FIRST STAGE VOICES

Supporter Spotlight: Northwestern Mutual

noreply@blogger.com (First Stage) — Wed, 08 Jun 2022 15:18:00 +0000

This spring marked the long-awaited world premiere of THE AMAZING LEMONADE GIRL, commissioned by Northwestern Mutual, written by James DeVita and based on the true story of Alexandra “Alex” Scott—about her life and her legacy, her humor and her heart.

Shortly before her first birthday, Alex was diagnosed with a type of childhood cancer called neuroblastoma. When she was just four-years old, she started a simple lemonade stand to raise money for cancer research. From there, Alex’s lemonade stand snowballed into an annual event, a media frenzy, country-wide support, and a goal to raise $1 million—a goal Alex met before she passed away at the tender age of eight. Her legacy lives on in the Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation—which is one of today’s leading funders of pediatric cancer research in the U.S. and Canada raising more than $200 million so far, funding more than 1,000 research projects and providing programs to families affected by childhood cancer.

It was clear that Alex’s story needed to be told on stage to inspire and remind young audiences that a single person can change the world—one act, or even one cup, at a time.

THE AMAZING LEMONADE GIRL’s development began back in 2016. After years of writing, revising and gathering feedback from public readings of the play as well as from Alex’s parents, Liz and Jay Scott, the play was set to open on April 24, 2020 but was postponed by the pandemic. As the playwright wisely shared in 2020, “Alex’s story will be told at a time when perhaps we will need it even more than we do now. When we all get on the other side of this, there will be much want in the world, much hurt and loss, and we will need Alex’s example more than ever.”

He was right. Alex’s legacy was shared at a time when audiences needed her example of kindness, determination, and empathy even more.

Our young audiences shared the following feedback after attending THE AMAZING LEMONADE GIRL:

“My favorite part was when Alex said that each cup of lemonade is a step closer to the medicine needed to cure her from cancer.”

“The lesson was that even if you are struggling in life, there is always a way to help others and yourself. Alex taught me to never give up on anything.”

“What I learned was to never be jealous and just remember how much your parents love you. Be grateful for what you have. Alex was brave, strong, and thoughtful. She thought about others before herself. She even raised a lot of money for other kids who were sick and for kids who had other sicknesses or cancer just like her. It is always better to have a friend to keep you company because it can give you and the other person lots of joy when you are going through a lot. They can cheer you up and make you feel better.”

“The lesson of this story is to never give up on your dreams.”

“It taught me to always be brave and nice to other people in your life.”

“Alex showed me that when something goes bad, you can make it good and you can do what you set your mind to.”

“I learned about helpfulness and determination in the play.”

“[Alex] tried so hard and she did not say ‘I will quit.’ She said ‘I will do my best!’”

Thank you, Northwestern Mutual, for making these learning and empathy-making moments possible through theater and for helping First Stage honor Alex through telling her story on stage.

For nearly a decade, Northwestern Mutual has been committed to accelerating the search for better treatments and cures for childhood cancer while supporting families undergoing treatment and survivors struggling with late effects of treatment. With only 4% of national funding for cancer being directed toward pediatric cancer, it is clear that increased funding is key to creating better outcomes for children fighting this horrible disease. Through an exclusive partnership with Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation, Northwestern Mutual has funded more than 500,000 hours of pediatric cancer research.

We’re Back with Ball and Bard!

noreply@blogger.com (First Stage) — Wed, 08 Jun 2022 15:18:00 +0000

The rise and fall of the COVID-19 surges this spring certainly made planning events difficult but all the more special when we were able to gather. Guests let the good times roll at the 28th annual Make Believe Ball and Young Company members dazzled with their Shakespearean prowess at the 12^th annual Bard-O-Thon.

28^th ANNUAL MAKE BELIEVE BALL

In 2020, Make Believe Ball guests “rocked out” with the theme of THE LEGEND OF ROCK, PAPER, SCISSORS, the new musical that premiered at First Stage. On Saturday, March 5, 2022, Make Believe Ball guests gathered once again at the Hilton City Center to “let the good times roll” as we celebrated the return of this totally rad musical that closed much too soon due to the pandemic.

Guests dusted off their tracksuits, sequins, leg-warmers and shoulder pads and enjoyed dinner, dancing, kids’ activities, and special performances by First Stage young performers and Roll Train—all while raising more than $160,000 to support First Stage’s mission of transforming lives through theater.

Thank you to all who made this year’s Make Believe Ball a success!

PRESENTING SPONSOR

CORPORATE SUPPORT

BMO Wealth Management

Foley & Lardner LLP

Godfrey & Kahn, S.C.

Marcus Hotels & Resorts

Milwaukee Bucks

PNC

FAMILY SUPPORT

The Corry Family

The Esten Family

The Field Family

The Hirano Family

The Lantz Family

The Marschka Family

The Orr Family

The Puechner Family

The Singh Family

The Townsend Family

ADDITONAL SUPPORT

Beechwood Sales & Services

The Boyce Family

Capitol-Husting Company, Inc.

Essam Elsafy – Shorewest Realtors

The Kramer Family

Paul Ruffolo Photography

The Schroeder Family

The Singh Family

2022 MAKE BELIEVE BALL CO-CHAIRS

Amanda & Shantanu Singh

2022 MAKE BELIEVE BALL COMMITTEE

Monica Arnstein, Lisa Boyce, Kelly Calvelli, Terri Field, Julie Gilpin, Laura Hirano, Mary Kramer, Susannah Lago, Tonya Lueder, Melissa Marschka, Meredith Pence, Melissa Radtke, Kate Schroeder, Julia Westphal, and Heather Whitmill.

Save the date for the 2023 Make Believe Ball: Saturday, March 4, 2023

12^TH ANNUAL BARD-O-THON

Forty-nine young company members performed a record-setting total of 641 monologues on Saturday, April 23, 2022. The fundraising efforts of these talented young people raised more than $16,000 to support Shakespeare programming at First Stage.

In addition to performing as many monologues as humanly possible, Young Company members also participated in a masterclass facilitated by Actor James Ridge—a favorite of American Players Theatre.

Young Company Members shared about their experience in Young Company:

“I would not be the person I am today without First Stage. First Stage has not only taught me how to grow as an artist, but it has taught me how to grow as a person. It has really been a transformative experience for me.” – Max

“...Young Company has taught me that it is never just about the finish, it is always about the journey, and in the good times and difficult times of the last four years, that lesson has always carried me through. We owe so much to the efforts of First Stage and our Young Company teachers.” – Liam

“Because of Young Company, I have not only worked on acting skills but I also now have more confidence. Young Company has given us a safe place for expressing ourselves without fear or judgment—and that’s a rare thing. It is a brilliant program and I’m so grateful to be a part of it.” – Rose

“First Stage truly feels like a second home to me. The people and teachers here are so welcoming to every person who walks through the doors of First Stage. It’s really amazing to be able to work with a theater company that is teaching young performers the proper tools they need to go into the performing arts industry. In Young Company, we get to dive into the deeper meanings of Shakespeare’s texts. There’s a lot of really beautiful, hilarious, and frightening things in Shakespeare’s plays and I love all of it.” – Lucy

Save the date for the 13th annual Bard-O-Thon: Saturday, April 22, 2023

Future Leaders

noreply@blogger.com (First Stage) — Wed, 08 Jun 2022 15:17:00 +0000

For nearly three decades, First Stage’s Theater Academy has been nurturing our community’s future leaders. Through a challenging theater curriculum taught by professional teaching artists, the Academy teaches life skills through stage skills by providing students with a foundation in theater as well as a deep understanding of human nature and how to relate to each other in a positive and supportive manner. Nearly 2,000 students participate in the Academy during a usual season.

Our thirtieth anniversary year of the Theater Academy kicks off on June 13, 2022 with the first day of Summer Theater Academy. As we look forward to this milestone, First Stage took a moment to talk with some of our future leaders about their time at First Stage.

Addy started taking Theater Academy classes at First Stage when she was in kindergarten. Since that time, she has continued taking classes and joined Young Company—having just performed the role of Banquo in their production of MACBETH. She shared, “Being a part of First Stage has helped me grow as a person. Even if I don’t go into professional theater someday, the skills that I’ve gathered here—like learning to listen, learning to be vulnerable and collaborate with other people in a way that is giving and meaningful, and to surrender yourself to a fully creative mindset—is something I will always value and carry with me through life. I will always cherish my time at First Stage.”

Looking forward to graduating this spring, Ailie reminisces about how she got involved in First Stage four years ago. In that time, she has taken Theater Academy classes as well as been onstage as a young performer. She shared, “When I was younger I would come see First Stage shows with my school and I thought it was so cool that there were kids my age acting on stage. I knew that one day I wanted to be on that stage and then I was. After being in THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER, I was cast in the regional premiere of GRETEL. It was a cool, new experience because the creators of the show actually came down to Milwaukee and worked with us on the show. First Stage has helped me to become a more well-rounded, considerate and professional actor and person. As I head off to college, I know that I want to continue in the arts in some way—whether it’s on stage or behind a camera. I know that First Stage has prepared me for the next steps in my life.”

Leo has been involved with First Stage for ten years—participating in the Theater Academy and performing in Theater Productions. He recalls, “the very first day I got in the car with my mom to go home from the Academy, I said this is where I’m meant to be. And, now here I am ten years later, and I’ve gotten to be a part of productions and I’ve joined the Young Company. Being accepted just as I am is such a wonderful thing for a young person. It’s so comforting to know that First Stage is there—that I have a place where I can go to just be me—to train, work, and learn from people who do what I do. I don’t know if I’ll go into theater as a profession someday, but the skills I’ve learned at First Stage—like speaking my voice, sharing my story, telling others what I think is right, standing up for my values—will help me use my voice for good, no matter what I do. Thank you, First Stage.”

