First Stage's 25th anniversary commemorative book

C e l e b r a t i n g 2 5 y e a r s

Inside Front Cover

The Sleeping BeauTy Opening production of inaugural season 1987

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Carol a . GehlPresident, Board of Directors

roB GooDmanFounding artistic Director

& managing Director

JeFF Frankartistic Director

OfficersCarol a. Gehl, President

alec Fraser, President Elect

Joel nettesheim, Vice President of Finance

Sheila reynolds, Secretary & Vice President of Governance

Bob arzbaecher, Vice President at Large

Gregory J. Schmeling, m.D., Vice President of Programming

lauren Pagenkopf, Vice President of Marketing

kristin Severson, Vice President of Fund Development

DirectorsTodd a. adams

nicole angresano

libby Baranko

Vincent Ciccolini

Dawn S. Cooke

John Fricker

Darren l. Goldstein

kristine havlik

Daniel Jones

luke kowal

Carol l. kracht

First Stage is honored to celebrate 25 years of transforming lives through theater. Since our inaugural season our vision has remained the same: to touch hearts, engage minds and transform lives by creat-ing extraordinary theater experiences for young people, and families. Through this mission, we have touched the lives of over 3.6 million people throughout our history.

First Stage was created when the marcus Center for the Performing arts, our founding organization, hired rob Goodman as the founding artistic director to develop a professional children’s theater to serve families in the greater milwaukee community. First Stage was born in 1987, incorporated on its own in 1988 and has grown into one of the nation’s most acclaimed professional children’s theaters and the largest Theater academy. The Wisconsin arts Board also affirms that First Stage is Wisconsin’s leader of arts Integrated education in schools.

our success is due to the mothers, fathers, grandparents, educators, and most of all the young people whose lives we touched and who touched our lives in so many ways. They all recognize the value of our work in their lives. We thank them and the entire community for our success.

as First Stage celebrates this milestone anniversary, we are thankful for so much and yet look to the future, a future filled with the hope that we have just begun, that many more young people will have access to the life transforming programs at First Stage.

We thank you for partnering with us, inspiring us to use all aspects of theater arts to build character and develop leadership skills in young people, empowering them to become our community’s next generation of creative and innovative leaders. The future belongs to them.

Sincerely,

Carol a. Gehl President, Board of Directors

ron kuramoto

megan madsen

liza Perry

Wendy Petzold

Gregory ramirez

Jami ross

Janet Schmeling

kristin Sheehan

Deanna Singh

Carver Smith

harry Stratton

amy Taylor Diamond

Chad Tessmer

Bridget D. Viohl

Dashal Young

Advisory BoardJeff Schouten, Chair

Gretchen Barbatelli

Tom Florsheim

Tamara hauck

Jennifer keough

marina krejci

Curt larson

Jody lowe

Dan mckinley

mark metcalf

kate Scovil

Jeff Spence

mary h. Sprague

les Weil

Past Board Presidentsrichard S. Gallagher, 1987-1989

(Board President, Performing Arts Center)

Judith C. mcGoohan, 1989-1991

Jay h. robertson, 1991-1992

marina S. krejci, 1992-1994

W. Scott Blake, 1994-1996

Jeffrey P. Schouten, 1996-1998

Tamara J. hauck, 1998-2000

Tim reiland, 2000-2002

David moskol and Joel netteshiem (Co-Presidents), 2002-2004

alec Fraser, 2004-2006

kristin Severson, 2006-2008

mike Carter, 2008-2010

Special thanks to the generosity and commitment of all First Stage Board of Directors who made this 25th anniversary season possible.

25th AnniversAry seAson BoArd of directors deAr friends, 52

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MissionFirst Stage touches hearts, engages minds, and transforms lives by creating extraordinary theater experiences for young people and families through:

•ProfessionalTheaterproductionsthatinspire,enlighten,andentertain

•UnparalleledTheaterAcademytrainingthatfosterslifeskillsthroughstageskills

•DynamicTheaterinEducationprogramsthatpromoteactivelearninginourschools and community

vision

First Stage strives to be the national leader and driving force behind the creation of the best and most innovative plays for family audiences, theater training programs for young people, and education initia-tives for our schools and our community. These three interwoven programming pillars are accessible to, and reflective of our increasingly diverse community. Through our exceptional leadership, dedicated team, and commitment to financial sustainability, First Stage will broaden the reach and impact of our transformational programs, thus enabling dreams to be fulfilled, hope to be fostered, and families to enjoy the lasting legacy of a profound shared experience.

