Tuesday, June 23, 2026

Auditions for COFFEE MIXED WITH CREAM at Fountain Hills Theater announced for July 2 & 3



COFFEE MIXED WITH CREAM
By Elias Matthews 

WHERE:       Fountain Hills Theater
11445 N Saguaro Blvd., Fountain Hills, AZ 85268

WHEN:         Thursday, July 2 and Friday, July 3, at 6:00pm
Callbacks, if required, Tuesday, July 7, at 7:00pm

HOW: Audition sign up 480-837-9661 X 3 or fhtaz.org/auditions

Fountain Hills Theater announces the auditions for the play Coffee Mixed With Cream.

Daniel struggles with the pressure of opening a new play. When everyone in his life tries to help, it makes it even more stressful. After the show becomes a hit, he has to deal with the ramifications… Coffee Mixed With Cream explores identity, biracial relationships, and struggling to accept love from the ones you hold dear. This marks the world premiere of this play by local playwright Elias Matthews.
 
Coffee Mixed With Cream will play August 21 – Aug 30, 2026.  Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30pm and Sundays at 2pm. All performances take place at Fountain Hills Theater, 11445 N Saguaro Blvd, Fountain Hills, AZ 85268. Reservations: (480) 837-9661 x3 or visit fhtaz.org.  Individual tickets are $40.00 for adults and $18.00 for youth 17 and under.

Auditions will be held Thursday, July 2nd and Friday, July 3rd at 6:00pm.  Callbacks (if required) will be held Tuesday, July 7th at 7:00pm. Casting roles for ages 18+. Visit fhtaz.org to sign up and for full details. You can also submit a video audition. Call 480-837-9661 x3 for questions or additional information. Auditions take place at Fountain Hills Theater, 11445 N. Saguaro Blvd. Fountain Hills AZ 85268.

Auditioners should complete the digital audition form available at the FHT website fhtaz.org and bring a headshot and resume, if not already submitted via the website audition link.  Auditioners are asked to prepare a 1- to 2-minute previously published monologue. 

Early video auditions - which must be submitted prior to July 3 – may be submitted via the link on the FHT website and can substitute for appearing at the regular auditions.  The video should include a 1-2 minute monologue.  The video should be uploaded with a headshot and resume (if available). However, if chosen from a video audition, candidates will be required to appear in person at the callbacks.  

FHT seeks to include persons of every race, color, culture, age, gender, creed, physical disability, and sexual orientation. Character ages are not set in stone and all roles are open to all ethnicities unless otherwise stated.  Actors should consider roles if they feel they can represent the characters and age range listed.


CASTING FOR:

DANIEL - Mixed White-Presenting (Black/White), 20s. Confused, blind, and desperate.
*DANIEL can also be played by a tan-white or light skin black actor.

ANDREA - White, 20s. Supportive, scared, and hopeful. Daniel’s girlfriend.

GRACE - White, Late 30s-40s. Loving, funny, and confident. Daniel’s mother.

TARIQ - Black, Late 30s-40s. Funny, scared, and trying. Daniel’s father.

ROSE - White, 30s-60s. Kind, desperate, and honest.

KAYLA – Person of Color, 30s-40s. Headstrong, divisive, and accurate.

“Coffee Mixed with Cream” is presented through special arrangement with Elias Matthews


Mosaic Desert Theatre to offer a season of immersive and theatrical productions

From our friends at Mosaic Desert Theatre:
 
MOSAIC DESERT THEATRE invites you to Step Into The Story. 

After seven years of building immersive original theatrical experiences through The Murder Mystery Players of Casa Grande, Mosaic Desert Theatre is stepping into an exciting new chapter.

Based in Casa Grande, Arizona, Mosaic Desert Theatre is an Arizona nonprofit theatre company dedicated to creating interactive, engaging, and professional community-driven theatrical experiences. Through original productions, immersive theatre, educational programming, workshops, convention appearances, and special events, Mosaic offers audiences unique opportunities to experience live theatre in a variety of settings.

Mosaic Desert Theatre specializes in original, audience-engaged theatrical experiences that blend traditional performance with interactive storytelling. A hallmark of the company's work is the development of original productions and interactive murder mysteries written in-house, allowing Mosaic to create distinctive experiences tailored to its audiences! 

