Mesa Encore Theatre seeks a Production Manager

from our friends at Mesa Encore Theatre:

As we look toward our next chapter, Mesa Encore Theatre is officially searching for a talented, collaborative, and passionate Production Manager to join our team.

If you love the magic of backstage, excel at bringing scenic designs to life, and want to be a vital part of a vibrant community theatre, we want to hear from you!

The Board and community send a huge THANK YOU to our amazing former Production Manager, Lorelee! Though we'll miss her daily presence at Mesa Encore Theatre, we're deeply grateful for everything she has done for our theatre family.

Lorelee has worn so many hats here from Production Manager and Stage Manager to Scenic Designer, Lead Carpenter, Mentor, and Friend. She always kept us on track and brought an incredible sense of creativity and calm to every single show. She didn’t just build sets; she helped build our community. We love her dearly and absolutely hope to work with her again to create more theatre together in the future! 

CLICK HERE or on the QR code above, for more information

Your first look at ANTONY AND CLEOPATRA and AS YOU LIKE IT Flagstaff Shakespeare

 

Photos by G's Photos

CLICK HERE for more information on these productions, which run through August 2

Cast announced for BASKERVILLE at Don Bluth Front Row Theatre

CLICK HERE for more information on this production, which runs July 23-August 29

Registration now open for Places! Productions Show Choir!

 

Rehearsals begin Monday, August 10!

PING! 

What does "Ping" mean? "a resonant, trumpet-like sound," much like the bright sound of our young performers!

Mondays 5-6pm, August-May (occasional extended rehearsals to 7pm)

$60/month or $300/semester

Grades K-4

Students sing, dance, and play games while building skills in vocal technique, stage presence, and teamwork. They perform Broadway, pop, and movie hits as group numbers and solos around the valley showcasing their skills. 

PEP! 

What does "Pep" mean? "energy and high spirits; liveliness," The goal of our middle school performers! 

Mondays 5-6pm, August-May (occasional extended rehearsals to 7pm)

$60/month or $300/semester

Grades 4-8 (4th graders by audition only)

Students sing and dance while building skills in vocal technique, stage presence, and teamwork. They are introduced to harmony as they perform Broadway, pop, and the National Anthem as group numbers and solos around the valley showcasing their skills. 

PRESTO! 

What does "Presto" mean? A "quick tempo" and "suggesting that something has been done so easily that it seems to be magic," both descriptive of our older youth performers! 

Mondays 5-6pm, August-May (occasional extended rehearsals to 7pm)

$60/month or $300/semester

Grades 8-12 (8th graders by audition only)

Students learn harmony and more complex choreography; repertoire includes Broadway, commercial music, a cappella, and The National Anthem. Performances, with options to perform with the group and as soloists, take place regularly so that students continue to gain confidence and experience.

*ESA funds are accepted for all of our programs. Scholarships are also available. Please contact us for more information.  

Rehearsal Location: East Valley High School (7420 E. Main St., Mesa, AZ 85207)

We ask that all performers commit to the full semester. We understand that you have other obligations and will happily accept conflicts for all rehearsals/performances presented before the Monday rehearsal prior to each show. A full rehearsal/performance schedule will be emailed. 

Scholarship applications are due two weeks before the first rehearsal.

CLICK HERE to register

Emerald City Players 2026/27 Season: A Season of Becoming

 

Announcing Emerald City Players’ 2026/27 Season!

A SEASON OF BECOMING

JEKYLL & HYDE

Oct 2-Oct 11, 2026

FUN HOME

Jan 22-Jan 31, 2027

FALSETTOS

March 12-March 21, 2027

CHESS

May 14-May 23, 2027

As artists, audiences, and a community, we are continuously growing. It is when we step into the unknown that we discover not only what we are capable of, but also who we have the potential to be. We become through our triumphs and failures, through the people we love, the questions we ask, and the choices we make when the path ahead is uncertain. It is with that spirit that I am honored to welcome you to our inaugural season, A Season of Becoming.

Our season motto—Seeking Brains, Choosing Heart, Finding Courage, Coming Home—is more than a tribute to a beloved story. It serves as a roadmap for the journeys explored on our stage and reflects the roots of our theatre's mission: to uplift and challenge our community, placing bravery at the heart of every performance, honoring empathy and connection in every character, and championing intelligence and creativity in every story we tell.

