Date post: | 08-Mar-2016 |
Category: |
Documents |
Upload: | first-stage |
View: | 224 times |
Download: | 2 times |
C e l e b r a t i n g 2 5 y e a r s
Inside Front Cover
The Sleeping BeauTy Opening production of inaugural season 1987
Fi
rs
t
st
ag
e
Ce
le
br
at
in
g
25
Y
ea
rs
3
Carol a . GehlPresident, Board of Directors
roB GooDmanFounding artistic Director
& managing Director
JeFF Frankartistic Director
OfficersCarol a. Gehl, President
alec Fraser, President Elect
Joel nettesheim, Vice President of Finance
Sheila reynolds, Secretary & Vice President of Governance
Bob arzbaecher, Vice President at Large
Gregory J. Schmeling, m.D., Vice President of Programming
lauren Pagenkopf, Vice President of Marketing
kristin Severson, Vice President of Fund Development
DirectorsTodd a. adams
nicole angresano
libby Baranko
Vincent Ciccolini
Dawn S. Cooke
John Fricker
Darren l. Goldstein
kristine havlik
Daniel Jones
luke kowal
Carol l. kracht
First Stage is honored to celebrate 25 years of transforming lives through theater. Since our inaugural season our vision has remained the same: to touch hearts, engage minds and transform lives by creat-ing extraordinary theater experiences for young people, and families. Through this mission, we have touched the lives of over 3.6 million people throughout our history.
First Stage was created when the marcus Center for the Performing arts, our founding organization, hired rob Goodman as the founding artistic director to develop a professional children’s theater to serve families in the greater milwaukee community. First Stage was born in 1987, incorporated on its own in 1988 and has grown into one of the nation’s most acclaimed professional children’s theaters and the largest Theater academy. The Wisconsin arts Board also affirms that First Stage is Wisconsin’s leader of arts Integrated education in schools.
our success is due to the mothers, fathers, grandparents, educators, and most of all the young people whose lives we touched and who touched our lives in so many ways. They all recognize the value of our work in their lives. We thank them and the entire community for our success.
as First Stage celebrates this milestone anniversary, we are thankful for so much and yet look to the future, a future filled with the hope that we have just begun, that many more young people will have access to the life transforming programs at First Stage.
We thank you for partnering with us, inspiring us to use all aspects of theater arts to build character and develop leadership skills in young people, empowering them to become our community’s next generation of creative and innovative leaders. The future belongs to them.
Sincerely,
Carol a. Gehl President, Board of Directors
ron kuramoto
megan madsen
liza Perry
Wendy Petzold
Gregory ramirez
Jami ross
Janet Schmeling
kristin Sheehan
Deanna Singh
Carver Smith
harry Stratton
amy Taylor Diamond
Chad Tessmer
Bridget D. Viohl
Dashal Young
Advisory BoardJeff Schouten, Chair
Gretchen Barbatelli
Tom Florsheim
Tamara hauck
Jennifer keough
marina krejci
Curt larson
Jody lowe
Dan mckinley
mark metcalf
kate Scovil
Jeff Spence
mary h. Sprague
les Weil
Past Board Presidentsrichard S. Gallagher, 1987-1989
(Board President, Performing Arts Center)
Judith C. mcGoohan, 1989-1991
Jay h. robertson, 1991-1992
marina S. krejci, 1992-1994
W. Scott Blake, 1994-1996
Jeffrey P. Schouten, 1996-1998
Tamara J. hauck, 1998-2000
Tim reiland, 2000-2002
David moskol and Joel netteshiem (Co-Presidents), 2002-2004
alec Fraser, 2004-2006
kristin Severson, 2006-2008
mike Carter, 2008-2010
Special thanks to the generosity and commitment of all First Stage Board of Directors who made this 25th anniversary season possible.