Our work has been featured at major events including Phoenix Fan Fusion, Tucson Comic-Con, museums, community venues, private events, and theatrical spaces across the state.

The name Mosaic reflects the company's mission: bringing together diverse theatrical experiences, artists, and audiences to create something greater than the sum of its parts. Through traditional productions, original works, immersive storytelling, educational programming, and interactive events, Mosaic Desert Theatre creates engaging opportunities for communities across Arizona to experience the arts in meaningful and memorable ways.

As we continue growing, we are thrilled to launch our first full season at the historic Paramount Theatre in Casa Grande.

Upcoming Events:

Step Into the Story: Interactive Theatre Workshop 

July 18, 2026 A free community workshop designed for adults interested in acting, storytelling, improvisation, character development, stage presence, and immersive theatre.



"Mic Dropped" 

September 26, 2026 

Mosaic Desert Theatre's official season debut. This original interactive dinner theatre murder mystery experience invites audiences into a world of comedy, mystery, and audience participation. Can you figure out whodunit? 


A Christmas Carol: Spirits, Sweets, and Scrooge 
December 12-13, 2026 

A festive holiday production that reimagines a timeless classic with Mosaic's signature storytelling style.

Tickets will go on sale in July 

In addition to our public productions, Mosaic Desert Theatre continues to provide private entertainment experiences, educational programming, convention performances, and community partnerships throughout Arizona.

This is more than a new season. It is the next step in a journey seven years in the making, and we are excited to introduce Mosaic Desert Theatre to audiences across Arizona.

Follow along as we continue to expand opportunities for performers, storytellers, and audiences to truly step into the story.

Social media 


Instagram 


TikTok 


Our Website - Work in Progress, but Live

Audition Submissions for MAN OF LA MANCHA at Arizona Musicfest due by July 19


Musicfest Theatricals | ‘Man of La Mancha’ Audition Notice and Information
Performing at the Herberger Theater Center Oct 23-25, 2026

Audition Deadline: Sunday, July 19

Continuing the success of Ragtime and Carousel, Arizona Musicfest has created a new creative arm to their 35-year history of presenting concerts in the Valley with self-produced theatrical concert experiences. Introducing Musicfest Theatricals. The artistic team led by Music Director and Conductor, Josh Condon, and Stage Director, Mark Stoddard, is seeking a dedicated and diverse cast of multitalented performers for our theatrical concert production of Man of La Mancha. Featuring a 17-piece orchestra onstage, this production will include staging, costumes, and essential scenic elements. 

While Arizona Musicfest is not offering Actors’ Equity Association contracts for this engagement, the concert format permits participation by both Equity and non-union performers. Arizona Musicfest brings in guest Broadway notables to play the principal roles, but all supporting, ensemble, and principal understudy roles will be cast locally.

Rehearsals will take place from September 14 – October 17, 2026 with final rehearsals at the Herberger Theater Center the week of October 19. Performances will be October 23 – 25.

Musicfest is accepting audition materials through Sunday, July 19, 2026


 

Review Highlights: EVIL DEAD, THE MUSICAL - Fountain Hills Theater

Daisha Hill and Grant West
Photo by Patty Torrilhon
 
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 June 28

"The 1980s saw dozens of low budget horror films that went on to be huge hits. One of those, 1981's The Evil Dead, became a cult classic that inspired several sequels, TV shows, and even comic books and video games. It also was turned into a stage musical, aptly named Evil Dead The Musical. The creators wisely chose not to attempt to make the musical adaptation as horrifying as the film, since attempting to create horror on stage isn't an easy task, instead making it a campy, satirical lovefest to the original film and its two sequels. Fountain Hills Theater's production features a cast who throw themselves into the humorous onstage shenanigans, along with smart direction and wonderful creative elements, resulting in a comical and joyful two-hour romp that fans of the films and musical comedies are sure to enjoy."   - Gil Benbrook, TalkinBroadway.com (click here to read the complete review)

Your first look at SEUSSICAL, JR at Actor's Youth Theatre










Photos by Jamie Jacobs

This production runs through Friday, June 26th. 