Our season begins with Frank Wildhorn's international hit musical–Jekyll & Hyde–which has been produced in more than 25 countries and translated into multiple languages. Renowned for its sweeping score, gothic spectacle, and demanding dual leading role, it remains one of the most complex contemporary dramatic musicals. Our version is determined to make audiences question our roles in society–where comparison-culture and hate dictate our actions and where intelligence without compassion can lead us astray.

We continue our season with Fun Home – the Winner of the 2015 Tony Award for Best Musical, a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, and the first all-female writing team in Broadway history to win the Tony Award for Best Original Score. Praised for its innovative storytelling and emotional depth, Fun Home is widely regarded as one of the defining American musicals of the 21st century. Based on Alison Bechdel’s 2006 autobiographical graphic novel – Fun Home is a beautifully intimate exploration of memory, identity, and the courage required to understand ourselves and those we love. 

In the spring, we present Falsettos – the Winner of the 1992 Tony Awards for Best Book of a Musical and Best Original Score. Falsettos combines WIlliam Finn and James Lapine’s musicals, March of the Falsettos (1981) and Falsettoland (1990) into a historical celebration of LGBTQ+ relationships, family values, and resilience. Falsettos is an expression of one’s chosen family, reminding us that empathy is not simply an ideal but an action—one that becomes even more meaningful in the face of loss and uncertainty. 

Finally, we conclude our season with CHESS – created by the legendary team of Tim Rice and Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus of ABBA – a show that is known for one of the most sophisticated scores in musical theatre history. Its songs, including the international hit "One Night in Bangkok," have earned the musical a lasting legacy and devoted following around the world. CHESS tells a story where political conflict and personal sacrifice reveal that true courage often means risking everything for what we believe, while never losing sight of our shared humanity.

Each production invites us to grow in a different way. Together, they ask us to think more deeply, love more openly, stand more bravely, and discover where we truly belong. Community theatre is, at its core, an act of becoming. Every rehearsal transforms strangers into collaborators. Every performance invites audiences to see themselves reflected in someone else's story. Every scene offers an opportunity to leave the theatre in a different way than you came –still holding your breath on the car ride home, well after the final bow. 

Thank you for taking this journey with us. Whether you are joining us for one performance or every production of our 2026/27 Season, we are grateful to share these stories with you. We cannot wait to welcome you to Emerald City!

CLICK HERE for more information, and to purchase tickets, when availble

Review Highlights: AVENUE Q - Arizona Broadway Theatre

 

highlights from local critics reviews - (click link at bottom of each review to read complete review)

Click here for more information on this production that runs through July 19

"The winner of three 2004 Tony Awards, including Best Musical and Best Score, Avenue Q is a show full of R-rated humor and adult situations along with heartfelt life lessons that any adult will find relevant. With a wonderful cast and winning creative elements, Arizona Broadway Theatre is presenting a solid production of this hilarious musical....Director Nick Dalton has found a gifted cast who create humorous yet believable characters and who, along with his direction, do a great job balancing the comical and serious moments so the humor, which is a little risqué at times, never gets in the way of the show's charming messages. Dalton's choreography is fun and bright, and Adam Berger's music direction ensures every song is delivered with rich notes from the talented cast. Jamie Hohendorf-Parnell and Cody Burgoon's set, the costumes by JJ Hanley, and Tom Holmberg's lighting help to bring the street outside the apartment building and the rooms of its inhabitants vibrantly to life."   - Gil Benbrook, TalkinBroadway.com (click here to read the complete review)

WEEK AT A GLANCE: July 13-July 19, 2026

Click on any show title to get more information on that production

And Click Here for a complete day by day calendar of what shows are playing.

