First Stage 25th Anniversary Gala is June 9

Office address: 325 W. Walnut Street Milwaukee, WI 53212Tickets: (414) 273-7206 Fax: (414) 267-2930 www.FirstStage.orgFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEContact Erica Davis (414) 267-2931 or edavis@firststage.orgFirst Stage celebrates milestone year with its 25 th Anniversary Galaon Saturday, June 9, 2012Celebrating 25 years of transforming lives through theaterwith Founding Artistic Director Rob GoodmanMilwaukee, WI – First Stage will culminate its quarter-century milestone with its 25 th Anniversary Galaon Saturday, June 9, 2012 at Pier Wisconsin, located at 500 North Harbor Drive, Milwaukee.The evening is a celebration of First Stage’s accomplishments and an occasion to recognize FoundingArtistic Director Rob Goodman for the impact he has had on First Stage and the Milwaukee communitythroughout his 25-year tenure. Under Goodman’s leadership, First Stage has grown to become one of thenation’s most acclaimed professional children’s theaters, serving over 3.1 million young people andfamilies through its performances since its inaugural season in 1987. First Stage Theater Academy, thenation’s largest theater training program of its kind, fosters life skills through stage skills and serves over3,000 enrollments each year. First Stage is also Wisconsin’s leader in arts-in-education programming,using theater to enrich literacy skills and enhance learning across the entire curriculum to over 20,000students each year in schools.“Rob Goodman is a man of incredible vision and energy who has brought his personal drive to thedevelopment of First Stage over the past 25 years,” said Harry Stratton, First Stage Board Member andHonorary Gala Chair. “Initially his focus was artistic, resulting in quality, professional theater for youngpeople in the Milwaukee community. Later he successfully brought his innate leadership andorganization skills to bear as Managing Director, consistently brought innovative ideas and a teamorientedmanagement style to the company, taking it in new directions with its education programs whilecontinuing to encourage the artistic growth and development of its staff, students and audiences,” Strattoncontinued. “First Stage is a local and national treasure because of Rob’s leadership.”-more-

First Stage 25 th Anniversary Gala/add oneThe black tie affair will begin at 6:00 p.m. with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres at Pier Wisconsin, followedby a gourmet dinner catered by Bartolotta Catering Company and Events. The evening’s program willfeature inspiring stories from current First Stage young performers, students and alumni highlighting thetransformational power of First Stage. The evening will continue with dancing and music by Milwaukeebig band Swing Nouveau.Sponsors of the 25 th Anniversary Gala include: Actuant Corporation, Fiserv, Rexnord Corporation, andWeyco Group, Inc. (Goodman Sponsors); Godfrey & Kahn, S.C., Harley-Davidson Motor Company,Kohl’s Department Stores, OKANJO, Robert W. Baird & Co., and Wisconsin Energy Foundation(Broadway Sponsors); BMO Harris Bank, Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin, Foley & Lardner LLP, Annand Dick Gallagher, KPMG LLP, Laughlin Constable, Elizabeth Meyer & Sam Hope III and George L.N.Meyer Family Foundation, Susan and Bob Mikulay, MGIC Investment Corporation, NorthwesternMutual and PNC (West End Sponsors).All proceeds from this event support First Stage’s continuing mission of transforming lives throughtheater.The Honorary Chairs of the 25 th Anniversary Gala are Cathy & Mario Costantini (Milwaukee), Ann &Dick Gallagher (Milwaukee), Barb & Harry Stratton (Milwaukee), and Carlene & Andy Ziegler(Mequon). The 25 th Anniversary Gala Committee includes: Liza Perry (Milwaukee), Erin Peschel(Milwaukee), Sharon Rise (Wauwatosa), Jami Ross (River Hills), Kristin Severson (Milwaukee), KristinSheehan (Milwaukee), Mary Sprague (Milwaukee), and Chad Tessmer (Milwaukee). Susan and BobMikulay (Whitefish Bay) serve as corporate sponsor chairs.Tickets for the 25 th Anniversary Gala are $350 per adult. Sponsorship opportunities are still available.For more information on First Stage’s 25 th Anniversary Gala, contact Development Director Katie Weeksat (414) 267-2936 or kweeks@firststage.org.-more-

First Stage 25 th Anniversary Gala/add twoAbout Rob GoodmanA director and producer of professional theater, patron and supporter of the arts, and a passionate artseducation advocate, Rob Goodman has been a pivotal member of Milwaukee’s performing artscommunity for over 35 years.Goodman was chosen by the Milwaukee Performing Arts Center board of directors to found First Stage in1987. Under his leadership First Stage has grown to become one of the largest theater companies foryoung people and families in the nation, the second-largest theater company in Milwaukee and the onlytheater arts education program of its kind in the nation. During his tenure at First Stage Goodman directedover 50 productions and commissioned over 40 new plays, working with such playwrights as CharlesStrouse, Robert Schenkkan, Harry Connick, Jr., Stephen Schwartz, James DeVita, Kermit Frazier,Stephen Dietz, Kevin Kling, and Y York.In 2003, Goodman led First Stage’s collaboration with the Milwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra on a$13 million capital campaign to create the Milwaukee Youth Arts Center. He led in the creation ofMilwaukee Arts Partners (MAP), a consortium of Milwaukee’s largest performing arts groups includingMilwaukee Symphony Orchestra, the Milwaukee Repertory Theater and the Florentine Opera Companythat collaborate through the development and use of Tessitura, a leading customer relationshipmanagement system. Goodman is currently serves on the board of directors of Tessitura Network, Inc.In July 2011, Goodman was honored with the 2011 Orlin Corey Medallion Award by the Children’sTheatre Foundation of America. The award honors significant achievements contributing to the culturalenrichment of children and youth through nurturing artistic work in theatre. Goodman has served as vicepresident of TYA/USA, the national association of theatre for children and young people; on the board ofCity Ballet and Acacia Theater; directed at various local colleges, and is a member of Actors EquityAssociation and the Society of Stage Directors and Choreographers. He is a Vietnam veteran, was anavigator for an arctic expedition in 1971, and was ordained a Deacon in the Archdiocese of Milwaukeein 1990. Rob and his wife Mary married in 1969; they have four children and four grandchildren.About First StageCelebrating its 25 th anniversary in the 2011-12 season, First Stage touches hearts, engages minds, andtransforms lives by creating extraordinary theater experiences for young people and families throughprofessional theater productions that inspire, enlighten, and entertain; unparalleled Theater Academytraining that fosters life skills through stage skills; and dynamic Theater in Education programs thatpromote active learning in our schools and community. First Stage is a member of TYA/USA, theAmerican Alliance for Theatre and Education, the Wisconsin Alliance for Arts Education and Americansfor the Arts, as well as Theatre Wisconsin and Milwaukee Arts Partners, and is a cornerstone member ofthe United Performing Arts Fund (UPAF).# # #