The First Stage Theatre Company got its start 16 years (and one name change) ago. After auditions in 1990 for shows like “Annie” and “Hansel and Gretel” brought in - literally - hundreds of kids, it was obvious that there was a need for an outlet for these young thespians.
As with many local theatre groups, its beginning are tied to the Musical Arts Guild (MAG). George Snider and Jennifer Salcines approached the board of MAG and asked the group to sponsor the children’s theatre, and that’s how the Musical Arts Guild – Children’s Theatre (MAG-CT) began. The group’s first production was “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown” on Sept. 14, 1990.
There are, basically, two kinds of children’s theatres. One features adults putting on shows for young people (with the cast perhaps including a few young actors), and the other stars young actors in the leads (with the cast sometimes including a few adults). MAG-CT would be the latter, and over the years it has allowed young people the chance to star in all kinds of shows, both musical and non-musical.
Like any youth organization, the group has an ever-changing board, as young actors and their parents get involved, graduate and move on to other interests. There are only two board members still involved with the group who were there at the beginning - the group’s chairman, C.E. Wilson, who was the first liaison between MAG and MAG-CT (he’s a darn good actor, too), and Mary Smirl, who has directed and choreographed quite a few shows (and she’s also a darn good actor).
By 2001 it was obvious that MAG-CT was able to stand on its own two feet, so in an amicable split the two groups separated, and the children’s theatre adopted a new name (one suggested by board member Clint McElroy): the First Stage Theatre Company.
Like its parent group, First Stage is a theatre group without a home - so it roams from theater to theater, depending on which one is available and which one fits the needs of the production. Every year the group produces either two or three shows, each one featuring young actors from across the Tri-State area. The purpose of the group is to provide young people with a positive experience either on the stage or working behind the scenes.
If anyone out there is avoiding their shows because it’s a “children’s theatre,” you’re missing out on some great young talent - many of whom you’ll see on stage in other local theatre productions.
In the last four years the group has staged major shows like “Bye, Bye Birdie,” “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat,” “Seussical: the Musical,” “Honk,” “Les Miserables: The School Edition” and the upcoming “Cats,” in addition to smaller shows like “Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day,” “Winnie the Pooh,” “A Christmas Story,” “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever,” “The Three Musketeers” and the upcoming “Babes in Toyland.”
First Stage also offers up a scholarship program named in honor of Jim Stone, a local actor who was a great supporter of the arts and a mentor to many young actors.
First Stage has established itself as a great place for young people to get their start in theatre. There they gain the skills and confidence that will serve them well throughout their life.
Next: Started just a few years after the Children’s Theatre, this group rules the month of July - which must be why it’s called HOT.
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