First Stage announces all-streaming new season
First Stage will not perform for live audiences in 2020-’21. Instead, the family-oriented company will switch to a streaming season of shows, it announced in an email to ticketholders and friends.
“Nothing is more important than the health and safety of our community’s young people and their families, and our staff and artists,” First Stage wrote in the email, explaining its decision, which was reached after consulting with venues and unions and studying CDC guidelines about responding to the coronavirus pandemic.
In a normal season, First Stage performs daytime shows for school groups and on the weekends for families.
First Stage plans to announce details of its Family All-Access Pass by Sept. 1, which would give holders access to all virtual shows and discounts on future Theater Academy classes.
In conjunction with the announcement, First Stage revealed this season of virtual performances:
“The Quest for Solomon’s Treasure,” streaming Sept. 20-Nov. 1, developed by John Maclay and Jeremy
Tardy. A seven-episode web series in which six Milwaukee young people work together to solve clues. For ages 8 and older.
“The Girl Who Swallowed a Cactus (In Your Home),” streaming Nov. 2-22, by Eric Coble. Starring a talking coyote. Directed by First Stage artistic director Jeff Frank, featuring FS alumna Karen Estrada. For ages 7 to 15 and older.
“She Kills Monster: Virtual Realms,” streaming Nov. 13-22, by Qui Ngyuen. A high-energy comedy drawing on fantasy role-playing games. Presented by First Stage Theater Academy’s Advanced Acting students. For ages 14-18 and older. Note: Some mature language and mild adult themes.
“The Two Gentlemen of Verona,” streaming Dec. 4-13, by William Shakespeare. Marcella Kearns directs First Stage’s Young Company in this Shakespeare comedy. For ages 13 and older.
“Escape From Peligro Island — A Create Your Own Adventure play,” streaming Jan. 22-Feb. 14, 2021, by Finegan Kruckemeyer. In this interactive production, audience members will vote on what happens next for a stranded young hero. For ages 6 and older.
First Stage notes that it may add more productions to its virtual season.
The company plans to contact subscribers and past ticketholders. In the meantime, people can email questions to