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 3rd, you can see First Stage’s production of Pete the Cat, a musical based on the popular children’s book series.

First Stage’s holiday show is Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical which runs November 29th through December 29th. The musical is based on the animated television special. It’s a terrific show that kids will love as much as their parents who grew up watching the animated classic.

Starting January 31st, you can check out a production of Emily Song and the Queen of the Night. This is a brand-new musical about a girl who must use her newly discovered special talent to save her loved ones.

From March 8th to April 6th, you can see First Stage’s production of Disney & Pixar’s Finding Nemo which brings the popular 2003 Pixar movie to life on stage with new music from the songwriting team behind the movie Frozen.

The last show of the season, Esperanza Rising, begins on May 2nd. The show is based on the popular book of the same name and features a girl who must rise above difficult circumstances to see what she is made of.

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

Milwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra - MYSO

The Milwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra (MYSO) is one of the largest youth orchestras in the country with over 900 young performers from 200 schools throughout southeast Wisconsin and northern Illinois. 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, Bradley Symphony Center, Sharon Lynne Wilson Center for the 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 Coco in Concert, The Muppet Chrismas Carol, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2, Bugs Bunny, and others.

The Hometown Holiday Hops 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 22nd.

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 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 26th 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 $10 to $65.

Marcus Center For The Performing Arts

The Marcus Center for Performing Arts hosts many major touring Broadway musicals this season. While some shows cater more to an adult audience, families will enjoy productions of Elf the Musical which runs November 26th through December 1st, Annie which runs April 25th through April 27th, and Wicked which runs July 30th through August 17th. 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 7th through December 24th at the Marcus Center.

Families will also enjoy Sleeping Beauty running from April 11th through April 13th. 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 5 performances this season including Disney Frozen Kids, Into the Woods Jr., Cowboy Camp, and more. Check out the full schedule here.