Tickets available at aytaz.org/tickets

Auditions for PERFECT ARRANGEMENT at B3 Theater announced for June 26


Perfect Arrangement by Topher Payne 
Directed by Sarah White
Stage Manager: Rob Littlefield 

Inspired by the true story of the earliest stirrings of the gay rights movement, Perfect Arrangement merges madcap sitcom-style laughs with provocative drama as two closeted U.S. State Department employees struggle to maintain their cover – and their sanity – in 1950s America.

Monday, June 22, 2026

Your first look at the National Tour of DISNEY'S BEAUTY AND THE BEAST











photos by Matthew Murphy

Review Highlights: SHREK THE MUSICAL - Valley Youth Theatre

Erick Resendiz Jr., Jayvin Sumler, and Lucy Glow
Photo by Jenny Kaufman
 
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 June 28

"Shrek The Musical is the perfect example of a musical that didn't have a long Broadway run but has gone on to be a huge hit for regional theatre companies and schools across the country. Based on the series of animated films that started in 2001 and the 1991 book by William Steig, Shrek The Musical is a zany comedy with an upbeat score that also has a positive message about the importance of being yourself and that beauty can be found in all shapes and sizes. With fantastic leads and winning creative elements, Valley Youth Theatre's production is yet another example of the high caliber of shows this Phoenix staple continues to present."   - Gil Benbrook, TalkinBroadway.com (click here to read the complete review)

WEEK AT A GLANCE: June 22-June 28, 2026

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



LIMITED RUN:

LET'S ROCK: FROM TUPAC TO SHAKESPEARE - New Carpa Theatre Company - June 27-28, 2026

 
On Saturday and Sunday, June 27-28, New Carpa presents "Let's Rock: From Tupac to Shakespeare."

Visionary Phoenix cultural arts leader Rod Ambrose and director James E. Garcia invite you to experience the transformative melding of spoken word and live theater as part of Let’s Rock: From Shakespeare to Tupac. This vibrant “word music” showcase creates a dramatic tapestry of voices and movement, bridging the classical traditions of Shakespeare and the raw, urban poetry of Tupac Shakur with the work of some of the greatest Black poets of the ages. 

Let’s Rock…is more than a performance; it’s a tribute to language as a force for change!

Tickets are $29 and on sale at asukerr.com or by calling the box office at 480-596-2660.

About New Carpa:

New Carpa Theater Co. was founded in 2002 by Producing Artistic Director James E. Garcia. Mr. Garcia is the author of more than 35 plays, including Voices of Valor, The Life and Times of Raul H. Castro, The Moment, Post 41, Ghostdance Messiah, and the upcoming works: Forget The Alamo, Our Civil War and Pyg. Garcia’s short play, The Crossing, won the Kennedy Center Award for Best Short Play in 2006. In the summer/fall of 2025 a one act play, New Carpa Theater Co. staged The Moment, about an African American family and the issues highlighting the final year of the 2008 campaign for the U.S. presidency and the first African American presidential family to walk through the doors at the White House. 

To learn more about New Carpa Theater Co., visit www.newcarpa.org.

Saturday, June 20, 2026

Auditions Submissions due by June 30 for HEAVEN UNDER SEIGE presented by Go & Shepherd Productions and NextGen Creatives


Heaven Under Siege© (Live Musical Stage Play)
Presented by Go & Shepherd Productions & NextGen Creatives Organization. 

Playwright: Kimberly Smith
Composers/ Lyricists include:
Angelique Dauvin, Billie Higgins, Kaylen Howard, Ian Elder, Nicole Larsen, and Eli Rolfe 

Production Overview
A high-energy, heart-stirring live musical stage play featuring 11 Broadway-caliber original songs, dynamic choreography, and powerful, emotionally rich storytelling. This is the first-ever live stage production from the creator of Heaven’s Adventures.

Overview
When a spirited 6-year-old pastor's kid falls asleep frustrated over a lost video game, she is plunged into a 1711 pirate dreamscape where she must choose between claiming a legendary buried treasure or sacrificing it to save her captured best friend.

