First Stage Works to Create Theater for all Ages

Earlier this week, First Stage announced their 2013-2014 show schedule. According to their mission statement:

"Since 1987, First Stage touches hearts, engages minds, and transforms lives by creating extraordinary theater experiences for young people and families through professional Theater Productions that inspire, enlighten, and entertain; unparalleled Theater Academy training that fosters life skills through stage skills; and dynamic Theater in Education programs that promote active learning in our schools and community."

With their 27^th season getting ready to start, that mission is ringing true.

First Stage is broken up into multiple smaller theater guilds. Each guild has a different purpose and different shows this season. First is the Family Series. This theater group performs in the Todd Wehr Theater at the Marcus Center. They are excited to announce a new Theater for Young Audiences version of Shrek the Musical from October 11^th through November 17^th, 2013. From November 29^th through December 29^th, 2013, the Herdman kids are taking over the Todd Wehr. The ever-popular "Best Christmas Pageant Ever" is returning to the Wehr. In January, "A Midnight Cry" will be coming back to First Stage. The show running from January 10^th through February 9^th, 2014 is an interactive show that teaches viewers about the history of Wisconsin. This years Family Series continues with "Anatole" on February 21^st through March 16^th, 2014. Jerry Spinelli's popular novel, "Crash" will take the stage from Mach 28^th through April 13^th, 2014. This show will teach young theatergoers about the power of bullying and other major societal issues. Finally, "Nancy Drew and her Biggest Case Yet" takes the stage from May 2^nd through June 1^st, 2014. Each of these shows is targeted at a different audience leaving all Milwaukee children with something exciting to watch.

First Stage also has a theater group called First Steps Series. These Theater Productions are created with 3-6 year olds in mind. Each of the shows are interactive and presented at the Milwaukee Youth Arts Center. This season, they will be presenting "Dr. Seuss' The Cat in the Hat." Popular Milwaukee actor Chris Feierisen is back as the Cat in the Hat and is ready to enchant children and their parents.

Finally, First Stage's Young Company is back with two new fully produced shows. "The Young Company allows our most serious young actors to train with professional actors in pursuit of excellence in their craft," said Director of the Young Company John Maclay. First, they will be putting on "Maul of the Dead" at the Milwaukee Youth Art Center from December 6^th through 8^th. May 16^th-17^th, 2014, the theater group will be tackling "Romeo and Juliet" at the Golda Meir School. While these two shows might be textually different, they will be equally enjoyable.

Photo Credit: BWW-Staff

Photo Credit: BWW-Staff

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