For the past nine years, Morgan has called First Stage home—participating in Theater Academy Classes, including Young Company, and being cast in First Stage Theater Productions. She shared, “One of my favorite shows that I did was AS YOU LIKE IT with Young Company. It was my first experience with Shakespeare so I was very nervous. It seemed very intellectual and kind of difficult, but I realized the characters were so fun and goofy. It was such an enjoyable experience and really sold me on the whole Shakespeare thing.”

She continued, “My time at First Stage has taught me so much about active listening and being open to feedback. It also taught me that acting or the arts could be a real career. But, I think that one of the most important things that First Stage taught me was leadership and how leadership is about knowing your own worth, recognizing the worth in other people, and being able to bring that out in others.”

Morgan is currently a film student at Columbia College Chicago. “My goal is to direct film and theater, and one of the most important things I want to do as a director is to recreate the positive environment that I experienced at First Stage. First Stage cultivated an environment in which you felt safe to take risks—even if that meant failure at times. Growing up in that environment pushed me to create and see what more was there, both within myself as well as the project at hand.”

Quinn was inspired to take First Stage Theater Academy classes because his brother was taking them. Quinn quickly found a niche in doing improv. He shared, “Improv has really helped me be more willing to take risks and push myself to do better and better. Overall, First Stage has really helped me to become more confident in making bolder choices in my work.”

Now as a Young Company member, Quinn feels that he has grown so much. “The confidence I feel onstage has definitely transferred into my life outside of First Stage. I feel much more confident in myself while interacting with other people. The skills I’ve learned at First Stage—thinking on my feet, feeling more confident, taking risks, and communicating clearly—are really going to help me pursue any career. I will always think back to this time at First Stage as one of the best periods of my life. Thank you.”

Your generous contributions are helping create extraordinary leaders for our future. Thank you!

These interviews have been edited for length and clarity.

Connecting with UPAF Connect

noreply@blogger.com (First Stage) — Wed, 08 Jun 2022 15:16:00 +0000

The performing arts have an incredible power to connect—with one another and to ourselves, our identities, heritage, and creativity. As outlined in a recent Wallace Foundation study, the connection fostered by theater engagement and other forms of culture contribute to greater wellbeing on the individual and collective levels. Recognizing this, the United Performing Arts Fund (UPAF) launched UPAF Connect in 2016 in order to unite families and communities through the magic of the performing arts.

Through UPAF Connect, presented by Northwestern Mutual, UPAF works with local nonprofits to connect exceptional performing arts experiences with those who may not otherwise have access to these cultural assets. First Stage is honored to be among the performing arts organizations who participate in UPAF Connect.

After being deprived of connection for the past two years due to the pandemic, our community needs theater now more than ever before. This season, First Stage has served more than 1,000 young people and families with theater productions and related theater workshops. Participants came from the following non-profit organizations and more:

· Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro Milwaukee

· Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee

· COA Youth & Family Centers

· Havenwoods Economic Development Corporation

· Neighborhood House of Milwaukee

· PEARLS for Teen Girls, Inc.

· Sojourner Family Peace Center

· United Community Center

· Variety

“PEARLS is excited about the continued blossoming of an official partnership with First Stage. During the 2021-22 season, we had the opportunity to expose our girls & families to the world of theater. A vital part of our work at PEARLS is to create opportunities for girls to immerse into different career fields and even just seeing a theatrical production, representing such diversity, has opened their minds to the possibilities of what their own success can look like. There’s been great feedback from girls interested in learning about what goes into a production, and we look forward to deepening that education with formalized workshops this fall!”

– Malayia Roper, PEARLS for Teen Girls, Inc. Partnership Manager

Big Brothers Big Sisters Matches participate in workshop activities prior to attending First Stage's theater production of THE LEGEND OF ROCK, PAPER, SCISSORS.

“Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro Milwaukee is grateful for our partnership and relationship with the First Stage and the United Performing Arts Center (UPAF). Because of this collaboration, we’re able to have our youth and volunteer mentors attend workshops and performances. The opportunity to explore the arts, build relationships with others, and explore positive activities in the community supports and aligns with our mission. Visit bbbsmilwaukee.org/volunteer to learn more.”

– Kathy Miller Vice President of Community Engagement

Families at the COA HIPPY Graduation interact with First Stage's Touring Show of FROG AND TOAD.

“Thank you so much for bringing FROG AND TOAD to our HIPPY Graduation! The performance was exciting and interactive, and had all kids and their parents playing, laughing, and acting along. It was a great way to make families—particularly children—feel welcomed and included at our event. We can’t wait to work with First Stage again soon!”

– Morgan Oldenburg, HIPPY Program Manager at COA Youth & Family Centers

Supporter Spotlight: UPAF Kasey's Fund

noreply@blogger.com (First Stage) — Mon, 14 Feb 2022 16:19:00 +0000

Thanks to the generosity of the United Performing Arts Fund (UPAF)—specifically through Kasey’s Fund—First Stage is able to increase the number of Sensory Friendly Performances we are able to present this season.

Driven by the belief that the performing arts should be accessible to all who wish to experience them, UPAF created Kasey’s Fund in order to ensure the accessibility of the arts by eliminating barriers imposed by disability, special needs, geography and other physical and mental considerations.

Kasey’s Fund was inspired by former UPAF President & CEO Deanna Tillisch’s middle daughter Kasey. Kasey was born with chromosome deletion, 1p36, and as a result, she cannot walk, talk, read or write. However, music is one of Kasey’s greatest joys and one of the main ways she expresses herself.

Kasey’s story reinforces why the arts matter. The performing arts open up new worlds for people and has the power to resonate profoundly for those who may lack access due to disabilities or special needs, trauma or severe illness, or Alzheimer’s or dementia.

First Stage is proud to help continue the legacy of Deanna and her family by creating equitable theater experiences for our community—particularly through our Sensory Friendly Performances.

This season, marks the tenth anniversary of First Stage presenting Sensory Friendly Performances. At these select performances, families with children on the autism spectrum are able to enjoy live theater in a comfortable and welcoming environment that includes the following:

· Smaller audience sizes.

· Sensory adaptations with the reduction of loud, jarring sounds and bright, flashing lights.

· Modification of the house lights during the performance.

· Audience members are free to talk or move during the show.

· Audiences are given the opportunity to not only increase their comfort with the show but also their understanding of the show through educational pre-show presentations.

· Quiet areas available, staffed by experienced educators.

· Noise-cancelling headphones available for use during the performance, if needed.

· Social stories that outline the experience at the theater available; show-specific social stories created closer to the performance date.

· TV monitors available in the theater lobby from which to view the performance, should an audience member need to leave the theater during the performance.

· Money back guarantee. If a family realizes before the performance that a trip to the theater will not be ideal on that day, First Stage offers a ticket exchange to another performance of their choice or a refund of their ticket purchase.

First Stage's 2021/2022 production of THE WATSONS GO TO BIRMINGHAM - 1963
(one of our productions with a Sensory Friendly Performance)

Join us for this season’s remaining Sensory Friendly Performances:

- THE DANCING GRANNY: Sunday, February 27, 2022 at 2:00pm

- THE LEGEND OF ROCK, PAPER, SCISSORS: Saturday, March 12, 2022 at 4:00pm

- THE AMAZING LEMONADE GIRL: Saturday, April 30, 2022 at 4:00pm

- LAST STOP ON MARKET STREET: Sunday, May 22, 2022 at 2:00pm

First Stage’s Sensory Friendly Performances are part of our Next Steps Program—our innovative acting and musical theater program designed for students on the autism spectrum and with other developmental disabilities.

First Stage Education Director and Director of Next Steps, Coltyn Giltner, shared the following story about his recent experience at a Sensory Friendly Performance: “I’ll never forget this one performance. There was this young person who came in completely dressed up—full suit, and jacket and hat—completely just ecstatic to be in the theater and as they’re walking out their guardian comes up to me and grabs me by my hands and shakes them and says ‘thank you.’ To see the enthusiasm to be in the space and to have such a sincere thank you from a member of the community, it really made it clear me that these [performances] aren’t just fun nights on the town, or just better versions of the production that are more accessible. For many, these [performances] are incredibly special and incredibly necessary for them to be able to engage in the art form. On behalf of First Stage, I would like to thank UPAF Kasey’s Fund for helping us in our mission to transform lives through theater.”

First Stage is a proud UPAF cornerstone member. As our largest donor, UPAF’s annual support sustains our organization’s ability to fulfill our mission of transforming lives through theater.

Your support of UPAF in turn, supports First Stage. You can help the arts recover throughout Southeastern Wisconsin by donating here. Another fun way to play your part is to participate in the annual UPAF Ride for the Arts coming up on June 5, 2022. Tune up your bike and join First Stage’s team by May 9, 2022, and be sure to take advantage of Early Bird Registration that lasts through March 1, 2022.

An Eventful Time

noreply@blogger.com (First Stage) — Mon, 14 Feb 2022 16:18:00 +0000

After a year of hosting virtually reimagined events, First Stage is thrilled to be able to gather once again for food, fun, friendship and fundraising! So far this season, First Stage has enjoyed reconnecting with our friends, families and supporters at our annual ImpACT Event and Wine Tasting & Dinner Event, as well as our Donor Preview Events. In case you missed it, our ImpACT Event Recap can be found here.

12^TH ANNUAL WINE TASTING & DINNER EVENT

On Saturday, November 6, 2021, 111 guests spent “An Evening in the City of Lights” with First Stage at the University Club of Milwaukee – Country Club for our 12th Annual Wine Tasting & Dinner Event. Along with the five-course Parisian-inspired dinner created by Chef David Magnasco of The Chef’s Table, guests also enjoyed world-class wines—during the pre-dinner tasting and course pairings.

The traditional fun and games also returned as attendees tried out their aim with an Eiffel Tower Ring Toss and hoped for a winning combination for the Wine Suitcase Raffle. Of course, the highlight of the evening was the performance by First Stage Young Performers, Bryn Dresselhuys and Michael Loomans. Bryn and Michael sang “Light” from the musical NEXT TO NORMAL, and shared the impact of their First Stage experience.