CLOSING:

AVENUE Q 

Arizona Broadway Theatre 

July 9-19, 2026

THE SEAGULL 

Ronin Theatre Collaborative 

July 10-19

LIMITED RUN:

HAIR 

Final Act Theatre 

July 17-19, 2026

OPENING:

LES MISERABLES 

The Phoenix Theatre Company 

July 15–August 30, 2026

ANNIE

 Fountain Hills Theater 

July 17-August 9, 2026

STILL PLAYING:

CATS 

Arizona Broadway Theatre 

June 12 –July 25 2026

ANNIE 

TheaterWorks 

July 10, 2026-July 26, 2026

I LOVE YOU, YOU'RE PERFECT. NOW CHANGE

Theatrikos Theatre Company 

July 2-July 26, 2026

ANTONY AND CLEOPATRA and AS YOU LIKE IT

Flagstaff Shakespeare

July 8-August 2

DEAR EVAN HANSEN 

The Phoenix Theatre Company 

June 10–August 2, 2026

DISNEY'S THE LITTLE MERMAID 

Hale Centre Theatre 

July 3-August 15, 2026

OPENING SOON: 

BASKERVILLE 

Don Bluth Front Row Theatre

July 23-August 29, 2026

GRUMPY OLD MEN THE MUSICAL 

Arizona Broadway Theatre 

July 30-August 8, 2026

MEGALODON 

Ronin Theatre Collaborative 

July 30-August 23, 2026

MEASURE FOR MEASURE 

Southwest Shakespeare Company 

August 6-9, 2026

THE SEAGULL 

Ronin Theatre Collaborative 

August 14-15, 2026

Review Highlights: DISNEY'S THE LITTLE MERMAID - Hale Centre Theatre

The Cast
photo by Nick Woodward-Shaw

 

 

highlights from local critics reviews - (click link at bottom of each review to read complete review)

Click here for more information on this production that runs through August 15

"...a humorous and charming family-friendly show and, with a fantastic cast and sublime creative elements, Hale Centre Theatre's production is excellent....This is the third time (Cambrian) James has directed and choreographed the show at Hale and his sharp direction ensures the comedic and romantic moments in the show shine bright. Hale's creative team pulls out all the stops, delivering a non-stop parade of colorful costumes by Brielle Hawkes, excellent immersive lighting by Avery Reagan that paints the floor and surrounding walls with shimmering light, evoking life under the sea, and a fantasy-filled set by McKenna Carpenter that also includes video projections to help quickly set each location. ... "Under the Sea" is simply superb with the combination of the strong cast and the incredibly impressive creative aspects reaching a crescendo in the number, which features fun dance moves, fantastic lighting, and day-glo costumes with bubbling effects that give a fantastic underwater effect. Hale's cast is great, presenting the famous animated characters they play while also adding fresh original nuances to their portrayals. As Ariel, Brianna McClure projects a perfect balance of youthful inquisitiveness and excitability. Reece Harris oozes charm and boyish exuberance as the very likable Prince Eric. McClure and Harris have rich singing voices that add vibrance to their many numbers and form a realistic duo you root to succeed to overcome their obstacles. Amanda Valenzuela is having a blast playing Ursula, as she injects every line and gesture with devilish glee and her brassy singing voice delivers knockout numbers, including a rousing "Poor Unfortunate Souls."   - Gil Benbrook, TalkinBroadway.com (click here to read the complete review)

Cast announced for ANNIE at Fountain Hills Theater

Manuel Alba-Berger… Hooverville-ite

Lucy Alston… Tessie

Kameron Archer… Burt Healy

Alexandria Avise… July

James Avise… Drake

Doug Behm… Ensemble

Bill Bennett… FDR/Mr. Bundles

Kathleen Berger… Boylan Sister

Emily Blatter… Ensemble

Olivia Carey… Molly

Hailey Cranford… Star to Be

Reagan DuFour… Duffy

Cha Cha Giffen… Annie

Emma Giffen… Grace Farrell

Evelyn Giffen… Pepper

Adam Gobeski … Rooster

Courtney Jacobs… Boylan Sister

Gina Kim… Lily

Sylvia Kociuba… Kate

Tom Mangum… Daddy Warbucks

Nikki Reeves… Miss Hannigan

Ollie RobertDavis… Hooverville-ite

Tanya Schoenwolf … Boylan Sister

Kalinka Taylor… Ensemble

Robyn Tye-Lennex… Ensemble

Annie… Sandy the Dog

CLICK HERE for more information on this production, which runs July 17-August 9

Auditions for TUCK EVERLASTING at Spotlight Youth Theatre announced for July 25 & 26

 

Tuck Everlasting 

AUDITIONS:

Saturday, July 25, at 6:00 p.m.

