First Stage Managing Director Betsy Corry to Retire Following 2022/23 Season
MILWAUKEE – May 17, 2023 – First Stage today announced the retirement of Managing Director Betsy Corry, effective at the close of the 2022/23 production season. Corry has served as managing director for the organization since 2012, and also held the role previously from 1996 – 2003.
Jeff Frank will continue to serve as artistic director, guiding First Stage’s artistic and creative vision.
“It’s been a privilege to work alongside Betsy, and I have valued her leadership and collaborative spirit as we’ve overseen so many seasons together,” said Frank. “While First Stage will miss Betsy, we’re also excited for what’s ahead for the organization and the ways we plan to continue to positively impact the lives of our young people, their families, our audiences and the greater Milwaukee community.”
During her tenure, Corry’s leadership led to programming expansion, ticket sales growth and the groundwork for what would become the Milwaukee Youth Arts Center (MYAC), where First Stage is housed today. She also guided the organization through the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic, during which First Stage had to pivot to virtual alternatives for programming and productions where possible.
In addition to First Stage, Corry previously held roles as development director for Milwaukee Repertory Theater and associate executive director for COA Youth & Family Centers. She first became involved with First Stage as a board member.
Here is a Google Drive link that includes a headshot of Betsy Corry, the First Stage 2023/24 season announcement and the 2021/22 Annual Impact Report:
drive.google.com/drive/folders/1kYs6uf0eobCgUfwC5icx5zOFI1OiXkzQ?usp=share_link
The process to choose Corry’s successor as managing director is underway with a search committee convened by board president Chris Marschka and co-led by board members Alex Kramer and Karen Guy. First Stage has engaged Management Consultants for the Arts (MCA) to facilitate the national search process, and more information is available on MCA’s website. The search committee, along with MCA, will work over the next several months to recruit, interview and recommend a candidate for consideration of the board. Corry will continue to provide support in the interim to help transition the new managing director, once appointed, into their leadership role.
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.
Mentioned in This Press Release
Recent Press Releases by First Stage
Fate, Humor & Heart: First Stage Invites Audiences On A Theatrical Roller Coaster Ride With Ride The Cyclone (high School Edition)
Feb 24th, 2025 by First StageA roller coaster accident, a fortune teller, and a second chance at life—this acclaimed musical explores fate, storytelling, and self-discovery.
From The Big Screen To The Stage: First Stage Brings Disney & Pixar’s FINDING NEMO TYA To Milwaukee This Spring
Feb 5th, 2025 by First StageDive into the beloved underwater adventure featuring an ocean of puppets that are sure to be unforgettable!
Performances of First Stage’s The Dinosaur Play Are Now Underway!
Jan 21st, 2025 by First StageThe production runs at the Milwaukee Youth Arts Center’s Goodman Mainstage Hall through Sunday, February 16, 2025.