First Stage announces Amplify: BIPOC Virtual Short Play Series in Spring 2021

First Stage, one of the nation’s leading theaters for young people and families, is proud to announce the creation of Amplify – First Stage’s BIPOC Virtual Short Play Series, to be developed and produced throughout Spring 2021. In this new series, three short plays will be created by Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) playwrights that center on the young person’s point or view, amplifying the voices of these artists and young people throughout the Milwaukee community.

The organization has had a long history of age-appropriate casting and of centering its work on the young person’s point of view. Understanding the power of connection that young people feel when they see themselves and their stories on stage, First Stage is excited to begin this series featuring newly commissioned work from BIPOC playwrights and directors.

Artistic Director Jeff Frank shared: “I’m excited to hear new stories from new voices. It’s nice to reach out to artists and ask them – what is the story you would like to tell in this moment? – and then offer them a platform to develop and share their stories. This is an opportunity to expand our artistic horizons and expand our audiences’ perspective.”

Each play will be available on the First Stage YouTube channel. Audience members are asked to register to receive the link to each play prior to its premiere. While making a donation is not required for streaming access, all gifts received will help to support the artists involved in the Amplify series and First Stage’s commitment to building an inclusive community. To learn more and to register, please go to:

https://www.firststage.org/amplify

The schedule for Amplify – First Stage’s BIPOC Virtual Short Play Series is:

COPPER HORNS IN WATER 
By Ty Defoe 
Directed by Johamy Morales 
Recommended for families with young people ages 8+
Streaming April 16 – May 16, 2021

UNMUTED 
By Alvaro Saar Rios 
Music and Lyrics by Deborah Wicks La Puma 
Directed by Anna Skidis Vargas 
Recommended for families with young people ages 10+
Streaming April 30 – May 30, 2021

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About First Stage

First Stage is one of the nation’s leading theaters for young people and families. First Stage touches hearts, engages minds and transforms lives by creating extraordinary theater experiences through professional theater productions that inspire, enlighten and entertain. Its Theater Academy, the nation’s largest high-impact theater training program for young people, fosters life skills through stage skills and serves nearly 2,000 students each year. As Wisconsin’s leader in arts-integrated education in schools, First Stage’s dynamic Theater in Education programs promote literacy, character building and experiential learning throughout the curriculum, serving over 20,000 students each year. First Stage was selected to participate in the Partners in Education program of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts (2012), and was the recipient of the Milwaukee Business Journal’s Eureka Award, recognizing creativity and innovation in business, education and the arts for its Next Steps program for students on the autism spectrum (2013, 2015). First Stage is a member of TYA/USA, the American Alliance for Theatre and Education, the Wisconsin Alliance for Arts Education, Milwaukee Arts Partners and is a cornerstone member of the United Performing Arts Fund (UPAF). www.firststage.org.