By Molly Snyder Senior Writer Published Sep 12, 2023 at 12:31 PM

Live performances offer a depth and connection that screen performances just can't match. So to make the experience more accessible to all, Milwaukee's First Stage is offering "Pay What You Choose" performances for select productions.

Here's how it works: Pay What You Choose tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis with a minimum suggested ticket price of $10 per person. Doors open at 6 p.m. on the day of the performance and patrons are encouraged to arrive early.

Tickets may be pre-ordered by phone only at (414) 267-2961. To reserve tickets for community organizations, contact First Stage at ticketmanager@firststage.org.  

Here is the schedule of Pay What You Can performances:

Dream, Quickie! Dream!
Friday, Oct. 13; 7 p.m.
Marcus Center’s Todd Wehr Theater  
Sponsored by Children’s Wisconsin. 

The Forgotten Girl
Friday, Oct. 27; 7 p.m.
Goodman Mainstage Hall, Milwaukee Youth Arts Center  

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever: The Musical
Thursday, Nov. 30; 7 p.m. 
Marcus Center’s Todd Wehr Theater  

Henry IV, Part 1 
Friday, Dec. 15; 7 p.m.
Goodman Mainstage Hall, Milwaukee Youth Arts Center  

The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical 
Friday, Feb. 9, 2024; 7 p.m.
Marcus Center’s Todd Wehr Theater  

 Elephant & Piggie's "We Are In A Play!"
Friday, March 1; 7 p.m.
Goodman Mainstage Hall, Milwaukee Youth Arts Center  

Diary Of A Wimpy Kid The Musical
Friday, April 12; 7 p.m.
Marcus Center’s Todd Wehr Theater  
Sponsored by Children’s Wisconsin. 

An Enemy Of The People
Friday, April 26; 7 p.m.
Goodman Mainstage Hall, Milwaukee Youth Arts Center  

Escape From Peligro Island
Friday, May 17; 7 p.m.
Goodman Mainstage Hall, Milwaukee Youth Arts Center  

Ticket availability is limited, and seat location is subject to availability. There are no refunds or exchanges available for Pay What You Choose performances, and the special rate cannot be applied to previously purchased tickets or in combination with other ticket offers, or towards a Family Package or All-Access Membership purchase. Pay What You Choose performances and dates are subject to change.  

To find out more about any of First Stage’s upcoming productions visit: firststage.org


Molly Snyder started writing and publishing her work at the age 10, when her community newspaper printed her poem, "The Unicorn.” Since then, she's expanded beyond the subject of mythical creatures and written in many different mediums but, nearest and dearest to her heart, thousands of articles for OnMilwaukee.

Molly is a regular contributor to FOX6 News and numerous radio stations as well as the co-host of "Dandelions: A Podcast For Women.” She's received five Milwaukee Press Club Awards, served as the Pfister Narrator and is the Wisconsin State Fair’s Celebrity Cream Puff Eating Champion of 2019.