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Jeff Frank

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As the Artistic Director of First Stage, the third largest professional Theater for Young Audiences in the nation, Jeff is recognized as one of the top directors in the field with an expertise in developing new work for Theater for Young Audiences. First Stage serves young people and families of southeastern Wisconsin through dynamic in school educational programming and their nationally recognized Theater Academy and Young Company training programs. During Jeff’s tenure First Stage has developed numerous new plays including TYA adaptations of THE WIZ, PETER PAN AND WENDY, and in collaboration with Michael Bobbitt and Adventure Theatre MTC - BIG, THE MUSICAL and ELLA ENCHANTED. In addition to presiding over the development of adaptations of THE THIEF LORD, GOSSAMER, GATHERING BLUE, TOM SAWYER, ON THE WINGS OF A MARIPOSA, and THE LEGEND OF ROCK, PAPER, SCISSORS – Jeff has strengthened First Stage’s commitment to new, original plays including A MIDNIGHT CRY, DON’T TELL ME I CAN’T FLY, LUCHADORA, TO THE PROMISED LAND, THE SNOW, and ANTARCTICA, WI. Harry Cherkinian (Chicago Theater Beat/Shepherd Express) proclaimed; “Director Jeff Frank … continues to take Milwaukee’s children’s theater company to new levels ….”

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First Stage's ESCAPE FROM PELIGRO ISLAND: A Create Your Own Adventure Play Opens In May


First Stage concludes its 2023/24 season with ESCAPE FROM PELIGRO ISLAND: A Create Your Own Adventure Play by award-winning playwright and frequent First Stage collaborator Finegan Kruckemeyer.

Milwaukee's First Stage to Open ESCAPE FROM PELIGRO ISLAND: A Create Your Own Adventure Play


First Stage will conclude its 2023/24 season with ESCAPE FROM PELIGRO ISLAND, a unique interactive play by award-winning playwright Finegan Kruckemeyer. Learn how to purchase tickets.

Amplify Reading Of EMILY SONG AND THE QUEEN OF THE NIGHT Announced At First Stage


Experience the Amplify Reading of EMILY SONG AND THE QUEEN OF THE NIGHT at First Stage on April 24, 2024.

First Stage to Present Reading of EMILY SONG AND THE QUEEN OF THE NIGHT


Concluding its 2023/24 Amplify Reading Series, First Stage will present a play reading of EMILY SONG AND THE QUEEN OF THE NIGHT by Marcus Yi. Learn how to purchase tickets.

First Stage's Young Company to Present AN ENEMY OF THE PEOPLE


First Stage's Young Company, the Theater Academy's award-winning training program for advanced high school actors, will present its final production of the 2023/24 season, AN ENEMY OF THE PEOPLE. Learn how to purchase tickets.

First Stage Will Host MAKE BELIEVE BALL Next Month


First Stage, one of the nation’s leading theaters for young people and families, will host its 31st annual Make Believe Ball on Saturday, May 10, 2025 at Baird Center.

Stages Theatre Announces 2024-2025 Season


Stages Theatre Company (STC) has announced their 2024-2025 season. It is 'A Mystical Season of Adventure' featuring a diverse blend of plays and musicals.

Celebrate Spring With First Stage's Production Of DIARY OF A WIMPY KID: THE MUSICAL


Celebrate the arrival of spring with First Stage's entertaining production of DIARY OF A WIMPY KID: THE MUSICAL. A fun-filled show perfect for the entire family.

First Stage to Present DIARY OF A WIMPY KID: THE MUSICAL This Spring


First Stage will present DIARY OF A WIMPY KID: THE MUSICAL as the final production in their 2023/24 mainstage season. Learn more about the show and see how to purchase tickets.

Review: THE LIGHTNING THIEF: THE PERCY JACKSON MUSICAL Brings Best-Selling Book to Life at FIRST STAGE


It’s a big story to tell in a brief amount of time, but the heroic cast and crew at First Stage complete their quest for Percy Jackson success.

ELEPHANT & PIGGIE'S WE ARE IN A PLAY! Returns To First Stage This Month


First Stage has announced the return of ELEPHANT & PIGGIE'S “WE ARE IN PLAY!”, a rollicking musical adventure written by Mo Willems (Book and Lyrics) and based on his award-winning Elephant & Piggie children's books. Learn more about the production here!

ELEPHANT & PIGGIE'S 'WE ARE IN A PLAY!' Returns To First Stage


First Stage announces the return of ELEPHANT & PIGGIE'S 'WE ARE IN A PLAY!', a musical adventure based on Mo Willems' beloved children's books.

Photos: First Look at THE LIGHTNING THIEF: THE PERCY JACKSON MUSICAL at First Stage


Check out production photos for THE LIGHTNING THIEF: The Percy Jackson Musical running through March 10, 2024 at the Marcus Center’s Todd Wehr Theater here!

First Stage to Present THE LIGHTNING THIEF: The Percy Jackson Musical This February


Get ready for a thrilling theatrical ride when First Stage opens THE LIGHTNING THIEF: The Percy Jackson Musical on February 3, 2024 at the Marcus Center’s Todd Wehr Theater.

Last Chance to Vote for the BWW Milwaukee, WI Awards; Voting Ends 12/31


It's the final week left to vote for the 2023 BroadwayWorld Milwaukee, WI Awards! Voting ends on 12/31 at midnight. Don't miss out on making sure that your favorite theatres, stars, and shows get the recognition they deserve!

2 Weeks to Vote for the BWW Milwaukee, WI Awards; BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG, Lake Country Playhouse & More Lead!


There's just two weeks left to vote and we have the latest standings as of Monday, December 18th for the 2023 BroadwayWorld Milwaukee, WI Awards! Don't miss out on making sure that your favorite theatres, stars, and shows get the recognition they deserve!

BroadwayWorld Milwaukee, WI Awards; BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG, Lake Country Playhouse & More Lead!


It's the final 3 weeks and we have the latest standings as of Monday, December 11th for the 2023 BroadwayWorld Milwaukee, WI Awards! Don't miss out on making sure that your favorite theatres, stars, and shows get the recognition they deserve!

2023/24 Amplify Reading Series At Milwaukee's First Stage to Continue With ESPERANZA RISING


First Stage's 2023/24 Amplify Reading Series continues with a play reading of ESPERANZA RISING, adapted by Alvaro Saar Rios. Pay What You Choose event.

BroadwayWorld Milwaukee, WI Awards December 5th Standings; BEAUTY AND THE BEAST Leads Best Musical!


It's December, and the first standings of the month have been announced as of Tuesday, December 5th for the 2023 BroadwayWorld Milwaukee, WI Awards! Don't miss out on making sure that your favorite theatres, stars, and shows get the recognition they deserve!

Latest Standings Announced For The 2023 BroadwayWorld Milwaukee, WI Awards; THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG Leads Best Play!


Happy Holidays! The latest wave of standings have been announced as of Monday, November 27th for the 2023 BroadwayWorld Milwaukee, WI Awards! Don't miss out on making sure that your favorite theatres, stars, and shows get the recognition they deserve!

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