The Bridge Initiative Announces Joyful 2026-27 Season

 

The Bridge Initiative Announces Joyful 2026-27 Season

Plays, Musical and Cabarets to Play Scottsdale and Tempe

The Bridge Initiative’s new season brings plays, concerts, and more to ASU Kerr, 6110 N Scottsdale Rd, Scottsdale and Tempe Center for the Arts, 700 W Rio Salado Pkwy, Tempe. Artistic Director Amie Bjorklund says, “We are excited to announce our 11th season of high-quality, female-forward stories intended to make you smile, and also think and feel.”

                                                                                         

The Bridge Cabaret PLUS series co-presented with ASU Kerr enters its third year at the historic Scottsdale venue. The partnership this season launches Monday, October 5th at 7pm with a “miscast” cabaret of music and scenes titled Beyond Type, featuring thirteen Valley favorites including Matravius Avent, Shana Bousard, Johanna Carlisle-Zepeda, and Rusty Ferracane. For 30 minutes before the show, the public is invited to the season’s first open mic “song share” where anyone can bring sheet music to perform with live accompaniment by the evening’s Collaborative Pianist Lincoln Wright. On Sunday, October 18th at 2pm, See Jane Run: An Indo Story features guest artist Jane Vogel Mantiri in her autobiographical one-woman play and community conversation to uplift her vanishing Dutch-Indonesian heritage and history. The holiday season kicks off Sunday, November 29th at 2pm and Monday, November 30th at 7pm with Oy to the World: A Hanukkah Cabaret RETURNS, a reprise and revision of last year’s inaugural funny and heart-warming musical celebration of the Jewish holiday by Rebecca and Josh Weinstein, featuring three singers and a full band.

As the series continues in 2027, a yet-to-be-named Broadway musical will be staged concert-style Sunday, February 7th at 2pm and Monday, February 8th at 7pm. Local vocal/band concert group Beyond Broadway founded by James Melberg and Zach Wetzel brings their signature musical finesse to a one-night-only show focused on women on Monday, March 22nd, at 7pm, with another pre-show community song share at 6:30pm. The Bridge Cabaret PLUS season concludes with a 90-minute full evening song share and musical singalong, in partnership with Musical Theatre Alliance of Arizona. 

The Bridge Initiative is thrilled to also be returning to its long-standing home at Temps Center for the Arts from April 10th-18th with Sarah Ruhl’s Pulitzer Finalist In the Next Room, or the Vibrator Play. This comedy set in the 1880s features a proper gentleman scientist who has innocently invented an extraordinary new device for treating “hysteria” in women (and sometimes men) that inspires his wife to examine the nature of their marriage and the meaning of true love.

Season details, ticket links, and audition information will be available at bridgeinit.org. 

Audition Submissions for THE GREAT MILLBROOK TIME CAPSULE MYSTERY at Banzerini House due by September 15

 

CLICK HERE for more information

Submit videos to : Casting@banzerinihouse.org

Cast announced for HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON THE MUSICAL JR. at East Valley Children's Theatre