“I wouldn’t be the same person without First Stage. First Stage has given me more than just a stage to perform on, it has helped me discover a whole new me. Being a kid is hard, and trying to find where you fit in and what your drive and purpose is, is even harder. I was really a shell of myself when I was away from theater, but coming back to First Stage and performing, renewed my happiness and built up my confidence. First Stage is a safe place, where we can be who we want, and feel completely free of judgement. It really is the best place to be.” – Bryn

“Because of First Stage, I am able to walk confidently in a room and not be shy to make friends, speak up, and not be afraid to make mistakes. It may sound cliché or boring, but it is so true. First Stage truly can change your life. I have made so many cool connections and found some of my closest friends doing theater. It has opened so many doors for me. There’s no better place to be than First Stage.” – Michael

Overall, this event was a culinary treat all while raising more than $90,000 in critical funds to support First Stage’s mission of transforming lives through theater.

Thank you to all who made this year’s Wine Tasting & Dinner Event a success!

PREMIER SPONSOR

Johnson Controls

TABLE SPONSORS

Amy & Bob Arzbaecher, Ellen & Seth Dizard, Caryn & Jim Esten, Patrick Horne, Melissa & Eric Nelsen, Physicians Realty Trust, The Lantz and Ziegler Families.

ADDITIONAL SUPPORT

Amy & Bob Arzbaecher, BMO Wealth Management, Donna & Joel Nettesheim, N2 Advantage, and O’Neil, Cannon, Hollman, Dejong & Laing S.C., Capitol Husting Company, Inc., and The Chef’s Table

2021 WINE TASTING & DINNER CHAIRS

Corrie & David Prunuske

2021 WINE TASTING & DINNER COMMITTEE

Bob Arzbaecher, Sally Cartwright, Secily Clason, Kathleen Dohearty Penniston, Tim Lantz, David Magnasco, Melissa Nelsen, Kristin Severson, and Gail Teigeiro

DONOR PREVIEW EVENTS

To express our ongoing gratitude for our donors’ generous support, First Stage has brought back our series of Donor Preview Events this season. These events include a pre-show donor reception with insightful presenters and an invitation to see a preview performance of select productions.

On December 2, 2021, a small group of donors gathered prior to the preview performance of Young Company’s THE LARAMIE PROJECT in the newly renovated Milwaukee Youth Arts Center (MYAC) for a pre-show reception. Guests joined in on mini-tours of MYAC’s new layout with First Stage Managing Director Betsy Corry and then enjoyed some light refreshments as they heard from Matt Daniels, the Director of Young Company, about the production and the Young Company program.

On January 20, 2022, more than 40 guests met at the Marcus Performing Arts Center’s Donor Lounge for a donor reception catered by Sazama’s while they heard from Brandite Reed and Jeff Frank, the co-directors of THE WATSONS GO TO BIRMINGHAM – 1963.

“I hope that our young audiences are able to see how this real life event affected each one of the characters and relate to their experience, because there are historical events taking place today. This play is an imitation of life. It gives a good example of family and how to love one another through these real life events—whether they be bad, great or whatever they are. These events have to be processed.” – Brandite

“Yes, that’s the strength of the love and support of family. We always hope, too, that this play provokes thought and curiosity. That our young audiences become like Kenny. That they want to know why… why was it like that? Is it still like that? What is still like that? What still needs to change? Audiences fall in love with Kenny and his family and then Kenny’s family runs smack into this historical event that shatters them and shatters us as the audience.” – Jeff

Finding Joy Again

noreply@blogger.com (First Stage) — Mon, 14 Feb 2022 16:18:00 +0000

The pandemic has proven to be incredibly challenging for the education sector. The flip-flopping between in-person and virtual, cancellations, staffing shortages and loss of connection have been difficult for educators and students alike. Given so much uncertainty during this time, First Stage has remained committed to being a certainty for those we serve through our Theater in Education Programs.

First Stage 2019/2020 Theater in Education workshop

Julia Magnasco, First Stage Director of Programming

First Stage’s professional teaching artists facilitate our drama-based Theater in Education Programs in classrooms and centers throughout Milwaukee and Southeastern Wisconsin—integrating the arts into the traditional curriculum while teaching students the drama process. As First Stage Director of Programming Julia Magnasco explains, “our goal with our Theater in Education Programs is to bring academic enrichment to life, to nurture school climates through the arts, and help students find pathways to be able to get involved in everything First Stage has to offer.”

First Stage has made a really strong commitment to deepen our relationships with our community here in Milwaukee, and the past two years hasn’t changed that… in fact, it has only deepened our commitment to help meet educators and students where they are. Magnasco shares, “When the pandemic hit and suddenly we weren’t in schools the way we used to be, my team said ‘Okay. We’re going to figure this out because we know we are important to the audience that we serve.’ So we adjusted and we were flexible.” Whether that meant we provided our virtual programs to educators so they could engage in our workshops when it made sense to them, or our teaching artists safely visited classrooms to engage students through in-person workshops, First Stage’s goal was to make all of our programming flexible and responsive to the needs of the school communities we serve.

First Stage 2019/2020 Theater in Education workshop

First Stage 2020/2021 virtual Theater in Education workshop

Through this, First Stage found that our relationships with schools grew even stronger and the trust deepened. “Being able to take the time to listen these past couple of years to what our schools and educators needed in this moment and then provide them with a variety of options to fit their needs has been just so critical in the development in these relationships.” Magnasco explains. She adds, “No one has been immune to the uncertainty the past two years have brought. Adults have felt it, and our young people are certainly feeling it. I think it’s more crucial than ever to be able to come alongside schools and community organizations to work with their young people through an art form that encourages collaboration, ensemble, and finding joy again.”

Thanks to the generosity of our funders, First Stage has been able to do just that. Through our Theater in Education Programs, young people are finding their voices, validating their feelings, and finding joy in connecting with one another as well as with the characters and stories highlighted on stage through our Theater Productions. Finding those connections and meaning is so important. Magnasco shares, “We have had some incredible feedback from educators and community organizations this season—acknowledging that as well as thanking us for bringing them a moment of joy—something that everyone needs now more than ever.”

To learn more about First Stage’ Theater in Education Programs here.

Dancing for Joy with Ko-Thi

noreply@blogger.com (First Stage) — Mon, 14 Feb 2022 16:15:00 +0000

Dancing into hearts February 12 through March 6, 2022, THE DANCING GRANNY kicks off our First Steps Series this season—serving as an intimate and interactive introduction to theater for our youngest audience members, ages 3 and up.

Written by Mansa Ra and based on the beloved children’s book by 2017 Newbery Honor winner Ashley Bryan, THE DANCING GRANNY tells the African folklore of the spider Ananse who tries to trick Granny Anika into dancing away from her garden so that he can take her vegetables. Granny shows her trickster friend that with a pal and a song, hard work can be fun. The resulting production is a joyful celebration of storytelling, song, movement, community and the beauty of everyday life.

Among its many reasons to dance for joy, THE DANCING GRANNY is the inaugural collaboration between First Stage and Ko-Thi Dance Company.

Founded in 1969 by Ferne Yangyeitie Caulker-Bronson, the Ko-Thi Dance Company is Wisconsin’s oldest African American arts organization. Ko-Thi passionately preserves, teaches, documents, interprets, and performs dance and music rooted in the cultures of the African Diaspora. Without sacrificing their mission of inspiring the community to celebrate themselves and others, Ko-Thi continually diversifies its programming to incorporate ongoing national, economic, and audience evolution with the present-day interpretation of ancient and contemporary African dance and music.

Ko-Thi Dance Company shares their expertise, talent, and artistic vision with First Stage through the involvement of DeMar Walker, Ko-Thi’s Artistic Director, who serves as THE DANCING GRANNY’s choreographer as well as plays the roles of Old Man and Ananse the Spider; Sonya Thompson, Ko-Thi’s Associate Artistic Director, who serves as the Costume Designer; and Sarah Hamilton, Ko-Thi’s Director of Operations & Production, who serves as the Lighting Designer. The production also features live drumming with Kameron “Keon” Sykes and the dancing and drumming talents of Ko-Thi Dance Company’s young performers.

First Stage Director of Artistic Inclusion and Community Engagement, Samantha D. Montgomery

First Stage’s Director of Artistic Inclusion and Community Engagement, Samantha D. Montgomery, directs THE DANCING GRANNY. When asked about the production’s collaboration, Montgomery shared, “I am excited to be working together with Ko-Thi to share this piece with the community. This collaboration has given us a chance to see how we connect and how we teach different things throughout the process. We’re helping each other grow, learn, and build. As a result, THE DANCING GRANNY will be a wonderful opportunity for families to share, laugh, strengthen their bond and enjoy one another as they listen to the voice and move to the rhythm of this African folklore.”

Montgomery’s artistic vision for THE DANCING GRANNY centers on collaboration—not only that of First Stage and Ko-Thi—but of the intertwining of tradition and current. “I wanted to make sure that the voice of the African folklore and the storytelling was lifted up, while also making sure that the piece was interactive and high energy… that there was authenticity in what was happening when it came to the movement and dance as well as the African folklore. Overall, I believe we created a piece that is real, authentic, lively, and fun.” Montgomery said.

Ko-Thi Dance Company Artistic Director, DeMar Walker

When it comes to the choreography, DeMar Walker took a cue from Ananse’s heritage. Ananse appears in folklore that originated from Ghana and West Africa, Walker explained. “I pulled a lot of movements from that region and specifically thought about the show in context—being that the show’s about gardening and farming—a lot of the dances are harvest dances.” Walker said.

He continued, “The choreography is just fun, fun, fun… in addition to the traditional aspects, I incorporated social dance and modern movements along with dance moves from the 80s and 90s such as the new jack swing and social jazz. Thinking about the continuum and lineage of the dance forms, it is super high energy, fun, rhythmic and just super expressive.”

