Illuminating ImpACT Event

On September 30, 2021, First Stage welcomed 35 community leaders, First Stage advocates and other guests back into the newly renovated Milwaukee Youth Arts Center for our 9^th annual ImpACT Event. This event cultivated old and new friends all while raising $1,500 in critical funds to support First Stage’s mission of transforming lives through theater.

 

Attendees heard updates from First Stage’s leadership and program staff, and enjoyed an inspiring keynote address from Christopher Gilbert, and a performance by our young performers.

 

Artistic Director, Jeff Frank shared a recap of our unique 2020/2021 season and brought the lights up on the incredible work that continues at First Stage. Frank revealed our 2021/2022 season of plays as well as shared more about our Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Justice (EDIJ) journey.

 

Led by our incredible EDIJ Committee, First Stage is reflecting and fostering the creation of a plan that addresses the question: What kind of future do we want to co-author with our community and our young people?

 

“To be a part of the journey to our brighter tomorrow, to help us set aside our ghost light and flood future stages and programming with a new light. Be sure to look for video updates and opportunities to join us in discussion. To serve young people and their families, First Stage pledges to listen more deeply than ever—and involve our community in the process of building—because you must truly be the co-authors of our future.” – Jeff Frank

 

Since our ImpACT Event, First Stage has released the first of our EDIJ journey video updates. You can view them here.

 

ImpACT Event attendees were treated to special guest and Keynote Speaker, Christopher Gilbert. First Stage Academy Teacher and Director of the Amplify Series piece entitled STEP KIDS, Gilbert is from the north side of Milwaukee and began teaching his own dance classes by age 14. His first introduction to the industry was acting and dancing with the Nickelodeon show Yo Gabba Gabba. Later, he transitioned back to Milwaukee so he could invest back into the community. Since then, he has choreographed for Black Arts MKE, First Stage, and Wisconsin Lottery. He has also coached the Grand Dancers for the Milwaukee Bucks and collaborated with the Milwaukee Brewers. For the past four years, he has been directing his own motivational dance show called ELEVATION at Dominican High School.

 

“I’m big on purpose, and I’m really big on individuality. My biggest mission is for [people] to see and realize what their difference is. We don’t have to have limitations. We are supposed to be different. I strive to provide good energy and a space for other people just to feel something, to believe more in themselves and walk out as better people than they did when they walked in the first place.” – Christopher Gilbert

 

With authentic joy, Gilbert inspired guests with an uplifting message promoting positivity and individuality. The good vibes continued as he got the crowd up on their feet and moving to Earth, Wind & Fire’s “Shining Star.”

Another highlight of the ImpACT Event was a sneak peek performance of "The History of Stepping" from STEP KIDS performed by young performers Tateiona Watson and Gavin Miller with Director of Artistic Operations, Jeff Schaetzke. Written by Tyrone L. Robinson and Postell Pringle, and directed by Christopher Gilbert, STEP KIDS is a new one-act musical that was featured in AMPLIFY—First Stage’s BIPOC Short Play Series. (If you were unable to attend one of the performances of STEP KIDS, it is still available on YouTube until December 5, 2021.)

“I think people should know how special First Stage is. It is a place where you can unapologetically express yourself through songs, activities and more.” – Tateiona, Young Performer

Guests also heard from First Stage’s new Artistic Inclusion and Community Engagement Director, Samantha Montgomery, who gave a dynamic and moving spoken word performance entitled, LIGHTS UP.

 

Thank you to everyone who attended our annual ImpACT Event! As Christopher Gilbert would say, First Stage is lucky to have such an engaged community that is passionate about paving the way for our young people.

 

If you were unable to attend, please enjoy our ImpACT Event Highlight Video.