Hiccup: Jacob Hammond and Carter Waller

Astrid: Scarlett Hale and Ainsley Sherman

Snotlout: Ethan Bogert

Ruffnut: Amelia Bottomley

Tuffnut: Damian Scott Miller

Fishlegs: Harvey CasConi

Dane: Ben Van Gels

Frostbite: Carter Dixon

Lumi: Breanna Versaevel

Brita/Deathling: Annabelle Wahlig

Sungrass/Deathling: Parker Harris

Tig: Jaxon Parry

Stoick: Landon Patton

Gobber: Skyler Morris

Phlegma/Deathling: Lucia Squires

Burnthair: Justin Sanders

Hoarck: Micah Cobb

Ack: Theodore Thelen

Gudrun/Deathling: Abigail Stephens

Frida/Deathling: Amelia Bennett

Gertrud: Jayden Flickinger

Nore: Skyler Dumar

Darby: Mila Howell

Toothless, Head, Voice & Expression: Brayden Gleave

Toothless, Body & Movement: Colton Diaz

Husky (Gronckle): Rowan Buss

Musky (Gronckle): Bridget Smith

Lusky (Gronckle): Francisco Miguel

Farley (Zippleback): Hannah Johnson

Charley (Zippleback): Kate Johnson

Houdini (Monstrous Nightmare): Riley Bogert

Sweeney (Monstrous Nightmare): Claire Connett

Tuna (Timberjack): Adalyn De Jesus

Luna (Timberjack): Myka Ashleigh Tracy

Bruna (Timberjack): Leah Johnson

Belly (Thunderdrum): Avery Brown

Jelly (Thunderdrum): Charlotte King

The Red Death: Lydia Tran

Lash (Skrill): Hope Chahine

Dash (Skrill): Amelia Wiseman

Sparky (Scauldron): Tegan Chahine

Marky (Scauldron): Harry Abbruscato

Tuck (Changewing): Gwendolyn Richards

Huck (Changewing): Bentleigh Gleave

Blitz (Deadly Nadder): Arya Pearl Jones

CLICK HERE for more information on this production, which runs September 18-27

Auditions for DANCE NATION at Valley Players announced for September 18

Dance Nation by Clare Barron

Directed by Kaitlyn Kief

Auditions: September 18th at 6:00 pm

Callbacks: September 19th at 10:00 am

Performances: November 6th - November 14th, 2026

Audition Location: 3400 N Arizona Ave Unit 105 Chandler, AZ 85225

Link: https://www.valleyplayersaz.com/auditions

Description: "Somewhere in America, an army of pre-teen competitive dancers plots to take over the world. And if their new routine is good enough, they’ll claw their way to the top at Nationals in Tampa Bay.

In this Pulitzer Prize-nominated play about ambition and growing up, these young dancers have more than choreography on their minds, as every turn and leap is a step toward finding themselves, and a fight to unleash their full potential."

Audition Submissions for the roles of Mr. Fezziwig & Ghost of Christmas Present in A CHRISTMAS CAROL at Hale Centre Theatre due by September 19

 

AUDITIONS - NOW AVAILABLE!

VIDEO SUBMISSIONS ONLY

Video Audition Deadline: Saturday, September 19th, 2026, at 11:59 PM

Callback Date: Scheduled by invitation only

Director: David Dietlein

Music Director: Lincoln Wright

More Information:  For full audition details, sides, character breakdowns, and to submit a video audition, please see below. 

CLICK HERE for more information

AUDITION OVERVIEW

Hale Centre Theatre—Arizona is holding auditions seeking one actor for the track of ‘Mr. Fezziwig’ as well as one actor for the track of ‘Ghost of Christmas Present’ in our production of A Christmas Carol, playing November 27th to December 24th, 2026. This show will be directed by David Dietlein, music directed by Lincoln Wright, and choreographed by Cambrian James. Auditions will be video-only and close at 11:59 PM on Saturday, September 19th. Please review the submission instructions carefully below.

APPLICANT INSTRUCTIONS

Video auditions are mandatory for all actors, as there will be no initial in-person audition. Your submission package must include:

An Introductory Slate: Including a slate with a full front and side profile view.

Vocal Selection: 16 bars of a traditional Christmas ballad of your choice.

Acting Segment: Line readings using the uploaded sides found in the Project Documents tab

VIDEO DETAILS

You may upload up to 3 video files directly from your phone or device, or you may provide links to up to 5 ‘Public’ or ‘Unlisted’ YouTube videos.

CALLBACKS

Callbacks are by invitation only and will be scheduled based on your availability.

THIS SHOW IS DOUBLE-CAST

Due to the high volume of performances within a short timeframe, this production will feature two separate casts. Please note that one ‘Mr. Fezziwig’ and one ‘Ghost of Christmas Present’ have already been cast; we are actively seeking one (1) additional actor for each of these two roles.

QUESTIONS?

We look forward to seeing your work and sincerely appreciate the time and energy you are contributing to this process! For any questions regarding video submissions, please contact Lillian Quaranta at auditions@haletheatrearizona.com.

RUMORS - Paradise Valley Community College - October 16-25, 2026

  

by Neil Simon

Directed by Gary Zaro

As their tenth wedding anniversary party commences, Charlie lies bleeding in another room, and his wife Myra is nowhere in sight. The first guests, lawyer Ken Gorman and his wife Chris, scramble to get “the story” straight before the other guests arrive. As the confusions and miscommunications mount, the evening spins off into classic farcical hilarity.

October 16, 17, 23, 24 at 7:00pm | October 18, 25 at 2:00pm

$15 adults; $12 senior; $10 staff/military/alumni; $8 students; $6 child under 12

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

Student Shows - Paradise Valley Community College - November 12-15, 2026

Each year in our Studio Theatre we have opportunities for our students to direct, design and run One Act plays.  There is always a wonderful variety and even some original works written by the directors.  Titles will be announced by October.