THE DANCING GRANNY has been a beautiful opportunity to bring together two of Milwaukee’s artistic forces to celebrate the cultural legacy of African storytelling and for both organizations to share what they do with—and learn from—each other. When asked about the collaboration, Walker shared “This collaboration has been a great opportunity to showcase both organizations and the storytelling in a very human way. It’s cool to be able to step into this realm with First Stage and to be able to create something that is centered around family and community while highlighting traditions, cultures and art forms that are oftentimes overlooked and underappreciated. I’m really proud to be able to partner with First Stage on a production specifically like this.”

First Stage Artistic Director, Jeff Frank, added “By coming together, we’re creating something that we couldn’t have done alone. Together we are creating the best version of this story for our community. That’s the essence of a true collaboration. By working together, we all walk away with a deeper artistic understanding of one another and greater appreciation of one another’s cultures. And that’s the beautiful thing about collaboration, is that we all walk away as richer human beings for having gained a deeper understanding of how another artist works, how we can learn from them and take some of what we learned into our art so we grow and expand the possibilities of who we can become and what we do. I think that’s the benefit of opening one’s heart and mind to the world around you. I’m so thankful for Ko-Thi’s willingness to join us on this collaborative journey.”

THE DANCING GRANNY is made possible by PNC Grow Up Great.

Ko-Thi Dance Company gratefully acknowledges the ongoing support of CAMPAC, the Milwaukee Arts Board, Forward Community Investments, the Highpoint Fund, the Greater Milwaukee Foundation, the Wisconsin Arts Board and the National Endowment for the Arts, whose recent support includes an American Rescue Plan grant in the amount of $150,000.

Supporter Spotlight: Facebook Fundraiser, Phillip J. Berns

noreply@blogger.com (First Stage) — Tue, 30 Nov 2021 15:57:00 +0000

Earlier this fall, First Stage received the notification that our organization had benefited from a Facebook Fundraiser. Not only are we grateful for the support we received from the fundraiser but also for the opportunity to learn more about the creator behind it.

Phillip J. Berns created the Facebook Fundraiser for his birthday in order to help First Stage continue the work that helps mold young people into artists. As a First Stage alumnus, Phillip participated in the Theater Academy and was a young performer in several First Stage Theater Productions.

First Stage had the pleasure to hear more about Phillip and his reasons behind creating the fundraiser.

Tell us more about your history with First Stage.

I started with First Stage way back in 1996 when I played Michael Darling in the production of PETER PAN. Not only was PETER PAN my very first show with First Stage, it was also my very first professional production, and I have been performing ever since.

Now, you'll have to forgive my memory, as I cannot recall if I heard about the PETER PAN audition through the Theater Academy, or if I heard about the Academy through PETER PAN, either way, it was around this time that I also started at the Summer Academy, starting with two and four-week courses.

Eventually, I became an intern, was a member of the very first Young Company, and ultimately worked as a Teaching Assistant as I studied Theatre Arts at Marquette University. I also never stopped performing with First Stage, even through high school. I even got to perform at the Make Believe Ball one year!

I really feel like I grew up with First Stage. I got to be there when the Milwaukee Youth Arts Center (MYAC) was being built. I also got to see the Theater Academy evolve into what it is today (or, at least, what it was when I moved in 2009).

What inspired you to create this fundraiser for First Stage?

I would not be the performer nor the person that I am today without the First Stage experiences I had onstage, backstage, in the classroom, and at the front of it.

It was truly my pleasure [to create the fundraiser] and the least I could do for an organization that has given me so much!

How has First Stage made a difference to you?

First Stage truly shaped my craft, but more importantly, it shaped my outlook on the world and how I approach each day. To this day, when I’m in a show or just need a bit of centering, I still practice my three breaths: relax, clear your mind, focus. And, of course, “I can't” still is not in my vocabulary, I still take risks, and I am always conquering my fears.

First Stage is incredibly grateful for the generosity of Phillip and others who contribute through Facebook Fundraisers for First Stage. Your gifts help First Stage navigate this challenging time while continuing to transform lives through theater.

If you have a birthday or another milestone coming up and you’d like to make it even more meaningful, consider creating a Facebook Fundraiser. Learn how here.

Happy belated birthday, Phillip! And, thank you!

Illuminating ImpACT Event

noreply@blogger.com (First Stage) — Tue, 30 Nov 2021 15:57:00 +0000

On September 30, 2021, First Stage welcomed 35 community leaders, First Stage advocates and other guests back into the newly renovated Milwaukee Youth Arts Center for our 9^th annual ImpACT Event. This event cultivated old and new friends all while raising $1,500 in critical funds to support First Stage’s mission of transforming lives through theater.

Attendees heard updates from First Stage’s leadership and program staff, and enjoyed an inspiring keynote address from Christopher Gilbert, and a performance by our young performers.

Artistic Director, Jeff Frank shared a recap of our unique 2020/2021 season and brought the lights up on the incredible work that continues at First Stage. Frank revealed our 2021/2022 season of plays as well as shared more about our Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Justice (EDIJ) journey.

Led by our incredible EDIJ Committee, First Stage is reflecting and fostering the creation of a plan that addresses the question: What kind of future do we want to co-author with our community and our young people?

“To be a part of the journey to our brighter tomorrow, to help us set aside our ghost light and flood future stages and programming with a new light. Be sure to look for video updates and opportunities to join us in discussion. To serve young people and their families, First Stage pledges to listen more deeply than ever—and involve our community in the process of building—because you must truly be the co-authors of our future.” – Jeff Frank

Since our ImpACT Event, First Stage has released the first of our EDIJ journey video updates. You can view them here.

ImpACT Event attendees were treated to special guest and Keynote Speaker, Christopher Gilbert. First Stage Academy Teacher and Director of the Amplify Series piece entitled STEP KIDS, Gilbert is from the north side of Milwaukee and began teaching his own dance classes by age 14. His first introduction to the industry was acting and dancing with the Nickelodeon show Yo Gabba Gabba. Later, he transitioned back to Milwaukee so he could invest back into the community. Since then, he has choreographed for Black Arts MKE, First Stage, and Wisconsin Lottery. He has also coached the Grand Dancers for the Milwaukee Bucks and collaborated with the Milwaukee Brewers. For the past four years, he has been directing his own motivational dance show called ELEVATION at Dominican High School.

“I’m big on purpose, and I’m really big on individuality. My biggest mission is for [people] to see and realize what their difference is. We don’t have to have limitations. We are supposed to be different. I strive to provide good energy and a space for other people just to feel something, to believe more in themselves and walk out as better people than they did when they walked in the first place.” – Christopher Gilbert

With authentic joy, Gilbert inspired guests with an uplifting message promoting positivity and individuality. The good vibes continued as he got the crowd up on their feet and moving to Earth, Wind & Fire’s “Shining Star.”

Another highlight of the ImpACT Event was a sneak peek performance of "The History of Stepping" from STEP KIDS performed by young performers Tateiona Watson and Gavin Miller with Director of Artistic Operations, Jeff Schaetzke. Written by Tyrone L. Robinson and Postell Pringle, and directed by Christopher Gilbert, STEP KIDS is a new one-act musical that was featured in AMPLIFY—First Stage’s BIPOC Short Play Series. (If you were unable to attend one of the performances of STEP KIDS, it is still available on YouTube until December 5, 2021.)

“I think people should know how special First Stage is. It is a place where you can unapologetically express yourself through songs, activities and more.” – Tateiona, Young Performer

Guests also heard from First Stage’s new Artistic Inclusion and Community Engagement Director, Samantha Montgomery, who gave a dynamic and moving spoken word performance entitled, LIGHTS UP.

Thank you to everyone who attended our annual ImpACT Event! As Christopher Gilbert would say, First Stage is lucky to have such an engaged community that is passionate about paving the way for our young people.

If you were unable to attend, please enjoy our ImpACT Event Highlight Video.

2021 Family of the Year: Meet the Madsons

noreply@blogger.com (First Stage) — Tue, 30 Nov 2021 15:56:00 +0000

The Theater Academy isn't the only place where acknowledgements are given on a regular basis. First Stage the annual tradition of acknowledging exceptional students and families we have the honor to serve through our programming.

Announced at our annual meeting on November 10, 2021, the 2021 Family of the Year award went to the Madson Family—Stacy, Eric, Alexis, Vivian, Loralei, Beatrix and Guienivere.

In the words of Theater Academy Headmaster, J.T. Backes, the Madson Family lives and breathes First Stage. Whether they are participating in Theater Academy classes, Young Company, or performing in our mainstage Theater Productions, the Madson Family exemplifies First Stage’s mission.

Vivian and Loralei were introduced to First Stage at our satellite location at Layton Boulevard West a few years ago. From there, Loralei was cast in our 2017/2018 production of THE WIZ, and after that, the Madson children were regular Theater Academy students—all of whom took classes virtually last season and now have returned to our in-person programming. The Madson Family was a constant during a time when theater itself was extremely unpredictable.

“Their positivity and passion for this company and the work we do, inspires me, my staff, and all of our First Stage families.” – J.T. Backes

At the acceptance of the award, Stacy shared an incredible speech on behalf of the entire Madson Family:

My family sat down together and talked about what makes First Stage so very important to our lives and immediately, everyone agreed that the teachers and staff rise to the top of our list. Every single person at First Stage is, without exception, outstanding at his or her job. Each person is, in part, defined by their kindness and patience. Staff go out of their way to assist me in untangling schedules and encourage me to apply for financial assistance. And, my family needs that assistance to be part of this great endeavor. As homeschoolers, we decided to sacrifice monetary security for personal freedom and were afraid that decision ruled out incredible opportunities like First Stage. Thankfully, because of such generous donors, it did not.

Every teacher has taken the time to give pointed, personal care and guidance for the individual needs of each student. They answer an unending litany of questions with never a hint of annoyance or irritation. Then, as individuals working in their field, the teachers show my children, through example, that it is possible to fulfill personal dreams—that adulthood does not mean resignation and stagnation. It can mean dynamic growth where exciting opportunities do exist beyond childhood. In a world where grown-ups so often lose their youthful dreams in the daily drudgery of their vocation, these adults exude enthusiasm and passion for their work.

