Praying with Hope for the Future
At First Act Theatre Arts, we are excited and prayerfully looking forward, with abundant hope, that our next home is becoming a reality. Throughout the next year of our Capital Campaign, it is imperative that we make this journey rooted in Christ and the purposes created for us.
Why Cocktails & Cabaret?
Every year we host Cocktails & Cabaret, the gala fundraiser that helps us raise critical funds to support First Act Theatre Arts and its mission. Without this fundraiser, First Act wouldn’t exist! These funds help us bridge the gap between rising expenses and our revenue. This year’s event will be June 6th at Fiorella’s Kansas City and will feature performances from First Act’s Dance Company, MT Troupe, and the Class of 2026. We will also award the first alum receipient of the Gina Milbourn Find Your Light Alumni Award! Read more below about the importance of this event and find out how you can get involved!
All About Ambassador Families
Last year, our incredible Ambassador Families raised $20,318 to support the mission of First Act Theatre Arts! And over the last four years, these families have been integral to the success of every Cocktails & Cabaret. And now it’s your turn! We are currently seeking nominations for our 2026 Class of Ambassadors. With a 100% success rate, we are sure that your family would be a perfect fit for this opportunity! Whether you have current students in the program or are an alumni family, we are open to any and all nominations.
Celebrating 25 Years: Molly Stasieluk & Elizabeth Phillips
Molly and Elizabeth are two of our incredible staff members and teachers, but first they were students. Their friendship is an incredible testament to our community.
Celebrating 25 Years: Gina Milbourn & Houston St. John
Gina Milbourn served as our Artistic Director for over 20 years, and also as the director of our 2013 production of Tarzan. That week, our community faced great tragedy with the loss of Houston St. John. Here, Gina talks about the way we still honor his memory to this day.
Celebrating 25 Years: Patrick Graham
Starting as a student, Patrick Graham has been an important part of the First Act community in countless ways including being a former Artistic Director!
Celebrating 25 Years: Dave Talken
Dave has built countless sets over the years, and once even made it rain on stage! As the father of three students, he has been a part of the organization since 2009.
Celebrating 25 Years: Lindsay James
Starting in 2012 with School House Rock, Lindsay James has music directed countless productions with us, and we are so grateful for her. In the last few years, her boys have joined her in shows too!
Celebrating 25 Years: Sarah Saugier
After she met Gina Milbourn, Sarah Saugier stage managed countless shows for us, and eventually served on our board. She is an incredibly important part of our story, and a big reason we have so many students still thriving behind the scenes!
Celebrating 25 Years: The Smeltzer Family
All seven of the Smeltzer kids participated in our classes, shows, and camps! We chatted with Sarah and Stephanie to hear more about how they got started and what impact CYT/First Act has had on their lives.