25th AnniversAry seAson BoArd of directors deAr friends, 52
Fi
rs
t
st
ag
e
Ce
le
br
at
in
g
25
Y
ea
rs
5
MissionFirst Stage touches hearts, engages minds, and transforms lives by creating extraordinary theater experiences for young people and families through:
•ProfessionalTheaterproductionsthatinspire,enlighten,andentertain
•UnparalleledTheaterAcademytrainingthatfosterslifeskillsthroughstageskills
•DynamicTheaterinEducationprogramsthatpromoteactivelearninginourschools and community
vision
First Stage strives to be the national leader and driving force behind the creation of the best and most innovative plays for family audiences, theater training programs for young people, and education initia-tives for our schools and our community. These three interwoven programming pillars are accessible to, and reflective of our increasingly diverse community. Through our exceptional leadership, dedicated team, and commitment to financial sustainability, First Stage will broaden the reach and impact of our transformational programs, thus enabling dreams to be fulfilled, hope to be fostered, and families to enjoy the lasting legacy of a profound shared experience.
trAnsforMAtion
photo by Jessica Kaminski
Sarah Horn, First Stage Academy Alumni , Young Per former and graduate of US Naval
Academy and Marine Corps pi lotSarah Horn as Scout in
To Kill A MoCKiNgBirD (1997)Joel Boyd, student at
Columbia Col lege ChicagoJoel Boyd as Kenny in THe WATSoNS go
To BirMiNgHAM – 1963 (2008)
“Our work strives to be honest, thought-provoking, full of wonder, inspiring, compassionate, alive with humor, and driven by hope.”– Rob Goodman, First Stage Founding Artistic Director
Fi
rs
t
st
ag
e
Ce
le
br
at
in
g
25
Y
ea
rs
7
First Stage opened our inaugural season on october 5, 1987 with the world premiere of Ian Dennis’ adaptationofTHESLEEPINGBEAUTY.Weexpandedfromthreeproductionsinourinfancytoproducing six productions at the Todd Wehr Theater and First Steps series productions at the milwaukee Youth arts Center, serving well over 100,000 people each season.
Young performers on stageSince the beginning, First Stage has remained committed to age-appropriate casting for both the artistic integrity of the characters portrayed on stage, as well as providing young people the opportunity to work alongside actors, directors, and designers. This is our powerful Professional Development Internship program, a school-to-work opportunity, where the focus is on developing self-esteem, personal responsibility, teamwork, commitment, focus, time management, and emotional intelligence–skills that empower the young person for a lifetime.
New Play DevelopmentThroughout its 25 years, First Stage has remained committed to new play development; finding innovative ways to tell beloved stories old and new, with over 45 world premieres. Continuing this focus, First Stage launched The Wisconsin Cycle, a series of six new plays over six seasons celebrating the rich heritage of our state.
theAter for All Ages
isaiah Reynolds (left), alison pogorelc (right) and cast in DiaRy Of a WORm, a SpiDeR, anD a fly (2012) photo by Ross Zentner
“I have been aware of First Stage for many years, but on Thursday night I SAW and FELT the importance of First Stage in the community. The energy of the actors...the energy of the audience...the phenomenal play... Thank you!” - Rachael Forman
First stAge PrODuctiONs BY the NumBers
• Totalnumberofplaysproduced:168
• Totalnumberofworldpremiere
productions:46
• Totalnumberofperformances:6,680
• NumberofYoungPerformerscast:2,004
• Totalattendanceatfamilyperformances:
1,142,204
• Totalattendanceatschoolperformances
(includingtouringproductions):2,022,594
• Totalattendancesince1987:3,164,798
“There are a lot of things families can