Sunday, July 26, at 6:00 p.m.

CALLBACKS:

Tuesday July 28, @ 5:30 p.m.

AGES:

10 – 19

HOW TO AUDITION:

Click here to complete the online audition form.

Please come prepared to sing 32 bars (about 1:45) of an appropriate style song of your choice (track or sheet music; no a cappella) and a one minute character-driven monologue of your choice.

We are looking for young people of all ethnicities, body types and gender identifications.

Headshot and résumé required.

VIDEO AUDITIONS:

Click here to complete the online audition form.

Email kenny@sytaz.org by 9:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 26, 2026.

Include your name and attach or link your audition video.

In-person callbacks are mandatory.

Parent meeting is Friday, July 31, at 5:30 p.m.

Auditions for THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW at Ghostlight Theatre announced for July 18

 

Richard O'Brien's "The Rocky Horror Show" is a raunchy, rock n' roll musical of sexual desire, LGBTQ exploration and the struggle for power. This cult classic show revolves around newly engaged couple Brad and Janet. On a drive to see an old friend, they get a flat tire and stumble on an old and creepy castle. Unbeknownst to them, the castle belongs to the mysterious Dr. Frankenfurter and his crew of misfits, who lead them into a night of sci-fi, seduction and rock and roll!

*Content Warning: Adult Language, Sexual Situations, and Inuendo.

Only performers over the age of 18+ will be considered.

Saturday, July 18th from 10AM-1PM 

Callbacks by invitation only Sunday, July 19th. Sign up below!

CLICK HERE to Sign Up

Cast announced for LES MISÉRABLES at The Phoenix Theatre Company

CLICK HERE for more information on this production, which runs July 15-August 30

Auditions for THE ADDAMS FAMILY at TheaterWorks announced for August 2

 

AUDITIONS: Sunday August 2, 11:00am - 3:00pm

We are casting ALL ROLES...

Seeking actors ages 10-14 and 16+.

**Puglsey will be cast from auditioners ages 10-14. All other roles will be cast from auditioners ages 16+.

GET FULL DETAILS & SIGN UP HERE

Spotlight Youth Theatre's 2026/2027 Season!

 

Tuck Everlasting| Sept 4-20

She Persisted The Musical JR | Oct 23-Nov 8

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever | Dec 4-20

Next To Normal | Jan 15-31

Hamlet | Feb 19-28

Dear Evan Hansen | March 26-April 11

Playfest 2027 | April 16-25

How To Train Your Dragon The Musical Jr | May 21-June 6

For more information, visit sytaz.org

Auditions for HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON THE MUSICAL, JR at East Valley Children's Theatre announced for July 27 & 28

 CLICK HERE for more information

Theatre Artists Studio's 2026-2027 Season!

Other Desert Cities 

by Jon Robin Baitz

September 11- 27

A riveting and emotionally charged award winning play about a family coming to terms with long held secrets. What if they were made public? In art and in life, should our loyalty be to the truth or those we love?

Witch 

by Jen Silverman

October 23 -November 8

What would it take to sell your soul to the devil?   Is it a  fair exchange for money, power, love, recognition, vengeance?  In another time and another place would things be the same?  Come see this thought-provoking dark comedy and make your own decisions!

Father Christmas and The Snow Queen (An Interactive Holiday Panto) 

by Alan Austin

December 4 - 20

Want to share in the fun, the adventure, the high jinks, the magic, and the music of the holidays?  Join us for this unique and timeless British style comedy!  It is a gift and a joy for the whole family!

Continuity 

by Bess Wohl

January 15 – 31

Both hilarious and thought provoking, the play follows a film crew as they  race to shoot their blockbuster eco-action movie.  Personalities clash, artistic vision meets Hollywood demands and the gap between fiction and scientific reality grows wider.  A must see!

Bad Books 

by Sharyn Rothstein

February 26 -March 14

This relevant and compelling play about the complicated questions behind censorship and who decides what stories belong on the shelf, quickly sparks a chain reaction of unexpected outcomes.  With empathy, poignancy and humor can we resolve the differences that divide us?

Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf 

by Edward Albee

April 9 – 25

From the treasury of American Theatre, comes Albee’s explosive, comedic and harrowing masterpiece. An evening with George and Martha and their guests invites us  to experience the complexity of marriage, the fragility of relationships, the power of illusions and the truth that lies beneath the surface.

