Professional children's theater featuring live productions and theater Academy classes. Since 1987, First Stage has grown to become one of the nation’s most acclaimed children’s theaters and the second largest theater company in Milwaukee. First Stage touches hearts and transforms lives through professional theater productions that engage, enlighten and entertain. Its Theater Academy, teaching life skills through stage skills, is the largest theater training program of its kind in the nation. As Wisconsin’s leader in arts-in-education programming, First Stage’s dynamic Theater in Education programs promote active learning in our schools and our community, serving over 20,000 children each year. Offering Fall, Winter, Spring, and Spring Break classes on Acting, Musical Theater, Improvisation, and more for students in grades K3 - 12.