Tuesday, September 29, 2026

Performances announced for 2026 ariZoni Theatre Awards of Excellence


The ariZoni Theatre Association has announced the theatres performing at this year's Zoni Awards Celebration

Theatres performing:

Youth Ceremony:
Chandler Youth Theatre - The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical "Bring on the Monsters"
Spotlight Youth Theatre - Something Rotten! "A Musical"
Velvet Curtain - Bring it On "What I Was Born to Do"

Adult Ceremony:
Almost Famous Theatre Company - Come from Away "Finale"
B3 Theater - The Guy Who Didn't Like Musicals "La De Da Da Day"
Fountain Hills Theater - Evil Dead, the Musical - "Cabin in the Woods"


Over 210 productions from more than 37 theatre companies were adjudicated in both the Adult and Youth categories, showcasing the incredible talent and dedication within our community. This annual event celebrates excellence in Arizona theatre to honor the hard work and creativity of our local theatre artists.

The 2025/2026 ariZoni Theatre Awards ceremony will take place on Tuesday, October 6th at the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts. The Youth ceremony will begin at 5:30pm, followed by the Adult ceremony at 8:00pm. 


Nominees have the option to call into the Scottsdale Arts box office at 480-499-8587 to secure preferred seating toward the front of the auditorium. The box office will have a list of nominee names and is open Wednesday through Saturday from 11 a.m.–5 p.m.

This year's event is generously supported by presenting sponsor, Queen Creek Performing Arts Center, with additional support from Actor's PLAYground Theatre Company, Greasepaint Youth Theatre/Scottsdale Community Players, and Ghostlight Theatre. The 2026 ariZoni Awards have been made possible, in part, through assistance from Scottsdale Arts.

Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of a night that honors the vibrant Arizona theatre community and congratulations to this year's Zoni nominees!

Standard Ticket Pricing for ALL SEATS (plus ticket fees):
• Student / Youth (18 and Under) : $21
• Adult (19 and Up) : $24


Review Highlights: THE NERD - Order Chaos Theater Company

Nat Tilden and Nick Philips
Photo by Jason Walz, Fourth Wall Photo Studio

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 October 4

"Larry Shue's The Nerd is a hilarious yet good-natured comedy that gets plenty of mileage from an increasingly outrageous situation. With a cast more than up to the challenges of Shue's zany script, and smart direction that leans into the wacky side of the plot and its eccentric characters, Order Chaos Theater Company's production embraces the play's larger-than-life humor while maintaining the warmth underneath....The cast is great. Nick Philips finds the humor in Rick Steadman's obliviousness without simply turning him into a cartoon character or a buffoon. Philips also fully commits to the character's bizarre behavior and obnoxious ways, delivering a performance that's wacky yet also endearing and creating a character he manages to make entirely lovable. Nat Tilden gives Willum Cubbert, the successful but somewhat socially awkward architect whose life is turned upside down by Rick's arrival, an appealing mixture of decency and exasperation which makes his growing frustration easy to identify with and understand."   - Gil Benbrook, TalkinBroadway.com (click here to read the complete review)

Auditions for TITLE OF SHOW at Phoenix College announced for October 7 & 8

 
Email christina.marin@phoenixcollege.edu for more information

Monday, September 28, 2026

Arizona Musical Theater Academy's October 2026 Classes!

 
We have a lot of fun classes and some INCREDIBLE GUEST TEACHERS! 

DELANEY SPANKO (ABT's PROM, and PIPPIN) will be back teaching Tap and Musical Theater Dance

JORDAN LINTON (ABT's PIPPIN) will be guest teaching TAP and MT dance

JONATHAN GRUBB former PHOENIX SUNS DANCER and DUNKER will return to teach TAP and HIP HOP!

RENEE KOHER (National Tour of The Addams Family) will be teaching ballet at the end of the month

All skill levels are welcome!! 

Orange and White Modern Dance Class Carousel Instagram Post.png


TO REGISTER PLEASE EMAIL 
  • STUDENTS NAME
  • CLASS/LEVEL YOU WISH TO ATTEND

LOCATION
PHOENIX DANCE STUDIOS
24850 N 19th Ave 
#103
Phoenix, AZ 85085


CLASSES:

BALLET FUNDAMENTALS (OCTOBER 11th, 18th and 25th)

TIME: 
5pm-6pm 
Ages 8+
COST: $20

INSTRUCTOR: LAURIE (Oct. 11th and 18th) RENEE (Oct. 25th)
This class is geared toward students who are looking to improve their ballet vocabulary and focus on their technique  and ballet skills. Ballet is the BASE of any other dance practice and imperative in the Musical Theater world. Class will include a group warmup, ballet bar, across the floor and center practice. 

