The First Stage Theatre Company got its start 19 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 past 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, including the upcoming Into the Woods (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, High School Musical and Cats, in addition to smaller shows like Alexander, Who's Not Not Not Not Not Not Going to Move, Winnie the Pooh, A Christmas Story, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, The Three Musketeers, Charlotte's Web and Babes in Toyland (to name just a few).
First Stage also offers up two scholarships - one named in honor of Jim Stone, a local actor who was a great supporter of the arts and a mentor to many young actors, and the other in honor of Leslie McElroy, a board member, producer and actor who is missed by all.
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. It's also a great place to see the stars of tomorrow.
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.
2 comments:
Interesting history lessons, Chuckster.
Anyone that reads this and hasn't gone to see one of the major First Stage productions should be encouraged to go. The shows are terrific, and you'll forget you are watching middle and high school actors. I remember a member of the media telling me that First Stage's production of "Cats" was the best one he had seen, ever, and he had seen it a half a dozen times, including national touring companies. High praise, indeed.
You have to give a lot of credit for the mission of First Stage to those early adults who guided it into being a first-rate production company (way to go George S.!). Not to be too critical, but other local children's theatre companies have a very long way to go to match what First Stage does on a regular basis. Looking forward to "Into the Woods"!
Thanks, Markster! ;-)
I agree with you about the high quality of First Stage's production, though I admit to being prejudiced.
I'm really looking forward to "Into the Woods," too - I listened in the other evening and the cast sounds amazing! They have an All-Star groups lined up, and the show is going to be terrific.
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