trAnsforMAtion

photo by Jessica Kaminski

Sarah Horn, First Stage Academy Alumni , Young Per former and graduate of US Naval

Academy and Marine Corps pi lotSarah Horn as Scout in

To Kill A MoCKiNgBirD (1997)Joel Boyd, student at

Columbia Col lege ChicagoJoel Boyd as Kenny in THe WATSoNS go

To BirMiNgHAM – 1963 (2008)

“Our work strives to be honest, thought-provoking, full of wonder, inspiring, compassionate, alive with humor, and driven by hope.”– Rob Goodman, First Stage Founding Artistic Director

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First Stage opened our inaugural season on october 5, 1987 with the world premiere of Ian Dennis’ adaptationofTHESLEEPINGBEAUTY.Weexpandedfromthreeproductionsinourinfancytoproducing six productions at the Todd Wehr Theater and First Steps series productions at the milwaukee Youth arts Center, serving well over 100,000 people each season.

Young performers on stageSince the beginning, First Stage has remained committed to age-appropriate casting for both the artistic integrity of the characters portrayed on stage, as well as providing young people the opportunity to work alongside actors, directors, and designers. This is our powerful Professional Development Internship program, a school-to-work opportunity, where the focus is on developing self-esteem, personal responsibility, teamwork, commitment, focus, time management, and emotional intelligence–skills that empower the young person for a lifetime.

New Play DevelopmentThroughout its 25 years, First Stage has remained committed to new play development; finding innovative ways to tell beloved stories old and new, with over 45 world premieres. Continuing this focus, First Stage launched The Wisconsin Cycle, a series of six new plays over six seasons celebrating the rich heritage of our state.

theAter for All Ages

isaiah Reynolds (left), alison pogorelc (right) and cast in DiaRy Of a WORm, a SpiDeR, anD a fly (2012) photo by Ross Zentner

“I have been aware of First Stage for many years, but on Thursday night I SAW and FELT the importance of First Stage in the community. The energy of the actors...the energy of the audience...the phenomenal play... Thank you!” - Rachael Forman

First stAge PrODuctiONs BY the NumBers

• Totalnumberofplaysproduced:168

• Totalnumberofworldpremiere

productions:46

• Totalnumberofperformances:6,680

• NumberofYoungPerformerscast:2,004

• Totalattendanceatfamilyperformances:

1,142,204

• Totalattendanceatschoolperformances

(includingtouringproductions):2,022,594

• Totalattendancesince1987:3,164,798

“There are a lot of things families can

do together, but First Stage is something we

can all enjoy. They have a great way of telling a story that all kids can appreciate. It’s really become a big part of

our life.” – The Esten Family

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1992-93Winnie-the-Pooh

The Best Christmas Pageant ever

The outsiders

heidi

Bridge to Terabithia

a Woman Called Truth (tour)

1993-94Snow White*

Step on a Crack

Beatrix Potter’s Christmas

Frankenstein*

Bambi: a life in the Woods*

James & the Giant Peach

little red riding hood & The Three little Pigs*

The Wind Whispers (tour)*


1994-95I never Saw another Butterfly

The Yellow Boat

Beatrix Potter’s Christmas

rock ’n’ roll Shakespeare*

Caddie Woodlawn

Dinosaur!*

Goldilocks & the Three Bears*

Cuentos (tour)

1987-88The Sleeping Beauty*

adventures of huckleberry Finn*

macbeth

1988-89Winnie-the-Pooh

Terror of the Soul: Tales by Poe*

Children of a lesser God

Beauty and the Beast*

1989-90Tales of Peter rabbit*

of mice and men

To kill a mockingbird

Tales of a Fourth Grade nothing

1990-91The Velveteen rabbit


Dr. Jekyll & mr. hyde*

my emperor’s new Clothes

Play to Win: The Jackie robinson Story

1991-92TheUglyDuckling


animal Farm

one Thousand Cranes

1995-96ramona Quimby

a little house Christmas

romeo & Juliet

Treasure Island*

afternoon of the elves

lyle, lyle, Crocodile*

hmong Tapestry: Voices from the Cloth (tour)*

1996-97Peter Pan

Caddie Woodlawn


To kill a mockingbird

alice Through the looking-Glass*

Island of the Blue Dolphins*

Green eggs & ham

Sweet Chariot (tour)*

1997-98The nightingale

Zink: The myth. The legend. The Zebra.*

The Christmas angel*

Tuck everlasting

The Phantom Tollbooth

Thumbelina*

Willkommen to Wisconsin (tour)*

1998-99Charlotte’s Web

The Dream Thief*

The homecoming, a Christmas story

roll of Thunder, hear my Cry

Tom Sawyer*

Frog and Toad (Forever)