November 12, 13, 14 at 7:00pm | November 15 at 2:00pm

M-East Studio Theater | Paradise Valley Community College

$10 adults; $8 seniors; $8 staff/military/alumni; $6 students; $5 child under 12

At the Door Price: $2 added to all ticket prices

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

ZOMBIE PROM - Paradise Valley Community College - April 16-25, 2027

 

Book and Lyrics by John Dempsey, Music by Dana P. Rowe, Adapted by Marc Tumminelli, and Based on a story by John Dempsey and Hugh M. Murphy

Directed by Andrea Robertson

Set in the atomic 1950’s at Enrico Fermi High, Toffee has fallen for the class bad boy, but family pressure forces her to end the romance, causing him to charge off on his motorcycle to the nuclear waste dump. He returns from the dead still wanting to graduate, but most of all he wants to take Toffee to the prom. The principal orders him to drop dead while a scandal reporter seizes on him as the freak du jour. History comes to his rescue while a tuneful selection of original songs in the style of 50s hits keeps the action rocking across the stage.

April 16, 17, 23, 24 at 7p; April 18, 25 at 2p,  Studio Theatre

$20 adults; $15 seniors; $12 staff/military/alumni; $10 students; $8 child under 12

At the Door Price: $2 added to all ticket prices

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

MURDER AHOY - Paradise Valley Community College - June 18-27, 2027

 

by Craig Sodaro

Directed by Andrea Robertson

Ahoy, mystery fans! Book passage on the Titan, a cruise ship headed for the grave of the Titanic, where it hopes to bring up artifacts for auction. But when romance goes sour and the very wealthy and demanding Blake Witherspoon is murdered, a new course must be chartered. The social director tries to steer passengers back to having fun, but Tara Dawn DePue, a detective and antique dealer, decides to solve the crime. With the captain too sick to help, the audience and crew must try to find out who killed Witherspoon before the killer strikes again. Audience members stay involved throughout as they participate in a trivia contest and crossword puzzle, look for clues, bid on auctioned items, help stop a suspect from escaping and even carry a "body" offstage! 

June 18, 19, 25, 26 at 7:00pm | June 20, 27 at 2:00pm

$10 adults; $8 seniors; $8 staff/military/alumni; $6 students; $5 child under 12

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

Cast announced for THE EXONERATED at Black Theatre Troupe

 

MEET THE CAST

Ken Bailes Kerry  Chad T. Krolczyk Gary  Maren Maclean Sunny

Tony Blosser Ensemble Theodore C. Lott, III Robert Paul Perkins David

Ryan L. Jenkins Georgia / Ensemble  Ken Love Delbert Kim Richard Sandra / Sue / Ensemble

Seth Scott Ensemble

CLICK HERE for more information on this production, which runs September 11-27

Cast announced for JUDY MOODY AND STINK: THE MAD, MAD, MAD, MAD TREASURE HUNT at Actors PLAYground Theater Company

 

CLICK HERE for more information on this production, which runs September 11-20

Flagstaff Shakespeare to present two Lauren M. Gunderson plays in their fall repertory: THE TAMING and A ROOM IN THE CASTLE

 

FLAGSHAKES TO PRESENT TWO LAUREN M. GUNDERSON PLAYS IN THEIR 2026 FALL REPERTORY: "THE TAMING" AND "A ROOM IN THE CASTLE"

Three actors. Two Plays. One Room.

Captivating, timely, and hilarious, THE TAMING and A ROOM IN THE CASTLE, both by the prolific Lauren Gunderson and directed by FlagShakes Artistic Director Amie Bjorklund, reimagine the women of Shakespeare offering powerful perspectives on their lives.

FlagShakes is proud to offer this unique opportunity for the community - two Lauren Gunderson productions presented in repertory!

With funding from the National Endowment for the Arts, THE TAMING will also feature an educational display created by local scholars and artists related to the US Constitution, and feature additional community engagement activities such as post-show talkbacks after select performances.

THE TAMING - “Loosely based on William Shakespeare’s THE TAMING OF THE SHREW, this witty, three-woman comedy invites audiences to laugh, listen, and recognize themselves in the chaos of democracy.”

A beauty pageant becomes an unlikely crossroads of ambition, ideology, and identity. Amid the glitter and spectacle, Katherine isn’t just competing for a crown, she's rewriting history. Smart, driven, and unapologetically bold, she dreams of reshaping American politics as fiercely as she chases the spotlight.

By forcing two political opponents into the same room, a tightly wound aide to a powerful conservative senator and an idealistic liberal blogger, each is forced to confront what they believe, what they fear, and who they might become.

A ROOM IN THE CASTLE - “A ROOM IN THE CASTLE reframes the women of Hamlet into a bold, heartbreaking, and unexpectedly funny drama filled with resilience and hope.”

