Connecting with UPAF Connect

The performing arts have an incredible power to connect—with one another and to ourselves, our identities, heritage, and creativity. As outlined in a recent Wallace Foundation study, the connection fostered by theater engagement and other forms of culture contribute to greater wellbeing on the individual and collective levels. Recognizing this, the United Performing Arts Fund (UPAF) launched UPAF Connect in 2016 in order to unite families and communities through the magic of the performing arts.

Through UPAF Connect, presented by Northwestern Mutual, UPAF works with local nonprofits to connect exceptional performing arts experiences with those who may not otherwise have access to these cultural assets. First Stage is honored to be among the performing arts organizations who participate in UPAF Connect.

 

After being deprived of connection for the past two years due to the pandemic, our community needs theater now more than ever before. This season, First Stage has served more than 1,000 young people and families with theater productions and related theater workshops. Participants came from the following non-profit organizations and more:

·         Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro Milwaukee

·         Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee

·         COA Youth & Family Centers

·         Havenwoods Economic Development Corporation

·         Neighborhood House of Milwaukee

·         PEARLS for Teen Girls, Inc.

·         Sojourner Family Peace Center

·         United Community Center

·         Variety

“PEARLS is excited about the continued blossoming of an official partnership with First Stage. During the 2021-22 season, we had the opportunity to expose our girls & families to the world of theater. A vital part of our work at PEARLS is to create opportunities for girls to immerse into different career fields and even just seeing a theatrical production, representing such diversity, has opened their minds to the possibilities of what their own success can look like. There’s been great feedback from girls interested in learning about what goes into a production, and we look forward to deepening that education with formalized workshops this fall!”

– Malayia Roper, PEARLS for Teen Girls, Inc. Partnership Manager

 

Big Brothers Big Sisters Matches participate in workshop activities prior to attending First Stage's theater production of THE LEGEND OF ROCK, PAPER, SCISSORS.

“Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro Milwaukee is grateful for our partnership and relationship with the First Stage and the United Performing Arts Center (UPAF). Because of this collaboration, we’re able to have our youth and volunteer mentors attend workshops and performances. The opportunity to explore the arts, build relationships with others, and explore positive activities in the community supports and aligns with our mission. Visit bbbsmilwaukee.org/volunteer to learn more.” 

– Kathy Miller Vice President of Community Engagement

 

Families at the COA HIPPY Graduation interact with First Stage's Touring Show of FROG AND TOAD.

“Thank you so much for bringing FROG AND TOAD to our HIPPY Graduation! The performance was exciting and interactive, and had all kids and their parents playing, laughing, and acting along. It was a great way to make families—particularly children—feel welcomed and included at our event. We can’t wait to work with First Stage again soon!”

 – Morgan Oldenburg, HIPPY Program Manager at COA Youth & Family Centers