The Irish Chord (tour)*

1999-2000James and the Giant Peach

Selkie

The little Drummer Boy*

a Wrinkle in Time

Swiss Family robinson*

10 minutes till Bedtime!*


2000-01Tales of a Fourth Grade nothing

number the Stars


The Great Gilly hopkins

arthur – The Boy Who Would Be king*

lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse

The Sacred hoop (tour)

first stAge Production history

*world premiere

Joel Boyd (left) and Christopher Stone (right) in SmOlDeRing fiReS (2006) photo by mark frohna

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2004-05Sideways Stories From Wayside School

Perseus Bayou (The Search for the Cajun medusa)

a Christmas Story

The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle

honk!

Click Clack moo: Cows That Type

and Then They Came For me (remembering anne Frank) (tour)

2005-06ramona Quimby

The Shakespeare Stealer

The life and adventures of Santa Claus

Smoldering Fires*

Tom Sawyer

Seussical

mufaro’s Beautiful Daughters (tour)

2006-07esperanza rising

Bunnicula

a Christmas Story

The Giver

Green Gables

lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse

according to Coyote (tour)

2001-02The Boxcar Children

The Witch of Blackbird Pond

a little house Christmas*

einstein: hero of the mind (tour)*

J.r.r. Tolkien’s The hobbit

mike mulligan and his Steam Shovel

2002-03Beverly Cleary’s The mouse and the motorcycle

Stephen Crane’s The red Badge of Courage

The little match Girl’s Christmas Gift

a midnight Cry*

Treasure Island

The magic mrs. Piggle-Wiggle!

hmong Tapestry: Voices from the Cloth (tour)

2003-04The BFG (Big Friendly Giant)

Bridge to Terabithia


holes

The lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe

miss nelson is missing!

Two Donuts: Pepito’s adventures in Cuate-malo (tour)

2007-08hana’s Suitcase

The Quiltmaker’s Gift

12 Days – a milwaukee Christmas*

The Watsons Go to Birmingham – 1963*

Sleeping Beauty

a Year with Frog and Toad

If You Give a mouse a Cookie (First Steps)

Ferdinand the Bull (First Steps and tour)

2008-09Gossamer*

Charlotte’s Web

harry Connick, Jr.’s The happy elf*

Witness

The neverending Story

how I Became a Pirate*

Giggle, Giggle, Quack (First Steps)

The Dinosaur Play (First Steps)

lincoln at Gettysburg (tour)

a Thousand Cranes (tour)

2009-10Junie B. Jones and a little monkey Business


The Thief lord*

The Wiz*

alexander and the Terrible, horrible, no Good, Very Bad Day

If You Give a mouse a Cookie (First Steps)

If You Take a mouse to School (First Steps)

Tomas and the library lady (tour)

2010-11Peter Pan and Wendy*

Disney’s my Son Pinocchio

The magic Bicycle*

U:Bug:Me*

The hundred Dresses

miss nelson is missing

aesop’s Fables (First Steps)

The little engine That Could (First Steps)

2011-12Seussical

Don’t Tell me I Can’t Fly*

Junie B. in Jingle Bells, Batman Smells!

a Wrinkle in Time

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

Diary of a Worm, a Spider and a Fly

Don’t let the Pigeon Drive the Bus (First Steps)

(left to right) Sarah Day, ishtar njaaga, and Sydney Salterin WiTneSS (2009)photo by mark frohna

*world premiere

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theAter AcAdeMyFostering Life skills through stage skills in the nation’s largest theater training program for young people.Since 1992, the academy has fostered a positive atmosphere, building community not competition, where young people can trust themselves and others, see that it is ok to be themselves, and learn to overcome the fear of failure by taking positive risks in a completely supportive environment. It builds self-esteem, and cultivates the vital skills necessary to become creative, innovative adults who are positive and successful, such as public speaking, personal responsibility, respect for others, goal setting, leadership, and integrity.

unprecedented growth What started as six theater arts classes with a small group of students has grown to serve over 33,000 young people since 1992. The First Stage Theater academy has a year-long schedule with classes for students 3-18 and a very large summer camp program. In addition to our large site at the milwaukee Youth arts Center, we have sites at the oconomowoc arts Center, Brookfield’s Sharon lynne Wilson Center and Carthage College in kenosha.