Along with that creative energy from the training and performance branches of First Stage, the nuts and bolts of the organization are also commendable. In an era of ever-changing structures and turmoil, coming from households that may be riddled with confusion and strife, First Stage supplies precious reassurance to a child by doing exactly what they say they will do each day. The way they start on time, explain their processes and expectations beforehand, and end when they say they will gives comfort to children who may not have consistency in other parts of their lives. A child is beautifully supplied with both rules to follow as well as open-ended adventures into the unknown.

First Stage creates rituals in their three cleansing breath exercises and they create camaraderie with the chance for acknowledgments between students in the end-of-day ceremony. Because everyone knows there’s a place for them to voice encouragement toward others at the end of the day, their vision is honed to see successes in their peers throughout the day’s entirety. What an incredible way to show them that uplifting and praising others, unsolicited, can be done all the time and is not anything to be afraid of.

Unknowing parents hear of First Stage and say to me, ‘Well, we haven’t looked into that because they’re not really interested in becoming an actor when they get older.’ I sigh… take a breath... and just hope that I’ll get across the importance of what I’m about to tell them. I say that I believe every child (actor or mathematician-bound) should, and hopefully could, attend First Stage in their formative years. I say that their growth goes so far beyond the singularity of “acting” and I just hope that I help them to understand.

Young ones, especially in the years when their bodies feel as though they may be betraying them—changing each day without permission and morphing into something new and foreign—get the chance to move and find out where their body ends and the rest of the world begins. They discover what they're physically capable of and create muscle memory for actions that aren’t called for anywhere else in life.

Children who may have never heard themselves speak with decisiveness, clarity, or volume get the chance to, safely, hear what they sound like before that skill may be needed in their adult lives. How much harder it would be for a child to speak up against injustice or to ignite the imagination of the masses and lead the next revolution if they've never heard what they sound like when sharing their convictions out loud. I tell my children that, when they encounter oppression or injustice, I want their voices to ‘leap out’ of their mouths without hesitation. I tell them that they are to freely and automatically use their speaking ability for those who are voiceless. It is the work they do at First Stage that makes this much more likely in their future.

The teachers may have no idea that they do not cease to exist when my children walk out the doors. The moment they sit down in my car at pick up, all four are bubbling over with excitement and stories of their time in the building. They trip over each other in the telling and we all laugh, or marvel, at the individual memories.

Every teacher is alive in my house daily. They are present in my kitchen daily. Their off-hand remarks, their jokes, their habits and nostalgic personal stories, their subconscious physical movements, their wisdom and advice, their idiosyncrasies, and minute observations about each of them as individuals are dominant subjects in the chatter of my home. In fact, I don't know that there has ever been an instance where someone returns from a First Stage class or event and does not repeat every detail to the rest of us. More than once, in fact, if everyone isn’t there for the first telling!

And, what they’re sharing when they relay these stories is the summation of their exercise at self-actualization that day. Their close observations of their instructors transfer to closely observing themselves. They come to First Stage and are encouraged to discover themselves and to hone their identity. The worldly practice of identifying both one’s strengths and weaknesses is rare, but at First Stage they do both regularly and, most importantly, without judgment! They teach the skill of self-critique without self-criticism. By working closely with their teachers and creating clear and pointed personal goals for their class time, my children make intentional decisions about who they want to be and in what ways they want to grow. From there that progress is regularly checked on and they’re taught how to follow a plan and how to organically make adjustments to that plan when called for in real-time. That is truly a skill with benefits for a lifetime.

I only get one chance to nurture my children into adulthood—one shot in my one lifetime to do my best—and I am so lucky to have all of them do it with me. They are shaping my lifelong best friends. They are training my late-in-life caregivers. Today, they are helping to raise my grandchildren. I am so grateful they are here to share that honor with me.

“I can't” is not in my children’s vocabulary. My children do take risks, they do, in fact, conquer their fears, and they are on the journey toward being unafraid to lead. First Stage and I are partners in forming my children and I could not ask for a better partner in every single one of them.

Thank you First Stage... for all that you do.

Thank you, Madson Family! We are honored to have you as a part of our First Stage Family.

The Return of the AMPLIFY Series

noreply@blogger.com (First Stage) — Tue, 30 Nov 2021 15:55:00 +0000

This season kicked-off with the second installment of AMPLIFY, First Stage’s BIPOC Short Play Series—lifting the voices of playwrights and creativity of stage directors who identify as Black, Indigenous and People of Color. This series was created last season to deepen our commitment to new play development and mission to ensure that the stories we tell and the tellers of those tales reflect the beauty and complexity of our community.

First Stage produced two new AMPLIFY works last season, which streamed for free to the public between April 16 and May 30, 2021, and we are excited to have expanded the series this season with three new productions. This season, the AMPLIFY Series is generously sponsored by Children’s Wisconsin and supported in part by a grant from the Milwaukee Arts Board and the Wisconsin Arts Board with funds from the State of Wisconsin.

If you didn’t have the chance to join us in-person for these productions this fall, you can still experience them on YouTube through December 5, 2021.

HOW TO ACTUALLY GRADUATE IN A VIRTUAL WORLD by Nikkole Salter and directed by Samantha D. Montgomery.

When Milwaukee High announces that graduation will be virtual, TT gathers friends to come up with a way to make the ceremony special. As they weigh their options—and battle invisibility, hopelessness and indifference—we learn how the pandemic affected them all. Is an achievement an achievement if it goes unacknowledged?

STEP KIDS by Tyrone L. Robinson and Postell Pringle, and directed by Christopher Gilbert.

A group of seemingly unconnected high school students find common ground in the most unlikely of places – the audition for their school’s competitive step dance team. As the students become unified through the power of rhythm and dance, experience the joy of finding your crew in this energetic performance.

THE TALE OF LA LLORONA AS TOLD BY CONSUELO CHAVEZ by José Casas and directed by David Flores.

Disappointed that a thunderstorm has stopped them from their traditional trick or treating, six middle-schoolers huddle together in a basement on what might be the last time they are together to celebrate All Hallow’s Eve. To pass the time, they share some of their favorite ghost stories... but are they just stories?

Please note: the performance includes blackouts, loud noises, scary moments and references to suicide and violence.

First Stage’s AMPLIFY Series grew out of our Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Justice (EDIJ) journey and the work of our EDIJ committee. The goal of the Series was to not only uplift the voices of people who identify as Black, Indigenous and People of Color through youth-focused stories, but to also build trusting artistic relationships. Many of last season’s AMPLIFY playwrights, composers and directors were new to our organization, and we are honored that several are returning to work with our organization again.

Both the playwright and director of our inaugural AMPLIFY Series production, COPPER HORNS IN WATER, will be returning to work with First Stage again. Johamy Morales, director of last COPPER HORNS IN WATER, will be directing our First Steps Series production of LAST STOP ON MARKET STREET this season, and Ty Defoe, the playwright of COPPER HORNS IN WATER, is being commissioned to write a full-length piece for our 2023/2024 season. Postell Pringle, the composer/arranger of STEP KIDS this season, is also arranging the music for LAST STOP ON MARKET STREET.

First Stage is dedicated to the creation of engaging, enlightening and provocative works of theater and to the development of young actors as they work and train alongside professional artists. With that mission in mind, it is incumbent upon us to ensure that the next generation of actors, and the artists with whom they work represent the rich cultural and racial diversity of our country, and that we commit to the creation of work that speaks to that future while also exploring classical titles from fresh perspectives.

To learn more about First Stage’s EDIJ journey, please see our video updates here.

Supporter Spotlight: Les Paul Foundation

noreply@blogger.com (First Stage) — Wed, 02 Jun 2021 19:38:00 +0000

First Stage is incredibly grateful for the generosity of our supporters who have helped us and continue to help us navigate this challenging season. We have been particularly heartened by those who have made gifts above and beyond in order to ensure that First Stage survived 2020 with resilience and creativity for generations yet to come. Among those supporters is the Les Paul Foundation.

For the past six years, the Les Paul Foundation has supported First Stage’s “Les Paul, Wizard of Waukesha” Arts-Integrated Workshops.

Suited for upper elementary and middle school students, these workshops examine the life of Les Paul and discover the local legend’s many attributes which have forever influenced music—and the world. By engaging in the dramatic process, students actively explore Les Paul’s inventions, his influence on the music industry and culture, his extraordinary sense of creativity, and ability to overcome life’s challenges with perseverance and innovation. Through the workshop lessons, students make connections between Les’ story and their own lives, while developing an understanding of his remarkable impact.

Not only did the Les Paul Foundation make it possible for First Stage to provide the “Les Paul, Wizard of Waukesha” Workshops free of charge to five schools last season, but they also selected First Stage to be a recipient of additional grant funding to help us through the pandemic.

The Les Paul Foundation carries on Les Paul’s legacy by demonstrating empathy to those in need, encouraging innovation in music production and/or performance, engineering and medical research, as well as in STEM and STEAM programs for students and others in challenging situations.

Les’ legacy of innovation emboldened First Stage this past year as we found new ways to deliver our mission and continue serving young people and families throughout southeastern Wisconsin.

“Every setback might be the very thing that makes you carry on and fight all the harder and become better.” – Les Paul

His words certainly rang true for First Stage this season and we are incredibly grateful to the Les Paul Foundation for their belief in our mission and walking alongside us through this difficult time.

Here’s to looking ahead to the future with even greater determination to transform lives through theater!

AMPLIFY: First Stage’s annual BIPOC Virtual Short Play Series

noreply@blogger.com (First Stage) — Wed, 02 Jun 2021 19:30:00 +0000

This spring, First Stage launched AMPLIFY–First Stage’s BIPOC Virtual Short Play Series, lifting the voices of playwrights and creativity of stage directors who identify as Black, Indigenous and People of Color. This series expands First Stage’s commitment to new play development and our mission to ensure that the stories we tell and the tellers of those tales reflect the wonder and complexity of our community. In addition, with the understanding of the power of connection young people feel when they see themselves and their stories onstage, the AMPLIFY Series’ virtual plays center on the young person’s point of view.

