Post from Community: First Stage announces new Amplify – BIPOC Virtual Short Play Series for Spring 2021 | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
First Stage
March 11, 2021
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First Stage, one of the nation’s leading theaters for young people and families, is proud to announce the creation of Amplify – First Stage’s BIPOC Virtual Short Play Series, to be developed and produced throughout Spring 2021. In this new series, three short plays will be created by Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) playwrights that center on the young person’s point or view, amplifying the voices of these artists and young people throughout the Milwaukee community.
The organization has had a long history of age-appropriate casting and of centering its work on the young person’s point of view. Understanding the power of connection that young people feel when they see themselves and their stories on stage, First Stage is excited to begin this series featuring newly commissioned work from BIPOC playwrights and directors.
Artistic Director Jeff Frank shared: “I’m excited to hear new stories from new voices. It’s nice to reach out to artists and ask them – what is the story you would like to tell in this moment? – and then offer them a platform to develop and share their stories. This is an opportunity to expand our artistic horizons and expand our audiences’ perspective.”
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Each play will be available on the First Stage YouTube channel. Audience members are asked to register to receive the link to each play prior to its premiere. While making a donation is not required for streaming access, all gifts received will help to support the artists involved in the Amplify series and First Stage’s commitment to building an inclusive community. To learn more and to register, please go to:
https://www.firststage.org/amplify
The schedule for Amplify – First Stage’s BIPOC Virtual Short Play Series is:
COPPER HORNS IN WATER 
By Ty Defoe 
Directed by Johamy Morales
Recommended for families with young people ages 8+
Streaming April 16 – May 16, 2021
UNMUTED 
By Alvaro Saar Rios 
Music and Lyrics by Deborah Wicks La Puma 
Directed by Anna Skidis Vargas 
Recommended for families with young people ages 10+
Streaming April 30 – May 30, 2021
Title To Be Announced
By Nikkole Salter
Directed by Samantha Montgomery
Streaming May 20 – June 21, 2021
For any additional questions, please call: (414) 267-2961.