First Stage Hosts AATE National Conference at MYAC

This year, First Stage hosted the American Alliance for Theatre and Education's national conference in Milwaukee. Conference attendees spent four days exploring this year's theme, "Tapping the power of creative minds." This included several fun outings to local Milwaukee stomping grounds including the Milwaukee Art Museum, Harley-Davidson Museum, and Lakefront Brewery.

The conference schedule included master classes led by First Stage's very own Jeff Frank and Jenn Adams. Attendees were also able to visit the Milwaukee Youth Arts Center on Saturday for a performance by First Stage's Company Class of Argonautika in Youth Arts Hall.

Additionally, AATE's annual meeting and party were held here at MYAC Saturday evening. This was an overall celebratory night, and great way to share news of the collaborative effort that makes MYAC a reality. As conference attendees arrived at MYAC, we had a Milwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra jazz combo and several food trucks outside to greet them.

Our parking lot and picnic area were absolutely alive with music and festivity!

To add an educational component to the fun atmosphere, First Stage students were leading our AATE guests on tours throughout the building.

A light cocktail reception followed AATE's annual meeting and keynote address. We were so happy to participate in this national conversation about arts education, and to help share success stories from our neck of the woods with a wider audience of fellow educators and artists.

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