Set entirely within Ophelia’s chamber, A ROOM IN THE CASTLE asks a pressing question: how does a woman endure the treacherous court of Denmark? Here, Ophelia, her loyal handmaid, and Queen Gertrude face the fallout of a volatile prince’s behavior and begin to grasp just how perilous life in the castle has become.

With sharp wit, piercing emotion, and music woven throughout, this modern-language play unfolds as a gripping, universal thriller—one that examines how women support one another through moments of crisis, what it means to mother a son slipping toward madness, and how generations bear responsibility for each other.

Performance Details:

THE TAMING: September 17 - October 4, 2026

A ROOM IN THE CASTLE: September 18 - October 3, 2026

Location: 11 S Beaver St #2, Flagstaff, AZ 86001

Tickets & More Information: Available online at flagshakes.org

Pay-What-You-Wish tickets available for each performance!

Cast announced for OTHER DESERT CITIES at Theatre Artists Studio

 

Brooke Wyeth / Lauren Isherwood

Polly Wyeth / Debra Rich

Lyman Wyeth / Steven Mastroieni

Silda Grauman / Vicki Ronan

Trip Wyeth / Alec Melger

CLICK HERE for more information on this production, which runs September 12-27

Studio 3 Performing Arts Academy's Fall Break Camp!

 

NEED FALL BREAK PLANS? WE’VE GOT YOU COVERED!

School’s out, but Studio 3 is OPEN for fun!

Our Fall Break Camp gives kids ages 5–12 a full day of games, crafts, music, movement, creative activities, movies, friends & more — while giving parents an affordable, flexible option for those days off school.

8:00 AM–5:30 PM

Just $50/day or $225/week

Register for ONE day, a few days, or the whole week

Ages 5–12 / K–6th Grade

THREE camp weeks to accommodate different school district breaks!

AND CAMP HAS A PURPOSE!

Fall Break Camp is also a fundraiser for our Studio 3 students traveling to Musical Theatre Competitions of America (MTCA)! If a Studio 3 student referred you, simply list their name when you register and part of your camp tuition will go toward helping them get to competition.

Your kids get a fun place to spend Fall Break. You get a full day covered. And together, we get to support some pretty amazing young performers.

Space is limited — grab your days now!

https://app.jackrabbitclass.com/regv2.asp?id=506423

Cast announced for ONCE UPON A ONE MORE TIME: HIGH SCHOOL VERSION at Greasepaint Youth Theatre

 

CLICK HERE for more information on this production, which runs September 11-20

Paradise Valley Community College's 2026/2027 Season!

2026-2027 Theatre Season

Rumors 

by Neil Simon, Directed by Gary Zaro

As their tenth wedding anniversary party commences, Charlie lies bleeding in another room, and his wife Myra is nowhere in sight. The first guests, lawyer Ken Gorman and his wife Chris, scramble to get “the story” straight before the other guests arrive. As the confusions and miscommunications mount, the evening spins off into classic farcical hilarity.

October 16, 17, 23, 24 at 7:00pm | October 18, 25 at 2:00pm

$15 adults; $12 senior; $10 staff/military/alumni; $8 students; $6 child under 12

Student Shows

Each year in our Studio Theatre we have opportunities for our students to direct, design and run One Act plays.  There is always a wonderful variety and even some original works written by the directors.  Titles will be announced by October.

November 12, 13, 14 at 7:00pm | November 15 at 2:00pm

M-East Studio Theater | Paradise Valley Community College

$10 adults; $8 seniors; $8 staff/military/alumni; $6 students; $5 child under 12

At the Door Price: $2 added to all ticket prices

Zombie Prom 

Book and Lyrics by John Dempsey, Music by Dana P. Rowe, Adapted by Marc Tumminelli, and Based on a story by John Dempsey and Hugh M. Murphy

Directed by Andrea Robertson

Set in the atomic 1950’s at Enrico Fermi High, Toffee has fallen for the class bad boy, but family pressure forces her to end the romance, causing him to charge off on his motorcycle to the nuclear waste dump. He returns from the dead still wanting to graduate, but most of all he wants to take Toffee to the prom. The principal orders him to drop dead while a scandal reporter seizes on him as the freak du jour. History comes to his rescue while a tuneful selection of original songs in the style of 50s hits keeps the action rocking across the stage.

