 12, 2025)—Enrollment is open for First Stage’s 2025-2026 Theater Academy, one of the nation’s largest high-impact theater training programs for young people, and this fall brings exciting new offerings for young performers. Among them is the Young Actors Studio—a comprehensive, audition-based program for performers in grades 5-9. The program is designed for passionate young performers seeking advanced instruction in acting, dance, and voice.

Young Actors Studio is modeled after First Stage’s award-winning Young Company for advanced high school students and is part of First Stage’s continued effort to nurture young talent. Young Actors Studio auditions will be held Aug. 18-22 from 2:30-4:30 p.m. at the Milwaukee Youth Arts Center‘s Goodman Mainstage Hall.

Also new this year is You & Me, a guardian and child (ages 3-5) class that facilitates shared unique experiences through creative drama and imagination. And, for young people who are neurodivergent, First Stage offers Next Steps, highly specialized small classes that explore singing, dancing, and improvisation.

“Theater training is more than learning to perform on stage,” says J.T. Backes, Academy Director, Milwaukee theater artist, and Academy alum, “it’s a transformative journey that helps students build life skills, empowering them to take risks, conquer fears and grow in confidence, all within a supportive environment.”

First Stage Theater Academy begins its school year classes Sept. 20. Classes occur at three venues: Milwaukee Youth Arts Center in Milwaukee, Sharon Lynne Wilson Center for the Arts in Brookfield, and Concordia University Wisconsin in Mequon.

Classes, taught by professional theater teaching artists, are available for all experience levels, ranging from musical theater and acting to puppetry. Auditions and advanced sign-up are required for Young Actors Studio and other advanced classes. Those interested can contact the Academy Office at (414) 267-2970 for more information. All school year classes can be found at www.firststage.org/School-Year-Academy.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.