do together, but First Stage is something we
can all enjoy. They have a great way of telling a story that all kids can appreciate. It’s really become a big part of
our life.” – The Esten Family
Fi
rs
t
st
ag
e
Ce
le
br
at
in
g
25
Y
ea
rs
9
1992-93Winnie-the-Pooh
The Best Christmas Pageant ever
The outsiders
heidi
Bridge to Terabithia
a Woman Called Truth (tour)
1993-94Snow White*
Step on a Crack
Beatrix Potter’s Christmas
Frankenstein*
Bambi: a life in the Woods*
James & the Giant Peach
little red riding hood & The Three little Pigs*
The Wind Whispers (tour)*
a Woman Called Truth (tour)
1994-95I never Saw another Butterfly
The Yellow Boat
Beatrix Potter’s Christmas
rock ’n’ roll Shakespeare*
Caddie Woodlawn
Dinosaur!*
Goldilocks & the Three Bears*
Cuentos (tour)
1987-88The Sleeping Beauty*
adventures of huckleberry Finn*
macbeth
1988-89Winnie-the-Pooh
Terror of the Soul: Tales by Poe*
Children of a lesser God
Beauty and the Beast*
1989-90Tales of Peter rabbit*
of mice and men
To kill a mockingbird
Tales of a Fourth Grade nothing
1990-91The Velveteen rabbit
The Best Christmas Pageant ever
Dr. Jekyll & mr. hyde*
my emperor’s new Clothes
Play to Win: The Jackie robinson Story
1991-92TheUglyDuckling
The Best Christmas Pageant ever
animal Farm
one Thousand Cranes
1995-96ramona Quimby
a little house Christmas
romeo & Juliet
Treasure Island*
afternoon of the elves
lyle, lyle, Crocodile*
hmong Tapestry: Voices from the Cloth (tour)*
1996-97Peter Pan
Caddie Woodlawn
The Best Christmas Pageant ever
To kill a mockingbird
alice Through the looking-Glass*
Island of the Blue Dolphins*
Green eggs & ham
Sweet Chariot (tour)*
1997-98The nightingale
Zink: The myth. The legend. The Zebra.*
The Christmas angel*
Tuck everlasting
The Phantom Tollbooth
Thumbelina*
Willkommen to Wisconsin (tour)*
1998-99Charlotte’s Web
The Dream Thief*
The homecoming, a Christmas story
roll of Thunder, hear my Cry
Tom Sawyer*
Frog and Toad (Forever)
The Irish Chord (tour)*
1999-2000James and the Giant Peach
Selkie
The little Drummer Boy*
a Wrinkle in Time
Swiss Family robinson*
10 minutes till Bedtime!*
a Woman Called Truth (tour)
2000-01Tales of a Fourth Grade nothing
number the Stars
The Best Christmas Pageant ever
The Great Gilly hopkins
arthur – The Boy Who Would Be king*
lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse
The Sacred hoop (tour)
first stAge Production history
*world premiere
Joel Boyd (left) and Christopher Stone (right) in SmOlDeRing fiReS (2006) photo by mark frohna
Fi
rs
t
st
ag
e
Ce
le
br
at
in
g
25
Y
ea
rs
11
2004-05Sideways Stories From Wayside School
Perseus Bayou (The Search for the Cajun medusa)
a Christmas Story
The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle
honk!
Click Clack moo: Cows That Type
and Then They Came For me (remembering anne Frank) (tour)
2005-06ramona Quimby
The Shakespeare Stealer
The life and adventures of Santa Claus
Smoldering Fires*
Tom Sawyer
Seussical
mufaro’s Beautiful Daughters (tour)
2006-07esperanza rising
Bunnicula
a Christmas Story
The Giver
Green Gables
lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse
according to Coyote (tour)
2001-02The Boxcar Children
The Witch of Blackbird Pond
a little house Christmas*
einstein: hero of the mind (tour)*
J.r.r. Tolkien’s The hobbit
mike mulligan and his Steam Shovel
2002-03Beverly Cleary’s The mouse and the motorcycle
Stephen Crane’s The red Badge of Courage
The little match Girl’s Christmas Gift
a midnight Cry*
Treasure Island
The magic mrs. Piggle-Wiggle!
hmong Tapestry: Voices from the Cloth (tour)
2003-04The BFG (Big Friendly Giant)
Bridge to Terabithia
The Best Christmas Pageant ever
holes
The lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
miss nelson is missing!