April 16, 17, 23, 24 at 7p; April 18, 25 at 2p,  Studio Theatre

$20 adults; $15 seniors; $12 staff/military/alumni; $10 students; $8 child under 12

At the Door Price: $2 added to all ticket prices

Murder Ahoy

by Craig Sodaro

Directed by Andrea Robertson

Ahoy, mystery fans! Book passage on the Titan, a cruise ship headed for the grave of the Titanic, where it hopes to bring up artifacts for auction. But when romance goes sour and the very wealthy and demanding Blake Witherspoon is murdered, a new course must be chartered. The social director tries to steer passengers back to having fun, but Tara Dawn DePue, a detective and antique dealer, decides to solve the crime. With the captain too sick to help, the audience and crew must try to find out who killed Witherspoon before the killer strikes again. Audience members stay involved throughout as they participate in a trivia contest and crossword puzzle, look for clues, bid on auctioned items, help stop a suspect from escaping and even carry a "body" offstage! 

June 18, 19, 25, 26 at 7:00pm | June 20, 27 at 2:00pm

$10 adults; $8 seniors; $8 staff/military/alumni; $6 students; $5 child under 12

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

WEEK AT A GLANCE: September 7-September 13, 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:

JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT 

TheaterWorks 

August 28, 2026 - September 13, 2026

THE PROM 

Arizona Broadway Theatre 

August 21–September 13, 2026

LIMITED RUN:

THE LEGEND OF ROBIN HOOD 

Ronin Theatre Collaborative 

September 10-September 13, 2026

OPENING:

TUCK EVERLASTING 

Actor's Youth Theatre 

September 9-19, 2026

ONCE UPON A ONE MORE TIME: HIGH SCHOOL VERSION 

Greasepaint Youth Theatre 

September 11-20, 2026

JUDY MOODY AND STINK: THE MAD, MAD, MAD, MAD TREASURE HUNT 

Actors PLAYground Theater Company 

September 11-20, 2026

TUCK EVERLASTING 

Spotlight Youth Theatre 

September 11 – 27, 2026

OTHER DESERT CITIES 

Theatre Artists Studio 

September 12- 27, 2026

THE EXONERATED 

Black Theatre Troupe 

September 11 - 27, 2026

COME FROM AWAY 

Fountain Hills Theater 

September 11 – October 4, 2026

STILL PLAYING:

MURDER FOR TWO 

The Phoenix Theatre Company 

August 26, 2026–September 20, 2026

CATCH ME IF YOU CAN 

Hale Centre Theatre 

August 21-October 3, 2026

LES MISERABLES 

The Phoenix Theatre Company 

July 15-October 18, 2026

OPENING SOON: 

THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA 

ASU Gammage 

September 16– October 4, 2026

MADAGASCAR KIDS 

Desert Foothills Theater 

September 17-20, 2026

SHE LOVES ME 

Don Bluth Front Row Theatre

September 17-October 31, 2026

HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON THE MUSICAL JR. 

East Valley Children's Theatre 

September 18–27, 2026

THE NERD 

Order Chaos Theater Company 

September 18 - October 4, 2026

Applications for SHREK THE MUSICAL at Musical Theatre Alliance of Arizona due by September 25

Call for Applications: SHREK THE MUSICAL

Rehearsals: November 1-6, 2026

Performance: November 7, 2026

Apply now to join the cast of MTAA's Showcase: SHREK THE MUSICAL! The application deadline for leads or featured roles is September 25.

Visit the link below for more information and to apply!

https://forms.gle/PRG9GKQZxAN8uYp66

About MTAA

The Musical Theatre Alliance of Arizona provides a unique opportunity for theatre lovers to engage in musical performance without a large time commitment, much like a pick-up game in the world of sports. Our programs foster collaboration, allowing community members to participate in high-quality presentations of Broadway music. Through inclusive events, MTAA enables performers of all kinds to share their talents and experience the excitement of live theatre.

About Showcase

Showcase events are MTAA’s fast-paced productions that bring Broadway musicals to life in just one weekend. Designed for busy performers, these events combine minimal rehearsal with maximum impact, featuring a full cast, chorus, and orchestra. Showcase captures the magic of live theater, offering participants a chance to shine in professional-quality performances while sharing their love of musical theater with an enthusiastic audience. Every show features a brand new cast and pit orchestra!

About the Show

When a solitary ogre’s swamp is suddenly overrun by fairy tale refugees, Shrek demands his space back—only to be sent on a reluctant quest by Lord Farquaad. Joined by an overly talkative Donkey, he sets out to rescue Princess Fiona and return to the life he knows. What begins as a simple deal quickly unravels into a journey filled with surprises, complications, and shifting alliances. Based on the hit film, this stage version leans into comedy and spectacle while expanding the relationships at its core. As Shrek, Fiona, and Donkey collide in increasingly unexpected ways, the story challenges assumptions about identity, appearance, and belonging—revealing that people are rarely what the world assumes them to be.

Applications are always free; participation fee is $30. We ask for this contribution directly after casting to confirm your role/chair.

Email us at communications@theatricallyaz.org for more information.