The Story
The Catalyst: After losing her digital "treasure" in a video game, young Heaven is comforted by her father, who teaches her that true treasure is stored in the heart (Matthew 6:19–21). Unconvinced, Heaven drifts to sleep.
The Adventure: Heaven and her best friend Carlos awaken in a vivid 1711 dreamscape, sailing the high seas in search of buried treasure.
The Conflict: The notorious pirate Meanbeard and his crew hijack their ship and capture Carlos. Heaven is forced to face an ultimate choice: hold onto her hard-earned loot or surrender it to save her friend.
The Theme: A profound, family-friendly message about faith, friendship, sacrifice, and discovering where true treasure lies.

Submission Requirements & Guidelines

Who We Are Seeking

We are casting teen and young adult actors for all roles in this production. Seeking dynamic, high-energy performers with exceptional vocal ability and strong movement/choreography skills for a Broadway-caliber score.

Submission Requirements & Production Details

What to Submit

Please include the following materials in your digital submission packet:
Photo: recent photo.
Resume: Acting resume or a brief summary of your performance experience.
Video Introduction: A 30–60 second video introducing yourself.
Acting Clip: 1 short acting clip or a self-tape utilizing a side from our script.
Vocal Submission (For Musical Roles): 30–60 seconds of singing (contemporary musical theatre or inspirational pop preferred).
Availability: A list of any known scheduling conflicts during the rehearsal and performance windows.

Rehearsal & Performance Commitment

Performers must have open availability for the following dates and locations (Local hire only).
Rehearsals Begin: July 2026
o Frequency: Approximately 3 times per week, Tuesday, Thursday evenings and Saturdays (mid-morning), with additional mandatory rehearsals during tech week.
o Location: Tentatively at the Pyle Adult Recreation Center (655 E Southern Ave, Tempe, AZ 85282) but could potentially move elsewhere. 
Tech, Dress, & Performance Dates: September 21st  thru 24th. Show dates: September 25 thru 26, 2026
o Location: Third Street Theater (1202 N 3rd St, Phoenix, AZ 85004)
 Note: Please disclose all known scheduling conflicts at the exact time of your submission.

Compensation
This is a stipend-based community production.
Cast members will receive a guaranteed stipend.
Stipend amounts vary based on role size, rehearsal commitment, and performance responsibilities.
Exact stipend details will be discussed prior to final casting and formal actor agreements.

Media, Video, & Promotional Release

Because this production relies heavily on community support, sponsorship, and ticket sales, 
promotional media is a vital part of our process.

Promotional Participation: Cast members will be asked to participate in short, scheduled promotional videos throughout the rehearsal process (e.g., singing clips, character introductions, behind-the-scenes footage, and show invitations). All content will be edited with discretion to promote the show in a positive, family-friendly way.

The Fine Print: By submitting, the Actor grants the Producer permission to photograph, film, record, and capture the Actor’s image, voice, likeness, and performance. These materials may be used for promotional; marketing, fundraising, archival, social media, and press purposes related to the production without additional compensation.

Social Sharing: Cast members are highly encouraged (though not required) to share approved promotional content from the production’s official pages!
How to Submit
Please submit your complete audition packet via email. Incomplete submissions may not be reviewed.

Email Submissions To: info@heavenundersiege.com

Subject Line Format: Please use this exact format so your submission is categorized correctly:
[Your Full Name] – Heaven Under Siege Submission – [Role of Interest/Ensemble]

Submission Deadline: June 30, by 5:00 PM MST.

Submission Checklist
Ensure your email includes the following 6 items:
1.  Photo: Attached headshot or recent clear photo (JPEG or PDF).
2.  Resume: Attached theater resume or a brief summary of your experience (PDF).
3.  Video Intro: A link to your 30–60 second video introduction.
4.  Acting Clip: A link to your short acting clip or script self-tape.
5.  Vocal Clip (If applicable): A link to your 30–60 second singing clip.
6.  Conflicts: List any known scheduling conflicts between July 18th and September 26, 2026, directly in the body of the email.

