Skylight Music Theatre Announces Education Programming for Summer 2026
Skylight Music Theatre, Milwaukee’s home for Music Theatre, is proud to launch its summer 2026 education programming under a new education name, “Skylight Spotlight,” offering hands-on music theatre experiences for students in grades 3–12. Through immersive workshops, rehearsals, and performances led by professional teaching artists working in the field, participants will build skills in acting, singing, movement, collaboration, and creative expression. Some classes involve creating new musical material and others cover audition preparation geared towards college applications as well as for high school productions. Each program culminates in a performance or showcase for family and friends, empowering young artists of all experience levels to discover their voice, develop their craft, make new friends, and take the stage in a professional theatre environment.
“I am thrilled for students to gain valuable knowledge about music theatre from some of the finest musical theatre artists Milwaukee has to offer,” says Artistic Director Michael Unger. “KidsWrites is a widely known and celebrated program in Milwaukee, giving young people the chance to see their own stories come to life on stage. With Grace and the Butterfly Effect, students also have the rare opportunity to help shape a new musical from the ground up—an experience that is both empowering and unforgettable. I am excited to direct this production and for students to gain hands-on experience working alongside a professional actor/musician. Our audition preparation workshops will build confidence as students get ready to take their next steps to shine in the spotlight at their high school or hopeful colleges and universities.”
Skylight Music Theatre is thrilled to partner for the first time with the Sharon Lynne Wilson Center for the Arts, where a portion of its summer education programming will take place. Among these offerings is KidsWrites, a well-known Milwaukee program for students in grades 3–8 that invites young artists to explore storytelling as both writers and performers. Over two immersive weeks, students create original stories and bring them to life on stage in a brand-new musical showcase, guided by professional teaching artists.
Expanding on these offerings, the organization will also present the TakeTheStage program for students in grades 8–12 at the Wilson Center, designed to prepare young performers for professional music theatre standards. Participants will refine audition techniques and performance skills while developing material suitable for high school and college auditions and will receive a high-quality video recording of their work. The program concludes with a showcase for family and friends. TakeTheStage will also be offered separately at Skylight Music Theatre from August 10–21.
Rounding out the lineup, the FindYourLight program offers students a hands-on introduction to developing a brand-new musical while building skills in performance, character development, and collaboration for students in grades 6-8. Participants will take part in the creation of Grace and the Butterfly Effect, book, music, and lyrics by Jane Kelley, Clifford Lee Johnson III, and Greg Alexander, working alongside professional artists from Skylight Music Theatre. The program culminates in a performance for family and friends, offering a rare opportunity for students to contribute to the early development of a new musical.
Together, these programs reflect Skylight Music Theatre’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of artists through professional training, creative exploration, and meaningful performance opportunities.
Location: Sharon Lynne Wilson Center
Duration: 3 Weeks, Monday-Friday
Cost: $600
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.
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