Two Donuts: Pepito’s adventures in Cuate-malo (tour)
2007-08hana’s Suitcase
The Quiltmaker’s Gift
12 Days – a milwaukee Christmas*
The Watsons Go to Birmingham – 1963*
Sleeping Beauty
a Year with Frog and Toad
If You Give a mouse a Cookie (First Steps)
Ferdinand the Bull (First Steps and tour)
2008-09Gossamer*
Charlotte’s Web
harry Connick, Jr.’s The happy elf*
Witness
The neverending Story
how I Became a Pirate*
Giggle, Giggle, Quack (First Steps)
The Dinosaur Play (First Steps)
lincoln at Gettysburg (tour)
a Thousand Cranes (tour)
2009-10Junie B. Jones and a little monkey Business
The Best Christmas Pageant ever
The Thief lord*
The Wiz*
alexander and the Terrible, horrible, no Good, Very Bad Day
If You Give a mouse a Cookie (First Steps)
If You Take a mouse to School (First Steps)
Tomas and the library lady (tour)
2010-11Peter Pan and Wendy*
Disney’s my Son Pinocchio
The magic Bicycle*
U:Bug:Me*
The hundred Dresses
miss nelson is missing
aesop’s Fables (First Steps)
The little engine That Could (First Steps)
2011-12Seussical
Don’t Tell me I Can’t Fly*
Junie B. in Jingle Bells, Batman Smells!
a Wrinkle in Time
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
Diary of a Worm, a Spider and a Fly
Don’t let the Pigeon Drive the Bus (First Steps)
(left to right) Sarah Day, ishtar njaaga, and Sydney Salterin WiTneSS (2009)photo by mark frohna
*world premiere
Fi
rs
t
st
ag
e
Ce
le
br
at
in
g
25
Y
ea
rs
13
theAter AcAdeMyFostering Life skills through stage skills in the nation’s largest theater training program for young people.Since 1992, the academy has fostered a positive atmosphere, building community not competition, where young people can trust themselves and others, see that it is ok to be themselves, and learn to overcome the fear of failure by taking positive risks in a completely supportive environment. It builds self-esteem, and cultivates the vital skills necessary to become creative, innovative adults who are positive and successful, such as public speaking, personal responsibility, respect for others, goal setting, leadership, and integrity.
unprecedented growth What started as six theater arts classes with a small group of students has grown to serve over 33,000 young people since 1992. The First Stage Theater academy has a year-long schedule with classes for students 3-18 and a very large summer camp program. In addition to our large site at the milwaukee Youth arts Center, we have sites at the oconomowoc arts Center, Brookfield’s Sharon lynne Wilson Center and Carthage College in kenosha.
photo by Jessica Kaminski
First stAge theAter AcADemY BY the NumBers
• Totalenrollmentsince1992:
approximately 33,000
• Averageenrollmentsperyear:3,000
• NumberofweeksofAcademyclasses
peryear:33
• TotalnumberofYoungCompany
productions:25
“I can’t” is not in my vocabulary!I take risks!I conquer my fears!I am not afraid to lead!– First Stage “cheer,” recited each day by Academy students
Fi
rs
t
st
ag
e
Ce
le
br
at
in
g
25
Y
ea
rs
15
“Confidence, collaboration, creative expression – skills that are imperative both as a theater artist and a vibrant human being. First Stage was where I first discovered that I was special, and alternatively that there were people out there who were just like me.” – Barry Shafrin, Academy alum; Harvard University graduate and theater artist on the east coast
“First Stage instills so much professionalism and confidence in young people…the training and support is second-to-none. First Stage teaches teamwork, hard work, and shows hands-on how diligence and dedication produce results. I credit First Stage with helping to shape who I am today.”