Note on Videos: Please upload your video files to YouTube or Vimeo and provide the links in your email. Ensure video permissions are set to "Unlisted" or "Public" so our casting team can view them.
 

Character Breakdown

Important Casting Note: All roles in this production—including the characters of 6-year-old children—will be played by experienced teens and adult actors.
 
An asterisk (*) indicates the role has solo or featured sung lines.

The Leads

*HEAVEN | Female | African American | Stage Age: 6
The Character: A whirlwind of energy, brains, and fearlessness. She is obsessed with video games, adventurous, and completely undaunted by adversity. Think *"Dora the Explorer" meets "Indiana Jones."*Always moving, striking "heroic" poses, and pointing with her sword.
Performance Note: The actor must play the stakes as 100% real. To Heaven, losing a video game feels like the absolute end of the world, which makes her ultimate sacrifice of the real treasure in Scene 7 incredibly powerful.

*DAD / BARNACLE BOB | Male | African American | Stage Age: Adult
The Character: Heaven’s caring father and the ultimate anchor of the show. Calm, warm, and deeply musical. (Will double as Barnacle Bob in the pirate ensemble).
Performance Note: He shouldn't sound like he's lecturing; he should sound like he's sharing a wonderful secret. His featured song needs to feel like a warm hug for the audience.

*CARLOS | Male | Hispanic | Stage Age: 6
The Character: Heaven’s loyal, adventurous, and slightly more grounded best friend—the "Watson" to her "Sherlock." He provides brilliant comedy as the "voice of reason" who gets swept up in Heaven's chaos.
Language Requirement: Must be bilingual (English/Spanish). His bilingualism shouldn't feel like a lesson; it should feel like his natural reaction when he’s excited or scared.
Key Physicality: Expressive "scared" faces; clutches the treasure map like it’s a security blanket.

 The "Pirate Scum" Crew: Comedy & Threat
The ensemble drives the high-energy "volume" of the show. When a song is happening, the crew is actively "living" in the world—swabbing decks, playing dice, or reacting to Meanbeard's antics.

*MEANBEARD (Captain) | Male | Caucasian | Stage Age: Adult
The Character: A grumpy, loud, bossy, sneaky, and fiercely greedy pirate captain with a serious flatulence problem. He struts like he owns the ocean with a wide, swaggering "pirate" walk.
The Vibe: A comically "gross" villain. Think a mix of Captain Hook and a grumpy bulldog.
Performance Note: Needs an over-the-top voice and massive energy. Regarding his trademark flatulence: he should act like he doesn't even notice he's doing it or be unashamedly proud of it. Requires dramatic reactions to his own digestive issues.

THE DYNAMIC DUO (Greasy & Pennylickin)
The classic comedic pair (tall/thin and short/round trope). They finish each other's sentences and bicker constantly.

GREASY | Male | Any Ethnicity | Stage Age: Adult
o The Character: Lanky, sloppy, clumsy, often confused, and talks with a slow, sleepy drawl.
o Key Physicality: A "sleepy" physicality. Everything he touches should "get greasy" in the audience's imagination.

PENNYLICKIN | Male | Any Ethnicity | Stage Age: Adult
o The Character: Small, twitchy, high-strung, and constantly hungry. He tries to avoid work but always ends up doing the most. He secretly dreams of starting a bakery.
o Key Physicality: Highly twitchy, constantly "tasting" and licking the scenery or props.

PEG-LEG PETE | Male | Any Ethnicity | Stage Age: Adult
o The Character: Meanbeard’s right-hand man. Bold, scrappy, rough around the edges, with a permanent scowl. He slams his wooden leg with authority whether it's needed or not.
o Performance Note: His "prancing" backstory gives the actor a fantastic opportunity for brief, hilarious dance moves.

MAD-EYE MILLIE (The Mystic) | Female | Any Ethnicity | Stage Age: Adult
o The Character: A wild-eyed, eccentric, and mysterious pirate who is a master of maps and riddles.
o Performance Note: She is the only pirate who seems to "know" they are in a dream/play. Speaks in a slightly different rhythm than the others, providing a magical "bridge" between the audience and the story.