Thanks in part to funding from the Milwaukee Arts Board, First Stage was able to provide the AMPLIFY Series productions to the community free of charge this season.

The first AMPLIFY Series play, COPPER HORNS IN WATER, streamed from April 16 to May 16, 2021. If you missed it, a recording of the performance is still available on YouTube.

Written by Ty Defoe and directed by Johamy Morales, COPPER HORNS IN WATER celebrates the Anishinaabe oral storytelling tradition. The idea about Copper Horns in Water talks about the Underwater Panther with Copper Horns that appears in many anecdotes; a lot of Wisdom Keepers teachings from cultural knowledge that has been handed down from generation to generation. Layering in a graphic novel form of storytelling, COPPER HORNS IN WATER also explores the fight for climate justice as a form of racial justice.

Ty Defoe, playwright

“As an artist, a lot of my work operates at the intersections of cultural traditions as well as being very much alive as a contemporary native person. For future generations to come to really understand and know at this time during Zoom and the virtual ways we need to connect, what could really be a prolific offering for them? That was the impetus of this work.” - Ty Defoe

The play’s hero is a young and curious Underwater Creature named North, who earns their Copper Horns—a coming-of-age ritual that gives them power under water. North soon learns the importance of their horns when they need to summon their strength—and with the collective power of their friends—to save the day. Students from Milwaukee’s Indian Community School performed this fun-filled story for the entire family.

As an alumni of both First Stage and Indian Community School, Ty Defoe played a pivotal role in connecting our organizations—an experience Ty describes as coming home.

Prior to the casting and rehearsal process, First Stage facilitated after-school virtual workshops for the Indian Community School students in January. This workshop series covered the basics of acting, what it means to be in a First Stage virtual Theater Production, and how to prepare a video audition. All participating students were invited to audition for Ty’s play.

Indian Community School was critical in the development of COPPER HORNS IN WATER and First Stage is grateful for their partnership and help in creating this production with their students and staff. First Stage looks forward to continuing our relationship with Indian Community School.

Learn more about COPPER HORNS IN WATER through our Enrichment Guide and Virtual Talkback.

The second AMPLIFY Series play, UNMUTED, streamed from April 30 to May 30, 2021. If you missed it, a recording of the performance is still on available YouTube.

Preliminarily referred to as “Zoom of the Flies” during the writing process, UNMUTED is written by Alvaro Saar Ríos with music/lyrics by Deborah Wicks La Puma and directed by Anna Skidis Vargas.

Alvaro Saar Ríos, playwright

When the substitute gym teacher is kicked out of the Zoom Room of a virtual gym class, the students take over! As the group starts a game of “SorD” (Secret or Dare), they discover more about each other’s lives on the other side of the screen—their frustrations with online school, their love for tacos on Tuesdays and, most importantly, what they miss.

UNMUTED aims to honor Milwaukee’s cultural heritage—particularly families that live across multiple languages and cultures. This lively new musical is in English with some Spanish lyrics.

Learn more about UNMUTED through our Enrichment Guide and Virtual Talkback.

AMPLIFY is supported in part by a grant from the Milwaukee Arts Board and the Wisconsin Arts Board with funds from the State of Wisconsin.

Interactive Innovation: ADVENTURES WITH THE THREE LITTLE PIGS

noreply@blogger.com (First Stage) — Wed, 02 Jun 2021 18:58:00 +0000

Committed to serving our youngest audiences even in this challenging time, First Stage found a new way to bring our First Steps Series into area classrooms and homes this spring through the virtual interactive theater experience of ADVENTURES WITH THE THREE LITTLE PIGS.

First Stage’s intimate and interactive First Steps Series, traditionally produced at the Milwaukee Youth Arts Center, serves as a young person’s introduction to the theater and teaches the role and etiquette of an audience member. Geared towards young children, ages 3-6, and their families, First Steps productions aim to inspire a life-long love of the performing arts, increase the cultural vibrancy of our community and encourage reading together as a family.

Our strong partnerships with educators at schools throughout southeastern Wisconsin help to ensure that our First Steps Series addresses the academic needs and social and emotional learning of young people and families. In fact, the creation of ADVENTURES OF THREE LITTLE PIGS, as well as the creation of First Stage’s virtual Theater in Education programming during the pandemic this season, was a result of the relationships our Education team has developed with local educators.

Unable to visit area classrooms to provide our in-school Theater in Education programming, First Stage’s Education team consulted with our partner schools to learn how we could best support their learning objectives during the pandemic. As a result, First Stage created the interactive theater experience of ADVENTURES OF THE THREE LITTLE PIGS and our library of on-demand virtual Arts-Integrated and Early Literacy Workshops.

Live-streamed through Zoom, ADVENTURES WITH THE THREE LITTLE PIGS was a 35-minute presentation that brought the well-loved children’s storybook of The Three Little Pigs by James Marshall to life and allowed young people the opportunity to become part of the story through active engagement in the storytelling, songs, dances, and tactile experiences. All participating classrooms also received a virtual Show Experience Kit, which included music tracks, choreography instructions, templates for set, props and costume pieces and a cut and color storyboard to build simple rod puppets. During the presentations, First Stage teaching artists performed the story while incorporating audience ideas in real time—ensuring each audience member was recognized for their contributions throughout the performance.

First Stage has offered 46 performances of ADVENTURES WITH THE THREE LITTLE PIGS and reached a total audience of 1,036 young people, their families and teachers. First Stage also sold-out three of the eight school performances presented live through Zoom.

“I just wanted to thank you for the opportunity to ‘go on a field trip’ with my students. The show was adorable and my students loved it! We always enjoy First Stage shows and Adventures with the Three Little Pigs did not disappoint. I’m looking forward to next year’s show!” – classroom teacher, Lyons Center School

First Stage is grateful to our sponsors, PNC, and proud to be a partners through their Grow Up Great initiative.

Although ADVENTURES WITH THE THREE LITTLE PIGS has closed, be on the lookout for more First Steps interactive theater experiences from First Stage in the future! This interactive innovation is here to stay.

Virtually Determined Fun: Our Spring Event Recap

noreply@blogger.com (First Stage) — Wed, 02 Jun 2021 18:47:00 +0000

As with pretty much everything else this year, First Stage’s fundraising events also needed to be virtually reimagined. We are grateful to our event committees for helping create wonderful events for our guests while raising critical funds for First Stage. We hope you enjoyed them!

MAKE BELIEVE… IT’S A BALL!

On March 6, 2021, First Stage held our 27th annual—and first-ever virtual—Make Believe Ball! First Stage patrons, Theater Academy families, alumni, their friends and families, as well as Milwaukee theater fans, from far and wide, tuned in to celebrate Artistic Director Jeff Frank and his 25th anniversary at First Stage!

Guests pre-ordered Party Packs prior to the event, filled with festive decorations for their homes, arts and craft projects and treats for the kids, as well as goodies for the kids-at-heart. Decked out in PaGLAMas (comfy pajamas paired with glamorous accessories or party attire with slippers), families and guests tuned into an entertaining virtual program co-hosted by the dynamic duo and First Stage actor/director favorites, Kelly Doherty & Karen Estrada.

The Ball’s virtual program honored Jeff’s First Stage history with selected scenes and songs from the 50 plus productions he has directed to date. The featured selections were from SHREK, THE MUSICAL (2013/14 season); A MIDNIGHT CRY (2013/14 season); THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER (2009/10, 2013/14, and 2018/19 seasons); ROALD DAHL’S MATILDA THE MUSICAL (2018/19 season); PETER PAN AND WENDY (2010/11 season) and TINKER BELL (2018/19 season).

The festivities also included video messages from several First Stage alumni sending their greetings, congratulations, and warm wishes to Jeff. First Stage Founder, Rob Goodman shared: “Jeff is a phenomenal professional director, with a unique and creative gift at taking a stage play and turning it into magic. He is also a human being with a very large and wonderful heart. A heart that is able to see and create art in ways that touches people and moves them and transforms them beyond who they are when they walked into the theater. He is a human being that transforms the lives of children, from his work in the Theater Academy and in the Education office, Jeff is uniquely First Stage.”

The event was made complete with “Zoom Room” pre-event activities led by First Stage staff members, for the young guests as well as large silent and live auctions filled with items and experiences that appealed to the whole family, guided by our engaging auctioneer, Dan Pronley. After the program, guests joined the popular Milwaukee radio host and DJ, 88Nine Station Director Jordan Lee for a post-event virtual dance party.

Approximately 100 households participated—raising $130,000 to support First Stage’s mission of transforming lives through theater.

Thank you to all who made this year’s virtual Make Believe Ball a success!

PRESENTING SPONSOR

Northwestern Mutual

CORPORATE SPONSORS

AO Smith Foundation, The ECAB Investment Group, BAIRD Private Wealth Management, KMPG, Studio Gear, 88Nine, Associated Bank, Johnson Controls, PNC, and We Energies Foundation

FAMILY SPONSORS

The Esten Family, The Field Family, The Marschka Family, The Orr Family, The Pence Family, and The Puechner Family

MAKE BELIEVE BALL EVENT HONORARY CO-CHAIRS
Jeff Frank and Sarah Hunt Frank

EVENT HOSTS
Kelly Doherty and Karen Estrada

EVENT COMMITTEE
Monica Arnstein, Lisa Boyce, Kelly Calvelli, Terri Field, Laura Hirano, Mary Kramer, Tonya Leuder, Melissa Marschka, Meredith Pence, Melissa Radtke, Kate Schroeder, Amanda Singh, Julia Westphal, and Heather Whitmill

If you weren’t able to join us for the livestream of our event, you may view our recorded event.

BARD-O-THON

On April 24, 2021, First Stage Theater Academy held its 11th annual, and second virtual, Bard-O-Thon.

In celebration of Shakespeare’s birthday, the First Stage Theater Academy challenged members of Young Company (the Academy’s award-winning training program for advanced high school actors) to stretch their artistic endurance by performing as many memorized Shakespearean monologues in a row as possible.

