This summer, First Stage Theater Academy will be welcoming local families on CUW campus to explore the wonderful world of theater.
CUW is excited to partner with First Stage Theater Academy as a satellite location for First Stage’s youth theater programming this summer (July 21-Aug. 1). As a premier theater training program for young people, First Stage introduces students (grades K4-12) to skill building experiences in musical theater, scene study, Shakespeare, improvisation, and more.
Lori Woodall, director of CUW’s theatre department and professor, believes this partnership is “very advantageous” for the university, its students, and the local community.
“The Academy’s presence is a great way to continue to establish CUW as a performing arts center in the North Shore/Ozaukee area,” says Woodall. “We have current students who have served as understudies in First Stage productions, and we have alumni who have joined their staff as teachers, directors, and administrators.
Bringing theater skills to the CUW community and beyond
As one of three locations offering the First Stage Summer Academy 2025 program, CUW can expect highly skilled teaching artists to be on-site for one- and two-week sessions instructing students in grades 3-12. For the fall semester, theater classes will be offered for students in grades K4-4 on Saturdays only.
First Stage’s Academy Director J.T. Backes loves the new partnership, and is delighted to be able to provide another location for families that reside farther from the Milwaukee area. From his experience, not everyone is willing to drive downtown for classes, which is why other locations exist.
“We’re kind of testing the waters,” says Backes, who hopes to continue providing programs year-round at Concordia. Summer is filling up rather quickly, he notes, as there is a growing demand for these programs in the North Shore area.
He hopes to see continued growth and anticipates providing families with even more options in the near future. A goal of First Stage is to make sure that the people really needing the help and benefits from theater work are receiving it. Scholarships and Pay What You Choose performances are available for anyone in need of financial assistance.
Jill Koepke, CUW’s coordinator of events & facility rentals says, “We are happy to welcome younger students to campus who aim to develop their theater skills,” She began working with First Stage at the beginning of 2025 and feels that the partnership exemplifies CUW’s and First Stage’s passion for the fine arts.
In addition to developing theater skills, students will learn crucial soft skills—like confidence, focus, and teamwork—which are honed in over a one- to four-week session. Depending on the student’s age, experience level, and length of their theater session, the acting curriculum will vary in intensity.
“It’s a theater camp, but at the end of the day, not everyone’s going to be doing theater … or want to do theater,” he explains. “But at the end of the day, we can make some exceptional leaders that are going to be those that are going to run the world when we’re gone.”
As a Lutheran university, CUW students are encouraged to become Christ-centered and mission-minded leaders as they go forth into the world to answer God’s calling. For some, that is art.
Internship/Career possibilities
Backes feels it would be “awesome” to have CUW students as prospective teaching artists for First Stage, or just interested in learning more about what they do. Woodall agrees and says, “We have been in discussions to create valuable internships for our CUW theatre students to give them practical experience in the field.” To learn more about First Stage careers and internships, click here.
“Kindergarteners become 8-year-olds, which become 18-year-olds—to see that growth and the people they become through the power of the arts—it’s really just moving,”
– J.T. Backes
More information
- Summer Academy at CUW is officially sold out for the 5- to 12-grade students. However, there is plenty of availability for 3- to 4-grade students. Classes for summer will take place in Chemnitz Hall for two weeks in July, as well as each semester during the academic year.
- Fall semester classes will be held on campus on specific Saturdays (Oct. 4-Nov. 8), room location TBD, and registration is available on First Stage’s website.
- Prospective theater students should be registered for the grade they will be entering in the 2025-2026 school year.
- To contact the Theater Academy: call 414-267-2970 or email academy@firststage.org.
Want in?
Concordia University Wisconsin is a Lutheran higher education community committed to helping students develop in mind, body, and spirit for service to Christ in the Church and the world. CUW offers many events for students and faculty, as well as provides space for outside organizations to host classes, workshops, seminars, and more. Contact Jill Koepke (Jill.Koepke@cuw.edu), coordinator of events and facility rentals, to find out more.