First Stage Theater Academy Registration Now Open

Registration for First Stage Theater Academy school year sessions is now open. Eight-week programs in the fall, winter and spring, as well as a one-week Spring Break Academy program are available. Classes are offered at three locations: the Milwaukee Youth Arts Center, 325 W. Walnut Street in downtown Milwaukee; the Oconomowoc Arts Center, 641 E. Forest Street in Oconomowoc and the Sharon Lynne Wilson Center, 19805 E. Capitol Drive in Brookfield. Registration remains open until classes are filled.

Parent or grandparent and child classes are offered for 3- and 4-year-olds, with a variety of classes for students in grades K5 through 12. Classes are held weekly for eight weeks. Classes at the Milwaukee Youth Arts Center are held on Wednesday afternoons and Saturdays; on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons at the Sharon Lynne Wilson Center and on Saturdays at the Oconomowoc Arts Center.

The fall session runs September 25 through November 20, 2010; the winter session from January 22 through March 17, 2011 and the spring session from March 26 through May 26, 2011. A weeklong Spring Break Academy - April 25-29, 2011 - offers a half-day and full day program for students grades K5 through 12, only at the Milwaukee Youth Arts Center.

Classes offered vary by age range, and include: "Story Drama," in which students K4-K5 explore their favorite stories and are guided through dramatic activity encouraging self-expression, concentration, cooperation and discussion; "Introduction to Acting," in which students grades four through six explore the basics of acting as they develop communication, confidence and self-esteem; and "Musical Theater," where students grades four through six and seven through 12 can sharpen their singing voices and hone their dance and movement skills while working on numbers from great musicals.

All classes are process-oriented. At the end of each session, there is an informal sharing session, and "open house" day during which students will present class experiences to their families and friends.

Advanced students entering grades eight through 12 have the opportunity to audition for the Young Company, the advanced training session of the Theater Academy. Led by Theater Academy Director John Maclay and Director Todd Denning, Young Company members have the opportunity to perform in one of three productions throughout the year in this year-round class, including William Shakespeare's JULIUS CAESAR in December 2010. Registration is required prior to scheduling and audition.

Founded in 1992, First Stage Theater Academy has grown to become one of the largest theater arts training programs of its kind in the nation, with over 2,700 enrollments per year. The Academy fosters like skills through stage skills, teaching the physical, vocal and emotional skills needed on stage, ultimately helping to build self-esteem and cultivate the vital skills that help children throughout everyday life, such as cooperation, empathy, confidence, leadership and focus.

Research conducted in 2009 has proved that participation in the Academy has a positive impact on a child's emotional intelligence (EQ); the ability, capacity or skill to identify and assess the emotions of one's self and others. Researchers have linked EQ and success in life such as steady, fulfilling careers; healthy marriages; positive relationships; good parenting skills and good physical health. In the studies conducted, students that had participated in the Academy had shown improvement among three broad categories: "Knowing Yourself," through self discovery and building self confidence; "Choosing Yourself," through intentional decisive action and motivation; and "Giving Yourself," in teamwork, cooperation and the act of creation.

"We foster a positive atmosphere in which children see that it's OK to take risks and be themselves," said John Maclay, Theater Academy director. "I see young people in our program grow as actors every day, but I also see them grow as people. It is the kindest environment I have ever witnessed - a great place to be whether you are an aspiring actor or anyone who just wants to be respected, supported and be themselves" Maclay continued.

Registration is available online at www.FirstStage.org/theateracademy. For further questions, please call (414) 267-2970 or email academy@firststage.org.

First Stage Children's Theater is Milwaukee's premier, professional family theater. Founded in 1987, the mission of the company is to provide professional Theater Productions for young people and their families that engage, enlighten and entertain, Theater Academy training that fosters life skills through stage skills and dynamic in-school education programs that provide learning through theater. First Stage is a member of TYA/USA, the American Alliance for Theatre and Education, the Wisconsin Alliance for Arts Education and Americans for the Arts, as well as Theatre Wisconsin and Milwaukee Arts Partners, and is a cornerstone member of the United Performing Arts Fund (UPAF).