Last season, 50 Young Company members virtually performed 504 monologues for 100 guests and raised $16,102; however, Young Company left no record unbroken this year.

Amazingly, 55 Young Company members performed a total of 556 monologues this year. A presentation of some of their work was viewed in a Facebook Live event, where their incredible depth of understanding was displayed for all to enjoy. As this event is a fundraiser, these students also collected more than $17,000 in pledges from friends and family to help support Shakespeare programming at First Stage.

If you missed out, we invite you to view the recorded presentation.

Our People, Their Profile | Melissa Wanke, Production Stage Manager

noreply@blogger.com (First Stage) — Thu, 06 May 2021 15:51:00 +0000

This season has been like no other. In order to help First Stage endure the devastating financial effects of COVID-19, we created the special relief initiative—the HOPE Fund. Donations to the HOPE Fund will Help Our People Engage, Enlighten, Entertain, and Educate by supporting the talented First Stage staff who provide HOPE for thousands of young people and families. All charitable gifts made to the HOPE Fund before June 30, 2021 will be matched 1-to-1, up to $50,000—thanks to another generous matching gift from the Molitor Foundation.

First Stage had the chance to catch up with our Production Stage Manager, Melissa Wanke, to learn more about her First Stage story.

Melissa has been overseeing First Stage’s Stage Management Department for the past 12 years.

What is Stage Management?

Stage Management is a broad field that is defined as the practice of organization and coordination of an event or theatrical production that requires a general understanding of all aspects of theater production and provides organizational support to ensure the process runs smoothly and efficiently. Stage Management encompasses a variety of activities—including the overseeing of the rehearsal process and coordinating communications among various production teams and personnel.

How do you connect with young people and families at First Stage?

I am one of the primary contacts for our young performers and their families. Although I do not stage manage every show produced, I oversee the stage management staff who are in the rooms with our young performers. On occasion, I may call (or manage) a production.

Along with my team (one or two assistant stage managers), it’s our responsibility to ensure the smooth execution of the production.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work?

I enjoy being with my family and friends, taking walks, and playing with my dog, Loki. On occasion, you might find me at a Brewers or Packers game.

How has working at First Stage affected you?

I had worked at large theatre companies before I landed with First Stage. Coming to First Stage felt like home; it brought me back to my home state and near my family.

While working with young people can be challenging, it is definitely where I am meant to be. Watching young performers grow and become amazing young people and adults is so rewarding.

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

Photo by Paul Ruffolo Photography.

Our People, Their Profile | Jenny Thurnau, Costume Shop Manager

noreply@blogger.com (First Stage) — Thu, 06 May 2021 15:50:00 +0000

First Stage had the chance to catch up with our Costume Shop Manager, Jenny Thurnau, to learn more about her First Stage story.

Since 2013, Jenny has been managing the Costume Shop at First Stage.

What are your day-to-day tasks as the Costume Shop Manager?

I schedule appointments for measurements and fittings, and I am the primary note-taker during fittings. During the technical rehearsal process, I am the liaison between the costume designer, wardrobe supervisor, and the actors.

How has First Stage affected you?

It is a lot of fun to see and get to know the young performers over time. I have enjoyed being able to watch them grow as performers and individuals. It’s inspiring to see young performers with no previous theater experience and who will barely say their name during their first costume shop appointment, end up with a significant role in one of our theater productions a season or two later.

What does the HOPE Fund mean to you and why should someone support it?

During the uncertainty of the past year, it is a relief to know that my co-workers and I have been able to continue making theater. It’s taken a different form and we’ve all had to adjust, but we’ve done it. First Stage has kept our hope alive and thriving.

Your gift to the HOPE Fund shows that you support First Stage and its staff, along with the communities and individuals impacted by our theater productions, theater academy classes, and educational programming.

Thank you to the Molitor Foundation for the generous matching grant!

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

Our People, Their Profile | Michelle Pendzich, First Hand

noreply@blogger.com (First Stage) — Thu, 06 May 2021 15:49:00 +0000

First Stage had the chance to catch up with First Hand, Michelle Pendzich, to learn more about her First Stage story.

Michelle has been with First Stage for eleven seasons.

What does a First Hand do?

As the First Hand, I work in the Costume Shop—taking the patterns from our Draper and the fabrics chosen by the Designer, and cut out and stitch costume garments so we’re ready to go for costume fittings. After those fittings, I alter the garments and finish any processes that need to be completed before they are seen onstage.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work?

I am a stepmom of two. I enjoy spending time doing fun activities with my family, as well as attending concerts, dinner parties and fitness classes with my friends.

How has working at First Stage affected you?

First Stage has given me the opportunity to do what I love as a career. There aren’t many jobs, locally, where I can make a living creating custom garments from all time periods, real or imagined, human or otherwise. The variety makes every day exciting!

What does the HOPE Fund mean to you?

The HOPE Fund provides the First Stage staff the ability to maintain our livelihoods through this time of hardship and unpredictability. It breaks my heart that many theaters have shut their doors permanently over this past year. We cannot allow this to happen anymore.

Theater nurtures the emotional and social well-beings of the young audiences who see our productions. Our jobs in theater are real jobs that cost real money and while our stage is dark in this time, we need to keep moving forward—for the children we get to impact as well as for ourselves.

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

Photo by Paul Ruffolo Photography.

Our People, Their Profile | Jessica Noones, Production Manager

noreply@blogger.com (First Stage) — Thu, 06 May 2021 15:48:00 +0000

First Stage had the chance to catch up with our Production Manager, Jessica Noones, to learn more about her First Stage story.

Jessica has been a part of the First Stage team for the past year and a half.

What does a Production Manager do?

As the Production Manager, I ensure that the production elements of each First Stage theater production is completed on time, on budget, and through a process that our production staff and guest artists feel supported in. In order to make this happen, I am involved in season planning, creating calendars and budgets, putting together creative teams, and shepherding each production from the creative team’s initial ideas to what audiences see and hear on stage opening night.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work?

You can find me hiking or camping with my 7-year-old hound mix, Pilot.

How has working at First Stage affected you?

Facing an industry-wide shut down seven months into a new job over 1,000 miles away from home was hard, and it still is. The talented folks at First Stage who dream up and create the lighting, sound, scenery, props, and costumes for our productions give me a reason to keep pushing forward and I am grateful for that.

Why is local artistry important?

When I was interviewing for my position here, I attended First Stage’s school preview performance of TINKERBELL—along with 400 young people from nearby schools bouncing in their chairs with loads of energy around 10:00am. Oh my!

The lights go down, the show begins, and they are quiet and engaged. Fast forward to Tinkerbell’s light going out and the audience being asked to say, “I do believe in fairies” to bring Tink back… Have you ever been in a room of 400 little voices saying they believe in fairies or gasping and clapping when the mysterious little orb we’ve come to know as Tink flickers back to life?

Well, short story short, I work here now. I just had to be a part of that.

Dreamers and doers—right here in Milwaukee—created that moment and countless others like it, for you and the young people in your life.

Why should one support the HOPE Fund?

The First Stage Production Department is a place where passion meets purpose. It is a place where years of study, layers of sawdust, maybe even some glitter, and a lot of trial and error culminate in local artisans transporting you and your family to a place of shared imagination and play. The platforms, painted floors, puppets, and petticoats you see on our stages are made right here by our production staff, ensuring your experience is one you can only get right here in Milwaukee. We are grateful for the opportunity to continue crafting those moments for you.

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

Our People, Their Profile | Nikki Kulas, Properties Master

noreply@blogger.com (First Stage) — Thu, 06 May 2021 15:48:00 +0000

First Stage had the chance to catch up with our Properties Master, Nikki Kulas, to learn more about her First Stage story.

Nikki has been working in her role at First Stage for seven seasons.

What are your responsibilities as the Properties Master?

I am responsible for all the props and set dressing for the productions at First Stage—interacting with many of the production and design teams to fulfill the vision of the productions.

How do you connect with young people at First Stage?

In rehearsals, I work with adult actors and young performers on their prop needs, uses, and answering any questions they may have. I also teach Theater Academy classes that focus on props and puppets, as well as provide props assistance to the Theater Academy Company Classes when needed.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work?

I enjoy doing crafts at home. My current projects are resin art, cross-stitch, sewing, and repairing statues. This summer, I made a large wall-hanging quilt of Cthulhu for my bedroom. I also try to get out to the country as much as possible where I enjoy motor sports—ATVs, go-carts, motorcycles, and trucks. My father and I each have a classic truck that we take to car and truck shows together. Fishing and boating are another hobby of mine that I like to do as much as possible at my family’s cabin up north.

Lastly, I love to travel. My travel companions are two stuffed dinosaurs named Godzilla and Bronco (one day I would like to publish a book of their adventures). I was able to take the train out to Montana/Yellowstone with them a few years ago. We also drove around Ireland and Northern Ireland a couple summers ago. Unfortunately, I had to delay a trip to Nova Scotia, Scotland, and Ireland this past summer due to the pandemic, but I’m hoping I can still do that in the next year or so, and maybe take a road trip through Wyoming or Route 66 in the near future.

How has working at First Stage affected you?

One of my favorite things to see young performers’ faces when things click for them and they finally understand a note. It sounds weird, but there are so many things going on in rehearsals and the tech process that can pull focus. Sometimes actors are given the same note a few times or they can’t figure out a prop or blocking because they are processing so many different things at once. So, it really feels good when you see that revelation on their face when they get it, and everything works the way they want it to. Sometimes this happens on their own and you just get to watch it happen. Other times it’s when we are working something one on one, and that isolated focus is what they needed for everything to fall into place.

What does your craft mean to you?

In props, we need to know carpentry, metal work, sewing, electrical wiring, molding/casting, painting, upholstery, and a ton of other skills. This means we are never bored, but it also means we are always exploring and learning. Many of my personal art and etsy items come from a place of exploring different techniques and skills to see what is possible for that potential future project.

When I was young, I learned woodworking and welding from my dad, my mom was always doing crafts with me, and my grandma taught me to sew. This constant learning process has stuck with me throughout the years, and I find it hard to have idle hands. I just want to keep busy and keep creating in whatever form sounds fun.