– Sarah Horn, First Stage Theater Academy alum and graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy and Marine Corps pilot
hundreds of alumni have shared the impact First stage has had on their lives:
“First Stage gave me a sense of social awareness and emotional intelligence that have served me well in every aspect of my life. everything from reading people’s body language to helping to establish camaraderie in group settings to acknowledging and affirming others...I use all of those skills every day.” – D’Laney Gielow, Academy alum; political science student at Northwestern University
Samantha montgomery and Jeremy Tardy in The WaTSOnS gO TO BiRmingham – 1963 (2008) photo by mark frohna “...I would be remiss
if I do not stress how particularly
instrumental First Stage is to curbing
those negative activities among African-
American youth; this I speak from my
own experience.”– Jeremy Tardy, First Stage Theater Academy
alum and student at The Julliard School
Words most often used by Alumni describing the Academy.
“It was good for the students to act out different character traits. We related these to our curriculum all week. I loved the high energy level of the Education Teaching Artists and I was very impressed how the Teaching Artist got every student involved in the activities!”– Mary Hofstede, 2nd grade teacher, Kluge Elementary (MPS)
Fi
rs
t
st
ag
e
Ce
le
br
at
in
g
25
Y
ea
rs
17
• Pre-ShowandPost-ShowWorkshops: Students gain a meaningful understanding and awareness of the play’s subject and themes, as well as a strong connections to the curricular ties within the show.
•teaching through theater – Arts-integrated Lessons in the classroom: These lessons enhance students’ understanding and comprehension of curricular topics through dramatic learning techniques such as role play, improvised scene work, movement based exercises and pantomime. Classroom teachers are supplied with comprehensive lesson plans to continue the learning experience between visits.
• BullyBanWorkshop: Created in 2008 in response to the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction’s mandate on bullying prevention programming in the classroom, the Bully Ban Workshop examines the different forms of bullying that occur in the school community, while working to promote respect and tolerance among classmates and teach tactics in problem solving, positive conflict resolution and overcoming obstacles.
Throughout its 25-year history, First Stage has served nearly one half-million students in classrooms through its dynamic Theater in education programs, inciting young people’s excitement for learning and helping teachers explore curriculum using interactive, imaginative and integrated methods.
First Stage is Wisconsin’s leader in arts-integrated education in schools, creating programs that produce measured results and help students set and meet high standards of academic and personal achievement.
First stage’s theater in education programs include:• LiteracyResidencies: Created in 2006,
the literacy residency programs are year-long arts integration lessons designed to develop critical english literacy skills and improve state standardized test scores. The early literacy residency (grades k4 – 1) and the literacy residency (grades 2 – 6) use active learning techniques to appeal to all types of learners.
• ProfessionalDevelopmentforTeachers:
First Stage partners with Cardinal Stritch Universitytoofferathree-creditProfessionalDevelopment course, in which participants learn to successfully incorporate theater teaching strategies into their non-theater content units and lessons.
theAter in educAtionphoto by maureen hartjes
First stAge theAter iN eDucAtiON
BY the NumBers
• Totalnumberofstudentsatschool
performances:1,750,902
• Totalnumberofstudentsservedthrough
Theater in education programs in the
classroomsince1987:
approximately441,000
• TotalnumberofhoursFirstStage
teachingartistshavespentinclassrooms:
approximately 18,500
• Numberofstudentsservedthrough
LiteracyResidencyprogramssince2006:
over1,400
• NumberofstudentsservedintheBully
BanWorkshopssince2008:over800
Fi
rs
t
st
ag
e
Ce
le
br
at
in
g
25
Y
ea
rs
19
coMMunity PArtnershiP ProgrAM:Through the inspiration and generosity of richard S. Burke and continued support of the Burke Foundation, First Stage started the Community Partnership Program in 2004. Its goal is simple: provide access. Designed to “open Doors for milwaukee Youth to learn life Skills Through Stage Skills,” the program includes all First Stage programming that serves at risk and underserved city of milwaukee young people.
The Community Partnership Program uses the power of theater arts to nurture the positive personal development and academic advancement of City of milwaukee children.
Family Partnership ProgramThe Family Partnership Program provides scholarships and individualized support to students who would not otherwise be able to attend the Theater academy. In addition to providing financial assistance, First Stage provides lunch and snacks, safe, reliable transportation to and from the program, and other aid as needed for students to attend and achieve success.