First stAge theAter AcADemY BY the NumBers

• Totalenrollmentsince1992:

approximately 33,000

• Averageenrollmentsperyear:3,000

• NumberofweeksofAcademyclasses

peryear:33

• TotalnumberofYoungCompany

productions:25

“I can’t” is not in my vocabulary!I take risks!I conquer my fears!I am not afraid to lead!– First Stage “cheer,” recited each day by Academy students

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“Confidence, collaboration, creative expression – skills that are imperative both as a theater artist and a vibrant human being. First Stage was where I first discovered that I was special, and alternatively that there were people out there who were just like me.” – Barry Shafrin, Academy alum; Harvard University graduate and theater artist on the east coast

“First Stage instills so much professionalism and confidence in young people…the training and support is second-to-none. First Stage teaches teamwork, hard work, and shows hands-on how diligence and dedication produce results. I credit First Stage with helping to shape who I am today.”

– Sarah Horn, First Stage Theater Academy alum and graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy and Marine Corps pilot

hundreds of alumni have shared the impact First stage has had on their lives:

“First Stage gave me a sense of social awareness and emotional intelligence that have served me well in every aspect of my life. everything from reading people’s body language to helping to establish camaraderie in group settings to acknowledging and affirming others...I use all of those skills every day.” – D’Laney Gielow, Academy alum; political science student at Northwestern University

Samantha montgomery and Jeremy Tardy in The WaTSOnS gO TO BiRmingham – 1963 (2008) photo by mark frohna “...I would be remiss

if I do not stress how particularly

instrumental First Stage is to curbing

those negative activities among African-

American youth; this I speak from my

own experience.”– Jeremy Tardy, First Stage Theater Academy

alum and student at The Julliard School

Words most often used by Alumni describing the Academy.

“It was good for the students to act out different character traits. We related these to our curriculum all week. I loved the high energy level of the Education Teaching Artists and I was very impressed how the Teaching Artist got every student involved in the activities!”– Mary Hofstede, 2nd grade teacher, Kluge Elementary (MPS)

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• Pre-ShowandPost-ShowWorkshops: Students gain a meaningful understanding and awareness of the play’s subject and themes, as well as a strong connections to the curricular ties within the show.

•teaching through theater – Arts-integrated Lessons in the classroom: These lessons enhance students’ understanding and comprehension of curricular topics through dramatic learning techniques such as role play, improvised scene work, movement based exercises and pantomime. Classroom teachers are supplied with comprehensive lesson plans to continue the learning experience between visits.

• BullyBanWorkshop: Created in 2008 in response to the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction’s mandate on bullying prevention programming in the classroom, the Bully Ban Workshop examines the different forms of bullying that occur in the school community, while working to promote respect and tolerance among classmates and teach tactics in problem solving, positive conflict resolution and overcoming obstacles.

Throughout its 25-year history, First Stage has served nearly one half-million students in classrooms through its dynamic Theater in education programs, inciting young people’s excitement for learning and helping teachers explore curriculum using interactive, imaginative and integrated methods.

First Stage is Wisconsin’s leader in arts-integrated education in schools, creating programs that produce measured results and help students set and meet high standards of academic and personal achievement.

First stage’s theater in education programs include:• LiteracyResidencies: Created in 2006,

the literacy residency programs are year-long arts integration lessons designed to develop critical english literacy skills and improve state standardized test scores. The early literacy residency (grades k4 – 1) and the literacy residency (grades 2 – 6) use active learning techniques to appeal to all types of learners.