Conscience 

by Joe DiPietro

May 25 -June 6

Welcome to a slice of history!   Based on a true-life confrontation in 1950 between Margaret Chase Smith and Joseph McCarthy when they were both serving in the United States Senate.  A story that gives us an insightful view of McCarthyism, women in politics, the courage of conscience, and the importance of truth and reason in society

Summer Shorts

June 17 – 27

Don’t miss our Annual Festival of 10  Minute Plays from our talented Studio Playwrights

You never know what to expect ..except a good time!

CLICK HERE for more information, and to purchase tickets

Cast announced for ANTONY AND CLEOPATRA and AS YOU LIKE IT at Flagstaff Shakespeare Festival

CLICK HERE for more information on these productions, which run through August 2

Save on tickets for ANNIE at TheaterWorks

 

CLICK HERE and use code PHXSTAGES to save $5 off tickets!

Your first look at DISNEY'S THE LITTLE MERMAID at Hale Centre Theatre

photos by Nick Woodward-Shaw

CLICK HERE for more information on this production, which runs through August 15

Cast announced for MEAN GIRLS at Chandler Gilbert Community College

Cady Heron - Allyson Harding

Damian Hubbard - Joshua Merill

Janis Sarkisian - Katie Babbitz

Regina George - Marleigh "Mars" Ungor

Gretchen Wieners - Serenity Morales

Karen Smith- Julia Dater

Aaron Samuels - Chase Carter

Kevin Gnapoor - Corey Allen

Mrs. Heron/ Ms. Norbury/ Mrs.George - Jessica Allen

Mr. Duvall/Coach Carr/Mathlete moderator - Ivan Enriquez

Caitlyn Caussin - Sarah Bishop

Rachel Hamilton - Amber Looper

Dawn Schweitzer - Edona Bitici

Sonja Acquin - Holly Mutascio

Grace A - Presley Humbarger

Taylor Wendell/Teary girl - Raina Trujillo

caroline K/Sophie K - Cheney Garner

Lizzie Therman/French Teacher - Asma Eldirais

Jason W/Opposing Mathlete - Raphael Souza

Glen Coco/Opposing Mathlete - Slade Robles

Shane Oman - Justus Popkin

Tyler K - Carson Allen

Martin J - Quintin Reyes

Mr. Buck/Opposing Mathlete - Allan McNeil

Ensemble - Rose Muller

Ensemble - Atticus Griswold

CLICK HERE for more information on this production, which runs July 8-11

Cast announced for HAIR at Final Act Theatre

 

Berger: Owen Rapkoch 

Claude: Fernando Rubio

Shiela: Chris Brown

Dionne:Shaylee Flanagan 

Jeanie: Morgan Massey 

Hud: Nehemiah Williams

Woof: Donovan Reza

Crissy: McKenzie Jessen 

Ronny: Mohika Gauani 

Walter: Dylan McCartney 

Steve:Kylan Chait

Margaret Mead: Ashton Churchill

Hubert: Jaxon Reese 

Tribe:

Mackenzie Massey 

Jay Schwab 

Rachel Haugen 

Mara Chiles

Mehki Williams

Courtnei Carey 

Ava Jane

Miciah Scott-Hood

Cameron Hall

Camryn Simone  

CLICK HERE for more information on this produciton, which runs July 17-19

Registration now open for Musical Theatre East's Fall shows!

 

Fall registration is now open!

Frozen Kids for ages 5-9

Auditions: August 10th

CLICK HERE to register for Frozen Kids

 Elf JR. for ages 10-13

Auditions: August 11th

CLICK HERE to register for Elf Jr

Cinderella for ages 14-19. 

Auditions: August 13th

CLICK HERE to register for  Cinderella

New Dances also just announced!

CLICK HERE for information on the Tween/Teen class

CLICK HERE for information on the Kids class

Black Theatre Troupe's 2026/2027 Season!