SCURVY SUE (The Enforcer) | Female | Any Ethnicity | Stage Age: Adult
o The Character: Sharp eye, sharper tongue, and watches absolutely everything. She is the best sword fighter in the group, keeping the men in line with sharp movements and a stern glare. Requires strong movement/dance skills.

TOOTHLESS TIM | Male | Any Ethnicity | Stage Age: Young Adult / Adult
o The Character: A young pirate wearing an eye patch who is always munching on candy. He grins widely despite missing a few teeth. He adds a layer of humor and slight unpredictability by loudly laughing at all the wrong moments—especially when things get dangerous.


Wednesday, June 17, 2026

New Artistic Leadership Team announced for Musical Theatre Alliance of Arizona


 
As Musical Theatre Alliance of Arizona continues to grow, we're excited to introduce the Artistic Leadership Team (ALT), the group responsible for helping guide the organization's artistic vision. The ALT brings together three leaders whose involvement with MTAA spans nearly its entire history. Each first joined the organization as a participant before taking on expanded artistic and volunteer leadership responsibilities over time. Together, they have contributed as performers, conductors, directors, educators, collaborators, and advocates—helping shape not only what happens on stage, but the culture and community behind it.

Leading the team as Artistic & Music Director is Dylan Suehiro. Dylan's MTAA journey began with a casual sing-through before joining the orchestra for Titanic. Since then, he has served as a conductor, board member, Communications Director, and organizational leader, helping guide MTAA through a period of significant growth and transition.




Joining him as Vocal Director is Robyn Pitman, who first became involved with MTAA through its inaugural audience production, Sweeney Todd, and has since contributed as a performer and music leader across nearly every chapter of the organization's history. Robyn is passionate about helping singers create meaningful musical work in an environment that values both artistry and belonging.

Serving as Staging Director is Kerri Christie, who has been part of MTAA since the organization's very first meeting. As a performer, director, committee member, and enthusiastic advocate, Kerri has helped build the welcoming and collaborative culture that defines the MTAA experience.

Together, the Artistic Leadership Team reflects a simple idea: the people who help build MTAA should help shape its future. We invite you to learn more about Dylan, Robyn, Kerri, and the Artistic Leadership Team by visiting TheatricallyAZ.org.


Auditions for THE PROM, PIPPIN, MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET and MY FAIR LADY at Arizona Broadway Theatre announced for June 29


Arizona Broadway Theatre is holding a local in-person audition call on MONDAY, JUNE 29, 2026 for various roles in our upcoming productions of The Prom, Pippin, Miracle on 34th Street, and My Fair Lady. Only non-Equity actors will be considered.

We will be scheduling vocal appointments on Monday, June 29th between 5:00p – 9:00p. No dance call will be held at this time.

The Prom: Rehearsals begin July 31, 2026. Runs from August 21 through September 13, 2026.

Pippin: Rehearsals begin September 12, 2026. Runs from October 2 through November 8, 2026.

Miracle on 34th Street: Rehearsals begin Oct. 31, 2026. Runs from Nov. 20 through Dec. 27, 2026.

My Fair Lady: Rehearsals begin December 27, 2026. Runs from January 15 through February 21, 2027.

Audition Details:
Date: Monday, June 29th, 2026
Time: 5:00p – 9:00p (by appointment only)
Location:
Arizona Broadway Theatre
7701 W. Paradise Lane
Peoria, AZ  85382

The typical production schedule includes daytime rehearsals Tuesday through Sunday. Mondays are dark days. Tech rehearsals include two 10/12-hour days the weekend before opening. Tech week shifts to afternoon and evening rehearsals. Shows generally perform up to 8 shows per week, usually with at least one weekday matinee per week.

To apply for an audition appointment, please submit your headshot and resume directly to auditions@azbroadway.org and be sure to put your name and LOCAL AUDITION in the subject line.

If selected, you will be contacted to schedule an appointment time for that evening. You will need to prepare two (2) contrasting vocal selections (16 bars each) and have sheet music prepared for the accompanist. No a capella auditions will be allowed. Please be prepared to list any conflicts for the time frames listed above.

Your first look at SHREK at Valley Youth Theatre











photos by Jenny Kaufman