What GEMS: The Buskirk Family

The Buskirk Family—Robert Buskirk, Lorraine Pagel and Julia—have been a part of the First Stage family for the past fifteen years. Because of the positive and transformational experience their daughter Julia had at First Stage, their family has generously supported First Stage throughout the years.

The Buskirk Family

Their monthly GEMS (Giving Every Month Society) gifts allow our community’s young people to experience the Theater Academy just as their daughter did, and having donated to First Stage for five plus consecutive years, the Buskirks are also Loyalty Society members. First Stage took a moment to learn more about their family’s experiences and the reasons why they give.

How did you learn about First Stage?

About 15 years ago, a good friend recommended the First Stage classes. Her son who was struggling in school had found at First Stage a place of acceptance and belonging. He asked his mom “why can’t all kids be like First Stage kids?”

We were intrigued and enrolled our 5-year-old daughter Julia in a one-week summer Theater Academy session. Over the next 10 years, Julia took summer Academy classes, an improvisation class on Saturdays, an internship and was in a First Stage theater production. It was fun, and at times, a lot of work but it was immensely worthwhile.

How did First Stage’s training impact your daughter?

Life skills through stage skills is the true accomplishment of First Stage training. From her First Stage experiences, our daughter Julia has gained poise and confidence—which is priceless.

Julia is currently a sophomore at University of Wisconsin—Madison studying History and Environmental Science. When I asked her how her First Stage experiences have affected her, she says they have affected her in many ways. Whether leading a book discussion in her Ecology class, presenting a summer science project at Trout Lake Station in northern Wisconsin, or approaching a busy professor at school, she has developed skills to be confident in group settings and comfortable in public discussions, as well as a team player.

Julia (bottom row, right) in Organized Chaos

First Stage isn’t about being a star or landing a coveted part, it’s about participation and working with others. As Julia shared, her Improv class, Organized Chaos, was about bringing out the best in others so the whole group could shine. Now, that’s true teamwork! 

What inspires you to support First Stage?

First Stage was an incredibly positive experience for our family. Because of the positive and transformational experience our daughter had at First Stage, our family is committed to supporting First Stage financially.

Our monthly commitment is a gift that allows children throughout our community to experience what Julia did, to thrive in a place of acceptance and belonging, and to learn priceless life skills through stage skills.

We are proud to support First Stage!