BLACK THEATRE TROUPE'S 57TH SEASON EXPLORES JUSTICE, JOY, HISTORY, AND THE POWER OF THE HUMAN SPIRIT

Flex Pass packages available now with Early Bird pricing through July 15 and savings of up to $48

PHOENIX, Ariz. – Entering its 57th Season, Black Theatre Troupe (BTT) continues its mission of bringing powerful African American stories to Arizona audiences through a compelling lineup of productions that celebrate resilience, faith, culture, community, and the enduring strength of the human spirit.

The 2026-2027 Season features a gripping drama inspired by real-life stories of wrongful conviction, a groundbreaking Broadway musical, the return of a beloved holiday tradition, a sweeping journey through Black history, and an inspiring musical celebrating the remarkable legacy of the Fisk Jubilee Singers.

Flex Pass packages are on sale now, offering audiences the flexibility to enjoy the season on their own schedule while taking advantage of Early Bird savings through July 15. Single tickets will go on sale on July 16 at 10 am.

For information about Flex Passes, performance schedules, and tickets, visit blacktheatretroupe.org or call 602-258-8128.

"Our 57th Season reflects the resilience, faith, humor, creativity, and determination that have shaped the African American experience," said David Hemphill, Executive Director of Black Theatre Troupe. "Whether audiences join us for one production or the entire season, these stories remind us where we've been, celebrate who we are, and challenge us to imagine what's possible for the future."

THE EXONERATED

By Jessica Blank & Erik Jensen

September 11 - 27, 2026

Directed by Matthew Wiener

Based on the true stories of six wrongfully convicted people, The Exonerated is a powerful examination of justice, resilience, and hope. Drawn from court transcripts and personal accounts, this acclaimed drama reveals the human cost of wrongful convictions while celebrating the extraordinary strength of those who survived them.

DON'T BOTHER ME, I CAN'T COPE

Book, Music & Lyrics by Micki Grant

October 23 - November 8, 2026

Directed and Choreographed by Patdro Harris

Musical Direction by Brenda Hankins

Musical Arrangements by Joey Leyva

A groundbreaking Broadway hit by Micki Grant, one of the first Black women to write and compose a musical produced on Broadway, Don't Bother Me, I Can't Cope takes audiences on a spirited journey through the joys, challenges, humor, and heartaches of everyday Black life. Filled with unforgettable music, it is a joyful celebration of culture, community, and resilience.

BLACK NATIVITY

By Langston Hughes

November 27 - December 6, 2026

Directed by Walter Belcher

A beloved holiday tradition returns to Black Theatre Troupe. Langston Hughes' timeless retelling of the Nativity story comes alive through soul-stirring gospel music, vibrant dance, and powerful storytelling. Filled with faith, hope, and joy, Black Nativity is an uplifting celebration of community and the true spirit of the season.

COLORED PEOPLE'S TIME

By Leslie Lee

February 5 - 21, 2027

Directed by Rachel Finley

Spanning nearly 100 years of African American life, Colored People's Time chronicles the struggles, triumphs, humor, and resilience that shaped generations. Through a series of compelling stories, this moving drama celebrates the courage, determination, and enduring spirit of a people whose legacy continues to inspire.

JUBILEE

By Tazewell Thompson

March 26 - April 11, 2027

Musical Director TBD

Inspired by the remarkable true story of the Fisk Jubilee Singers, Jubilee follows a group of formerly enslaved students who set out to save their struggling school and share the power of spirituals with the world. Filled with soaring music and unforgettable storytelling, this stirring drama celebrates faith, perseverance, and hope.

FLEX PASS PACKAGES ON SALE NOW

Flex Pass packages offer audiences the flexibility to experience Black Theatre Troupe's 57th Season on their own schedule. Patrons may choose from 4-play, 3-play, or 2-play packages and use their tickets in any combination throughout the season. (Excludes Black Nativity.)

Early Bird pricing is available through July 15, with 4-play Flex Passes for $160, 3-play Flex Passes for $126, and 2-play Flex Passes for $90. Flex Pass holders can save up to $48 compared to purchasing individual tickets.

About Black Theatre Troupe

Founded in 1970 by Helen K. Mason, Black Theatre Troupe is one of the nation's longest continuously operating Black theatre companies. Located at the Helen K. Mason Performing Arts Center in downtown Phoenix, BTT is dedicated to producing powerful theatrical works, nurturing diverse artistic talent, and strengthening communities through stories that celebrate the Black experience and our shared humanity.