• ProfessionalDevelopmentforTeachers:

First Stage partners with Cardinal Stritch Universitytoofferathree-creditProfessionalDevelopment course, in which participants learn to successfully incorporate theater teaching strategies into their non-theater content units and lessons.

theAter in educAtionphoto by maureen hartjes

First stAge theAter iN eDucAtiON

BY the NumBers

• Totalnumberofstudentsatschool

performances:1,750,902

• Totalnumberofstudentsservedthrough

Theater in education programs in the

classroomsince1987:

approximately441,000

• TotalnumberofhoursFirstStage

teachingartistshavespentinclassrooms:

approximately 18,500

• Numberofstudentsservedthrough

LiteracyResidencyprogramssince2006:

over1,400

• NumberofstudentsservedintheBully

BanWorkshopssince2008:over800

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coMMunity PArtnershiP ProgrAM:Through the inspiration and generosity of richard S. Burke and continued support of the Burke Foundation, First Stage started the Community Partnership Program in 2004. Its goal is simple: provide access. Designed to “open Doors for milwaukee Youth to learn life Skills Through Stage Skills,” the program includes all First Stage programming that serves at risk and underserved city of milwaukee young people.

The Community Partnership Program uses the power of theater arts to nurture the positive personal development and academic advancement of City of milwaukee children.

Family Partnership ProgramThe Family Partnership Program provides scholarships and individualized support to students who would not otherwise be able to attend the Theater academy. In addition to providing financial assistance, First Stage provides lunch and snacks, safe, reliable transportation to and from the program, and other aid as needed for students to attend and achieve success.

Since 2004, enrollments funded by scholarships have increased by over 455%, allowing First Stage Theater academy to award scholarships to anyone in need, never having to turn away a student because of an inability to pay. Currently, over 20% of academy students receive scholarships. a total of 3,796 Theater academy scholarships have been awarded through the Family Partnership Program.

Unknown

African American

Asian

Caucasian

Hispanic

Mixed

Native American (0%)

FAMILY PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM ETHNICITY

48%

9%13%

20%

2%

8%

0

500

1000

1500

2000

2500

3000

FY04-05 FY05-06 FY06-07 FY07-08 FY08-09 FY09-10 FY10-11 FY11-12

ACADEMY TOTAL ENROLLMENT

photo by lindsey abendschein

OutcOmes

A 2009 study by reinders research

revealed that the Academy brings the

most significant gains to students at the

lowest end of the emotional intelligence

(eQ) spectrum, a group strongly

represented by students of color receiving

financial assistance. This reinforces First

Stage’s belief that the Theater Academy

program has the most positive impact on

underserved at-risk youth.

“By working in collaboration with families, schools, professional colleagues and other organizations, we effectively and efficiently meet the needs of our stakeholders.”– Carol A. Gehl, president First Stage Board of Directors

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connections: An in-school arts-integrated programThe Connections program provides curricular and theatrical experiences to City of milwaukee classrooms, with the goal of supporting students and teachers at City of milwaukee schools who, as a result of urban school budget cuts, have minimal access to arts education. Since 2004, the Connections program has touched the lives of over 14,000 students developing creative thinking, logical reasoning, public speaking, and emotional Intelligence (eQ).

0

20

40

60

80

100 Minority Students

Free/Reduced Lunch

Special Needs

CONNECTIONS PARTICPANTS

85%77%

18%

CONNECTIONS PROGRAM

0

500

1000

1500

2000

2500

3000

3500

4000

4500

5000

FY05 FY06 FY07 FY08 FY09 FY10 FY11 FY12

“We are good stewards of our talents, time and resources.” – Excerpt from First Stage Value Statement

photo by maureen hartjes

OutcOmes

A2004studybyGrowthDesign

– surveying both program and non-

program participants – affirmed that

the Connections Program was a valuable

education tool. “Participants related

a clearer understanding of the values

presented within the plays; demonstrated

a higher level of understanding of and

empathy for the characters depicted in the

play and their purpose in the story; correctly

identified answers to production-specific

academic questions twice as often.”

“By nurturing a positive, collaborative and welcoming environment, we enhance the human development and artistic excellence of our staff, our students, their families, our volunteers and ultimately our community.”– Jeff Frank, First Stage artistic director

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Literacy residency programsFirst Stage’s literacy residency programs also serve as part of the Community Partnership Program to develop critical english literacy skills and improve state standardized test scores in low-income City of milwaukee schools.

The literacy residency programs have seen exponential growth in the last five years, having increased the number of students reached by over 500% from its initial year.

