Back in the mid-1990s when the children's theatre was brand new, it faced a big challenge: it takes money to stage shows, and the group didn't have enough for its next production.
The solution was to stage a show that had minimal expenses, so it would serve as a fundraiser for the next show.
The shows were talent shows, allowing young performers to demonstrate their talents - they could sing, dance, or juggle (to name just a few of their talents).
The shows were a lot of fun, and First Stage presented them in 1995, 1998, 2000 and 2003. By that point, the group was on sound financial footing, so it turned its focus to producing shows.
But six years ago, First Stage made a big investment in its future - the group bought a small warehouse near downtown Huntington. It serves as storage space for the group's sets, costumes and props - and provides work space to build sets.
As soon as the building is paid for, First Stage plans to modify it into a small theatre space. To speed up the process, two special concerts were staged in 2012 and 2013 focusing on the group's alumni - performers who are now grown up, many of them working as professional entertainers around the country.
The shows have been a great success, and the group is 2/3 of the way to paying off the building.
For the third benefit concert, they're changing things up by combining the alumni concerts with the classic Showcase model - so the show will feature returning alumni and today's young performers!
And that's just the beginning! We'll talk about some of the performers included in the show - and some of the other special events included - in our next installment tomorrow!
Showcase 2017 will be presented on Saturday, May 13 at 7:30 p.m. (one performance only) at the Huntington High School auditorium at One Highlander Way.
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