Since 2004, enrollments funded by scholarships have increased by over 455%, allowing First Stage Theater academy to award scholarships to anyone in need, never having to turn away a student because of an inability to pay. Currently, over 20% of academy students receive scholarships. a total of 3,796 Theater academy scholarships have been awarded through the Family Partnership Program.
Unknown
African American
Asian
Caucasian
Hispanic
Mixed
Native American (0%)
FAMILY PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM ETHNICITY
48%
9%13%
20%
2%
8%
0
500
1000
1500
2000
2500
3000
FY04-05 FY05-06 FY06-07 FY07-08 FY08-09 FY09-10 FY10-11 FY11-12
ACADEMY TOTAL ENROLLMENT
photo by lindsey abendschein
OutcOmes
A 2009 study by reinders research
revealed that the Academy brings the
most significant gains to students at the
lowest end of the emotional intelligence
(eQ) spectrum, a group strongly
represented by students of color receiving
financial assistance. This reinforces First
Stage’s belief that the Theater Academy
program has the most positive impact on
underserved at-risk youth.
“By working in collaboration with families, schools, professional colleagues and other organizations, we effectively and efficiently meet the needs of our stakeholders.”– Carol A. Gehl, president First Stage Board of Directors
Fi
rs
t
st
ag
e
Ce
le
br
at
in
g
25
Y
ea
rs
21
connections: An in-school arts-integrated programThe Connections program provides curricular and theatrical experiences to City of milwaukee classrooms, with the goal of supporting students and teachers at City of milwaukee schools who, as a result of urban school budget cuts, have minimal access to arts education. Since 2004, the Connections program has touched the lives of over 14,000 students developing creative thinking, logical reasoning, public speaking, and emotional Intelligence (eQ).
0
20
40
60
80
100 Minority Students
Free/Reduced Lunch
Special Needs
CONNECTIONS PARTICPANTS
85%77%
18%
CONNECTIONS PROGRAM
0
500
1000
1500
2000
2500
3000
3500
4000
4500
5000
FY05 FY06 FY07 FY08 FY09 FY10 FY11 FY12
“We are good stewards of our talents, time and resources.” – Excerpt from First Stage Value Statement
photo by maureen hartjes
OutcOmes
A2004studybyGrowthDesign
– surveying both program and non-
program participants – affirmed that
the Connections Program was a valuable
education tool. “Participants related
a clearer understanding of the values
presented within the plays; demonstrated
a higher level of understanding of and
empathy for the characters depicted in the
play and their purpose in the story; correctly
identified answers to production-specific
academic questions twice as often.”
“By nurturing a positive, collaborative and welcoming environment, we enhance the human development and artistic excellence of our staff, our students, their families, our volunteers and ultimately our community.”– Jeff Frank, First Stage artistic director
Fi
rs
t
st
ag
e
Ce
le
br
at
in
g
25
Y
ea
rs
23
Literacy residency programsFirst Stage’s literacy residency programs also serve as part of the Community Partnership Program to develop critical english literacy skills and improve state standardized test scores in low-income City of milwaukee schools.
The literacy residency programs have seen exponential growth in the last five years, having increased the number of students reached by over 500% from its initial year.
African American
Hispanic
Asian
Caucasion
90%
8%1%1%
FIRST STAGE LITERACY AND EARLY LITERACY RESIDENCY ETHNICITY
photo by elizabeth Krumnow
“I believe that the First Stage Literacy Program lessons made a substantial impact on the forward progress of our 4th-grade reading scores. This is the first year that MCP has tied the state in the language scores”–Ms. Kari Whalen, elementary director at Milwaukee College Prep, 2011
OutcOmes
A 2007 reinders research study revealed
that the literacy residency is successful
in creating and reinforcing a classroom
community. While teaching valuable skills
in reading, comprehension, public speaking
and technical aspects of language arts, the
program appeals to and unites traditional
academic learners and active learners who
are many times excluded from participation.
This evaluation also revealed that urban
schools participating in the program made
the greatest gains compared to their own
urban peers.
