Worth More Than A Thousand Words: Indigo's Story

By Susan Wiedmeyer

Top among First Stage’s core values is our commitment to our community, and our deep respect for and value of all people—especially the young. We strive to embody the fearlessness, risk-taking, imagination and honesty of the young people we are privileged to work with every day. They are our future and we know that they have the power to change our community for the better.

To that end, we involve youth in our program development and strategic planning so that their vision and needs are at the forefront of our operations. One of the ways we hear from our community’s young people is through our Student Advisory Board (SAB). Open to 5th-12th grade students, our SAB currently has 35 members, all of whom both volunteer for and advise First Stage staff on how to make First Stage the greatest place on earth. SAB members bring a student perspective to Theater Academy programming and policies; organize social events; serve as a First Stage Newscaster on happenings across the company for our website, blog and YouTube channel; help volunteer in the Academy Office; usher for Academy productions; and attend First Stage events to advocate for First Stage.

Indigo, First Stage Student Advisory Board Member

Indigo Dawn Lubotsky, a sophomore at Pius XI Catholic High School, joined SAB this year. Taking a moment from her social science and government studies, Indigo caught up with us to share her First Stage journey—one that she's been on since she was four years old.

What is your favorite thing about being involved with SAB?

Indigo: I love getting to know fellow Academy students on a deeper and more personal level through SAB. Also, learning about First Stage as a whole and getting a behind the scenes look is awesome!

You’ve been in Theater Academy classes for 11 years. What would you say was the biggest change you have experienced since starting classes with First Stage?

Indigo: In SAB, we were challenged to come up with a unique way to share our personal First Stage story. I looked back at old photos of myself taken in the Academy and drew this picture to showcase my growth in age… and confidence.

Indigo's Artwork - her journey through First Stage Academy

I also grew more open-minded throughout my time in Academy. I learned to let go of holding back and to just go for it—especially in my Improv classes. It was hard to get up there at first and put it all on the line, but I learned to fail boldly and take risks. I just went for it and now I trust that it’s just going to be fun. I’ve definitely found comfort outside of my comfort zone. 

One last question—what do you want to be when you grow up?

Indigo: I want to be a Waldorf kindergarten teacher. I love working with little kids. In fact, I currently teach children ages 1 ½ - 7 years old how to ice skate.

Indigo is a dynamic, well-spoken and multi-talented young lady who we're so proud to have at First Stage. Following our interview, Indigo gave us a beautifully handmade knit hat as a donation for our silent auction at the upcoming Make Believe Ball. Generous in spirit and talents, she has a great deal to offer the world and we look forward to seeing where her future leads. 

For more information about our Student Advisory Board, contact Katie Cummings at (414) 267-2975 or kcummings@firststage.org.