Check out my personal art on the First Stage Market Etsy shop and my personal shop - https://www.etsy.com/shop/KulasShop.

What does the HOPE Fund mean to you?

I have a lot of friends and colleagues around the country who have lost their jobs during the pandemic and some have even left theater altogether. Many places laid off their production staff and designers leaving them on their own without insurance or pay during a worldwide pandemic. Since a lot of them are independent contracts, they couldn’t get the same unemployment insurance that others were able to get leaving them without income for months.

I am grateful to First Stage that not only do I have a job right now, but that our props artisan and our production staff do as well. It is not something to take lightly after the struggles of the past year. Thank you for supporting the HOPE Fund—it’s what has kept us employed during this difficult time. I encourage anyone who is able to donate, please consider it… this fund allows us to keep producing the theater that we love and our community needs.

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

Our People, Their Profile | Lyndsey Kuhlmann, Cutter/Draper

noreply@blogger.com (First Stage) — Thu, 06 May 2021 15:47:00 +0000

First Stage had the chance to catch up with our Cutter/Draper, Lyndsey Kuhlmann, to learn more about her First Stage story.

For the past 12 seasons, Lyndsey has been working in our Costume Shop.

What do you do as a Cutter/Draper?

Taking our designers’ renderings, I research and figure out how to make their designs come to fruition. I take measurements, create and fit the costumes, and make sure everything is finished on time.

Often, our actors’ first experience on the production is coming into the Costume Shop for measurements, so my role at First Stage has me working directly with our young performers at the very beginning of the production process, through fittings, dress rehearsals, and all the way through to the opening performance.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work?

Outside of First Stage, I am a swing dancer and teacher, knitter, gardener, baker—a general collector of hobbies, I guess.

How has working at First Stage affected you?

Creative collaboration and problem solving are at the core of working in technical theater—especially in the Theatre for Young Audiences (TYA) field with high production value, like First Stage.

The nature of TYA productions gives us unique challenges (like turning actors into dancing cupcakes or a herd of reindeer or a piece of paper), and we so often have work together to come up with the most creative solution. Our very small, but mighty, Costume Shop team is incredible, and I am regularly astonished at what we are able to achieve when we lean on and learn from each other.

Watching and hearing our young audience members' reactions on opening night will never get old for me. We spend quite a long time preparing a production for the stage and somehow—even after months of work—sitting through hours of dress and technical rehearsals on a show we’ve produced multiple times, there is still nothing like watching families experience the absolute joy, wonder, and magic of live theater. It’s those moments that help me keep going, and during this pandemic, I miss those moments more than words can say.

What does your craft mean to you?

When I say I work in a Costume Shop, the typical response I get is “That must be so fun!” and it is, but audiences don’t usually get to see all that goes into it—the years of training, the piles of research books, the MATH, the myriad of trials and errors, and the meticulous details. Even clothes and accessories that are store bought need to be custom fitted and altered before they appear on stage.

We truly take pride in our craft, especially on things that will go completely unnoticed to an audience and are just a treat for ourselves and the performer wearing it. The touches that make it just a bit more comfortable to wear or sneak in a subtle character detail. I think it shows how much we care about what we do.

You can get the behind-the-scenes look on our work in the Costume Shop by following @firststagecostumes on Instagram.

What does the HOPE Fund mean to you?

When the pandemic hit and theaters promptly shut their doors, it was particularly terrifying for all of us out there who make our living by producing live theater. Thanks to your generous contributions to the HOPE Fund, we have been able to keep our jobs, and stay insured during this incredible uncertain time. You have given us hope! Thank you.

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

Photo by Paul Ruffolo Photography.

Our People, Their Profile | Melissa Hunter, Prop Artisan

noreply@blogger.com (First Stage) — Thu, 06 May 2021 15:44:00 +0000

First Stage had the chance to catch up with our Prop Artisan, Melissa Hunter, to learn more about her First Stage story.

For the past five years, Melissa has been working in First Stage’s prop shop.

What do you do in the Prop Shop?

A lot! I build, paint, sculpt, and alter all of the props for our theater productions.

How has working at First Stage affected you?

First Stage gave me my first professional job out of college, so it has been a great stepping-stone in my career. Working in props is the perfect combination of all of the art skills I have and enjoy doing.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work?

I paint and do a lot of crafting for my own etsy store. You can find my handmade bracelets on First Stage Market on etsy.com.

Our People, Their Profile | Leah Dueno, Wardrobe Supervisor

noreply@blogger.com (First Stage) — Thu, 06 May 2021 15:44:00 +0000

First Stage had the chance to catch up with our Wardrobe Supervisor, Leah Dueno, to learn more about her First Stage story.

For the past 12 seasons, Leah has been working backstage making sure all First Stage’s performers—young and old—go out on stage looking and feeling their best.

What is your typical day like working as a Wardrobe Supervisor?

As the Wardrobe Supervisor, I help actors with quick changes, discuss and apply their makeup, and arrange their hair or help them put on their wig before a show.

Every day is different working backstage—especially when working with young performers! One of the largest aspects of my job, beyond putting on wigs and repairing costumes, is the fact that I have to be ready for anything and need to stay calm under pressure. I’ve been previously called an actor’s off-stage scene partner. There is a huge show going on backstage that the audience never sees, and the off-stage scene partners (the crew) make a huge difference in the level of performance an actor is able to give.

How do you connect with young people at First Stage?

By being one of the few employees who is backstage for every single First Stage performance at the Todd Wehr Theater, I get to hear our audiences’ reactions and experience all the special trials, tribulations, and joys that come with live theater.

It is always my goal to make our performers not only look good but feel good when they step out on that stage. I love being able to help our young performers feel confident, not only in their costume but also in themselves. I get the chance to build up people’s self-confidence in an industry and world that too often tears it down.

I also love getting to create the magic for the audience. When the audience asks a performer about their costume or wig, or how they changed so fast, I know that I have succeeded in my craft.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work?

Due to the high stress and high-energy nature of my job, many of the things I enjoy outside of work re-center and nourish me. I love going on long walks or hikes while listening either to podcasts or just in silence.

I have also found a love of cooking and discovering healthy and delicious ways to nourish my body. One of my favorite things to do is sit down with a friend or two and have a conversation. I love to learn about people and hear about their lives, thusly, good conversation is gold to me!

How has working at First Stage affected you?

Working with the young people at First Stage has made me realize the changes that need to happen both in the world and in myself. I meet and work with so many wonderful young people every season and they truly motivate me to be the best me I can be.

My job allows me to see first-hand the impact an individual can have on a collective. I have learned that I get to be one of those individuals for each cast I work with, and am constantly learning how to do that.

I get to see the compassion, support, and humor of our young performers every day. Seeing their eyes light up when they hear the audience during an opening performance reignites my love for what I do, as well as hearing them through the dressing room door helping each other through nervousness and issues makes me so proud.

What does the HOPE Fund mean to you?

This pandemic has been a very scary time for theater artists. The HOPE Fund is providing us a chance to get to return to the theater, people, and audiences we care for so much.

By donating to the HOPE Fund, you are giving artists, like me, the chance to help both our community and our nation heal when we are able to gather in theaters once again.

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

Our People, Their Profile | Emily Adams, Technical Director

noreply@blogger.com (First Stage) — Thu, 06 May 2021 15:43:00 +0000

First Stage had the chance to catch up with our Technical Director, Emily Adams, to learn more about her First Stage story.

Since January 2013, Emily has been managing the wood and paint shops at First Stage.

Tell us more about your job.

In managing First Stage’s wood and paint shops, my specific purview is the set, stage floor, trap room/elevator, and any scenery, drops or scenic lighting hanging from the grid.

My job is to take a designer’s two-dimensional renderings and figure out how to build it—bringing it into the three-dimensional world. I get to decide what materials we are going to use, I engineer the structures, and I work out any automation the set may require. I start by building the entire set in my 3D modeling software, and then from there, I create the technical drawings that the carpenters use to build the set.

I also get to drive the big trucks that First Stage uses to transport scenic elements to and from the theater. I also supervise the load-in process, and am present for all tech rehearsals to ensure the scenery is working as it should. Of course, I don’t do all of this alone! I rely on the knowledge and experience of carpenters Eric and Steve, painter Amy Sue, and master electrician Russ, and audio engineer/master carpenter Rory. Together we ensure that First Stage’s scenery looks and functions as well as it does.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work?

I am a runner and I love climbing, hiking, exploring, and camping in national parks. My husband and I have twelve pet rats and two dogs. I also enjoy crocheting chunky rainbow outerwear and accessories, and I collect bones and oddities with which I create artistic displays, jewelry, and lamps.

How has working at First Stage affected you?

First Stage is the company that hired me right after I returned to the area of being in Los Angeles for five years. The stability that First Stage has afforded me has made it possible for me to build a life here sooner than I thought. The people I work with are dedicated, talented professionals and I feel very at home here.

Any time I watch a performance, I get to see it through the eyes of the audience. Their palpable energy and appreciation constantly reminds me why we do this. By the time a show is in performance I’ve been working on the next show’s set for weeks or months, so it’s always inspiring to experience our work from the position of the audience who hasn’t seen it before.

What does your craft mean to you and why is local artistry important?

My craft is my emotional and creative outlet—whether it is my job at First Stage or my hobbies of crochet and oddity work. My job at First Stage has become much more desk-centric in recent years. I used to be able to work as a carpenter, painter, or sculptor on our shows in addition to the engineering/logistics side of things; however, I can’t do that as much anymore because of the increasing complexity of our designs. Having creative hobbies is how I decompress now at the end of the day.

If you’d like to see my work, I have a bunch of crochet work and bone jewelry listed for sale on the First Stage Etsy shop, as well as on my own Etsy shop, OddityMonger.

Supporting local artists creates critical connections with folks living and working around us, and consuming local art enriches the fabric of who each of us are. I love how different works affect different people in unique ways—helping us understand and discover other facets of people we think we may know well.

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.