Milwaukee has an excellent performing arts scene. With so many options to choose from, it can be difficult to sort through and discover what performing arts groups or performances may be most fitting for families with children. Here is your guide to Milwaukee area performing arts groups and upcoming performances programmed with families and children in mind:

First Stage

First Stage is designed for young audiences and families. It is a nationally recognized children’s theater and the second-largest theater company in Milwaukee. They not only put on professional theater productions starring mostly youth actors but also offer a Theater Academy, which teaches acting and stage skills, as well as a Theater in Education program in partnership with local schools and community groups. Family packages and season memberships are available.

Now through November 12th, you can see First Stage’s production of Forgotten Girl. “A ghostly story with a historical twist, this empowering tale examines the connection of past and present, friendship, and forgiveness.”

First Stage’s holiday show is The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. “The horrible Herdmans are the worst kids in the history of the world. The entire town panics when these rowdy six siblings are cast in the church’s annual Christmas pageant. It's up to good-hearted Mrs. Bradley to help the Herdmans – and the rest of the town – discover the true meaning of Christmas before it's too late.” The show runs from November 24th through December 24th.

Starting February 23rd, you can check out a production of The Lighting Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical. The show is a musical adaptation of the New York Times best-selling book.

From April 6th through May 5th, you can see First Stage’s production of Diary of a Wimpy Kid the Musical, based on the popular book series and movies.

Check out the full season schedule, including 4 additional shows here.

Milwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra - MYSO

The Milwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra (MYSO) has become one of the largest after-school youth orchestras in the country. MYSO offers over 40 ensemble and enrichment training options including symphony, jazz, music theory, and more.

MYSO has several performances between now and spring. These include youth symphony and orchestra performances, jazz ensembles, Calypso and Soca steel bands, percussion and wind ensembles, and several others. Performances are held at the Milwaukee Youth Arts Center, Sharon Lynn Wilson Center for the Arts, Marcus Center for the Performing Arts, and other locations throughout the area. Check their calendar of events for a full list of events and locations.

Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra

The Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra produces a wide array of shows and events, several of which are perfect for families with children.

The MSO’s film and music events are a great option for families. During these events, the MSO will perform the score of a film live while that film plays on a large screen. This season, the film and music performances include The Nightmare Before Christmas, Elf, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1, Back to the Future, Toy Story, and others.

The Holiday Pops series is also popular among families. These performances feature all your favorite Christmas carols, classics, and sing-alongs. These performances run from December 14th through December 19th.

Check the calendar for a full list of performance dates and times.

The Milwaukee Repertory Theater

The Milwaukee Repertory Theater (Milwaukee Rep) hosts a wide array of performances. Like the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, not all shows will be suitable or entertaining for children, as most are programmed with adults in mind. With that said, there are a few shows coming up this season that would make for fun family outings.

If it’s not already part of your family Christmas tradition, you’ll want to check out the Charles Dickens classic A Christmas Carol, performed by the Milwaukee Rep at the historic Pabst Theater. The show runs from November 28th through December 24th. Depending on the age of your child, there may be a few scary moments, but they are brief. Ticket prices range from $17 to $63.

Marcus Center For The Performing Arts

Broadway Across America brings major touring Broadway musicals to cities across the country. In Milwaukee, the shows are held at the Marcus Center for the Performing Arts. Seven touring shows will be making their way to Milwaukee this year. While most shows this season cater more to an adult audience like Moulin Rouge, Mamma Mia, and To Kill a Mockingbird, families can look forward to a production of Disney’s Aladdin. The show runs through October 22nd. Tickets are available on a show-by-show basis or as part of a season subscription.

Check out these and other events happening at the Marcus Center for the Performing Arts here.

Milwaukee Ballet

The Milwaukee Ballet has plenty to offer in the way of family entertainment, especially if you have aspiring dancers in the home. The Nutcracker is another long-time holiday family tradition. The show features dancers from around the world, music from the Milwaukee Ballet Orchestra, elaborate sets, costumes, and special effects. The Nutcracker runs from December 8th through December 26th at the Marcus Center.

Families will also enjoy Cinderella running from April 4th through April 7th. Check out the full schedule here.

Sunset Playhouse

Sunset Playhouse is a performing arts center whose purpose is to entertain and educate the community. They offer both community and children’s theater. The Sunset Playhouse School for the Arts provides young students the opportunity to learn, create, and experience the arts. The program provides a mix of in-person classes, camps, and performance opportunities.

The children’s theater will have 8 performances this season including Alice in Wonderland, Seussical Kids, High School Musical Jr., Grease, and more. Check out the full schedule here.