African American

Hispanic

Asian

Caucasion

90%

8%1%1%

FIRST STAGE LITERACY AND EARLY LITERACY RESIDENCY ETHNICITY

photo by elizabeth Krumnow

“I believe that the First Stage Literacy Program lessons made a substantial impact on the forward progress of our 4th-grade reading scores. This is the first year that MCP has tied the state in the language scores”–Ms. Kari Whalen, elementary director at Milwaukee College Prep, 2011

OutcOmes

A 2007 reinders research study revealed

that the literacy residency is successful

in creating and reinforcing a classroom

community. While teaching valuable skills

in reading, comprehension, public speaking

and technical aspects of language arts, the

program appeals to and unites traditional

academic learners and active learners who

are many times excluded from participation.

This evaluation also revealed that urban

schools participating in the program made

the greatest gains compared to their own

urban peers.

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MilwAukee youth Arts center In 2003, First Stage and the milwaukee Youth Symphony orchestra (mYSo), collaborated in creating the milwaukee Youth arts Center. after a highly successful $12 million capital campaign, led by co-chairs harry Stratton and kristin Severson, the Youth arts Center opened in January 2005. The Youth arts Center is a state-of-the-art rehearsal and arts education facility.

The Youth arts Center is now nationally recognized, serves as a vital resource for the community, and is Wisconsin’s only facility dedicated to performing arts education for youth.

MissionThe mission of the milwaukee Youth arts Center is to provide the finest collaborative environment for:

•Supportingperformingartstrainingandeducation for a diverse population of youth

•Nurturingyouthfromdiverseethnic,culturaland socioeconomic backgrounds; instilling valuable life-skills; and inspiring a life-long appreciation for the performing arts

•Servingasaresourcefortheentireartsand education community

visionBuilding a vibrant future for our youth and community through education and involvement in the performing arts by establishing an environment in which young people and adults can be inspired by each other’s work and creativity.

“The Milwaukee Youth Arts Center has become a fundamental anchor to our business improvement

district, and partner that we cannot thrive without…More important than the facility, the staff and families that are a part of MYAC’s

programming have become an integral part of how we operate as a neighborhood.”

– Teig-Whaley Smith, Executive Director, Historic King Drive Business Improvement District

FOuNDiNg PArtNers

PrOgrAm PArtNers

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the future of first stAgeIn 2010, First Stage embarked upon a strategic planning process defining five overarching goals and initiatives to set the stage for success as we head into the next 25 years. The creation of these goals and initiatives marks the beginning of First Stage’s next phase, preparing the organization to impact even more lives as it continues to tackle some of the toughest education and social challenges facing our city:

• EmbraceourRoleasEducator– Deepen our Impact

•CommunicateourImpact– Transforming lives Through Theater

• ReachingNewArtisticHeights– expand Profound Performance experiences

• SecuringFinancialStability– Increase Capacity to ensure accessibility

• StrengtheningtheOrganization’sGovernance– Become Stronger and more Vital to the Community

OnJune9,2012,FirstStagewillkick-offitsFUTURECampaign,attheheartofwhichisourcommitment to providing accessibility. It is critical that underserved, at-risk young people in our community have the opportunity to engage in the life-transforming experiences First Stage provides. By positively impacting the lives of these young people, First Stage transforms milwaukee.

TheinitiativesoftheFUTURECampaigninclude:

• EducationResourceCenter– Professional Development; literacy Program Development; Increased Young Performer Internship Program

•NewCommunityInitiatives– new Charter School model; Special needs Programming; Collaboration with the latino Community

• TheaterinEducationImpact–ScholarshipFundforUrbanSchools;CapacityBuilding;new Curriculum Development

• TheaterAcademyExpansion–ScholarshipFundforAtRisk,UnderservedYouth;expand Sites in Waukesha, racine, kenosha, Grafton

•NewPlayDevelopment– Create national model of Play Development; establish national Conference in milwaukee

painting by Shelby Keefe

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As First Stage celebrates this milestone anniversary, we are thankful for our family of donors who have made the last 25 years possible. Because of the generosity of thousands of individuals, corporations, foundations and employee matching gift programs, First Stage is able to stir creativity, build strong character, and inspire our community’s young people. We are extraordinarily grateful for your generous investment in our mission to transform lives through theater.

thAnk you to our donors….


The future is theirs!

photo by STm Creative

Inside Back Cover

325 W. Walnut st.Milwaukee, Wi 53212

tel: 414.267.2929 | Fax: 414.267.2930 | WWW.Firststage.org

First Stage's 25th anniversary commemorative book

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Transcript of First Stage's 25th anniversary commemorative book