Fi
rs
t
st
ag
e
Ce
le
br
at
in
g
25
Y
ea
rs
25
MilwAukee youth Arts center In 2003, First Stage and the milwaukee Youth Symphony orchestra (mYSo), collaborated in creating the milwaukee Youth arts Center. after a highly successful $12 million capital campaign, led by co-chairs harry Stratton and kristin Severson, the Youth arts Center opened in January 2005. The Youth arts Center is a state-of-the-art rehearsal and arts education facility.
The Youth arts Center is now nationally recognized, serves as a vital resource for the community, and is Wisconsin’s only facility dedicated to performing arts education for youth.
MissionThe mission of the milwaukee Youth arts Center is to provide the finest collaborative environment for:
•Supportingperformingartstrainingandeducation for a diverse population of youth
•Nurturingyouthfromdiverseethnic,culturaland socioeconomic backgrounds; instilling valuable life-skills; and inspiring a life-long appreciation for the performing arts
•Servingasaresourcefortheentireartsand education community
visionBuilding a vibrant future for our youth and community through education and involvement in the performing arts by establishing an environment in which young people and adults can be inspired by each other’s work and creativity.
“The Milwaukee Youth Arts Center has become a fundamental anchor to our business improvement
district, and partner that we cannot thrive without…More important than the facility, the staff and families that are a part of MYAC’s
programming have become an integral part of how we operate as a neighborhood.”
– Teig-Whaley Smith, Executive Director, Historic King Drive Business Improvement District
FOuNDiNg PArtNers
PrOgrAm PArtNers
Fi
rs
t
st
ag
e
Ce
le
br
at
in
g
25
Y
ea
rs
27
the future of first stAgeIn 2010, First Stage embarked upon a strategic planning process defining five overarching goals and initiatives to set the stage for success as we head into the next 25 years. The creation of these goals and initiatives marks the beginning of First Stage’s next phase, preparing the organization to impact even more lives as it continues to tackle some of the toughest education and social challenges facing our city:
• EmbraceourRoleasEducator– Deepen our Impact
•CommunicateourImpact– Transforming lives Through Theater
• ReachingNewArtisticHeights– expand Profound Performance experiences
• SecuringFinancialStability– Increase Capacity to ensure accessibility
• StrengtheningtheOrganization’sGovernance– Become Stronger and more Vital to the Community
OnJune9,2012,FirstStagewillkick-offitsFUTURECampaign,attheheartofwhichisourcommitment to providing accessibility. It is critical that underserved, at-risk young people in our community have the opportunity to engage in the life-transforming experiences First Stage provides. By positively impacting the lives of these young people, First Stage transforms milwaukee.
TheinitiativesoftheFUTURECampaigninclude:
• EducationResourceCenter– Professional Development; literacy Program Development; Increased Young Performer Internship Program
•NewCommunityInitiatives– new Charter School model; Special needs Programming; Collaboration with the latino Community
• TheaterinEducationImpact–ScholarshipFundforUrbanSchools;CapacityBuilding;new Curriculum Development
• TheaterAcademyExpansion–ScholarshipFundforAtRisk,UnderservedYouth;expand Sites in Waukesha, racine, kenosha, Grafton
•NewPlayDevelopment– Create national model of Play Development; establish national Conference in milwaukee
painting by Shelby Keefe
Fi
rs
t
st
ag
e
Ce
le
br
at
in
g
25
Y
ea
rs
29
As First Stage celebrates this milestone anniversary, we are thankful for our family of donors who have made the last 25 years possible. Because of the generosity of thousands of individuals, corporations, foundations and employee matching gift programs, First Stage is able to stir creativity, build strong character, and inspire our community’s young people. We are extraordinarily grateful for your generous investment in our mission to transform lives through theater.
thAnk you to our donors….
photo by Jessica Kaminski
The future is theirs!
photo by STm Creative
Inside Back Cover
325 W. Walnut st.Milwaukee, Wi 53212
tel: 414.267.2929 | Fax: 414.267.2930 | WWW.Firststage.org