HIP HOP (OCTOBER 11th)

TIME: 
7pm-8pm
AGES 8+
COST: $20

INSTRUCTOR: JONATHAN 
Hip Hop has made a huge appearance in contemporary musical theater from Hamilton to Sponge Bob, &Juliet and so many more. In this class students will explore the fundamentals and technique of Hip Hop dance. Class will consist of a warmup, technique work and a fun combination to put it all together. 


TAP FUNDAMENTALS (OCTOBER 11th, 18th, 25th)

TIME: 
6pm-7pm
AGES 8+
COST: $20

INSTRUCTOR: JONATHAN (Oct. 11th) JORDAN (Oct. 18th) DELANEY (Oct. 25th)
Students will grow their tap vocabulary and focus on the clarity of their sounds and technique. Learning the popular steps found in musical theater choreography. Class will include a warmup, technique work and a short tap combo. 

 
MUSICAL THEATER DANCE CLASS (OCTOBER 18th and 25th)

TIME: 
7pm-8pm
AGES 8+
COST: $20 per class 

INSTRUCTOR:  JORDAN (18th) DELANEY (25th)
Students will continue to grow their dance vocabulary and stage presence as they learn a high energy musical theater combo each week. Class will consist of warmup, technique work and Musical theater combo. 

Audtions for A CHRISTMAS CAROL: THE MUSICAL at Fountain Hills Theater announced for October 17 & 18

 
A Christmas Carol: The Musical
Directed by Peter J. Hill
Musically Directed By Jay Melberg

A Christmas Carol: The Musical at Fountain Hills Theater

AUDITION DATES:
Saturday, October 17 at 12:00pm and Sunday, October 18 at 6:00pm
Callbacks (if required) Tuesday, October 20 at 7:00pm
Rehearsals Begin Sunday, October 25

PRODUCTION DATES:
December 4 – 20, 2026
Performances Thursday, Friday, Saturday at 7:30pm and Sunday at 2pm

Our Original Holiday Musical in the Noël Irick & Peter J. Hill Playhouse

A miserly and miserable man, Ebenezer Scrooge greets each Christmas with a “bah humbug,” until he is visited one Christmas Eve by the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Christmas Present and Christmas Future. Through a restless night, the spirits show him happy memories from his past, cruel realities from the present and the grim future should he continue his cantankerous ways. With an award-winning musical adaptation by Fountain Hills Theater’s Artistic Director, Peter J. Hill, Scrooge’s story of redemption remains as powerful and uplifting as it ever was.

To audition:
Auditioners are asked to sing 16- 32 bars of a song that best shows off their voice and range. An accompanist is provided. No recorded accompaniment, please. Please dress for dance audition following. Auditioners should be prepared with a short monologue if requested.

Auditions for MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET at Arizona Broadway Theatre announced for October 5

 
Arizona Broadway Theatre is holding a local in-person audition call on MONDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2026, for various roles in our upcoming productions of Miracle on 34th Street. Only non-Equity actors will be considered. Artists MUST be available for all rehearsal and performance dates.

We will be scheduling vocal appointments on Monday, October 5th between 6:30p – 8:00p. No dance call will be held at this time.

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

Audition Details:
Date: Monday, October 5th, 2026
Time: 6:30p – 8:00p (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 rehearsals shift 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.

Review Highlights: SHE LOVES ME - Don Bluth Front Row Theatre

Cody DeLisa, Reece Harris, Meg Faraoni, Katie Allen, Hector Coris,
Isaac Greenland, and Clay Sanderson
Photo by Mark Gluckman
 
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 October 31

"The comical, charming, and romantic elements that have made She Loves Me such a beloved musical comedy since it debuted over 60 years ago are on full display in Don Bluth Front Row Theatre's extremely likable production. Warmly directed and well cast, the musical captures the sweetness and humor, as well as the many complications of falling in love with a wonderfully appealing ensemble of actors who play the comical characters surrounding the show's central romantic couple. The result is a production that entirely embraces the show's old-fashioned charm."   - Gil Benbrook, TalkinBroadway.com (click here to read the complete review)

Save on tickets for WITCH at Theatre Artists Studio

 

WEEK AT A GLANCE: September 28-October 4, 2026

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






CLOSING:




LIMITED RUN:



STILL PLAYING:







Sunday, September 27, 2026

Cast announced for PIPPIN at Arizona Broadway Theatre

 




Immediate casting notice: youth actor needed for IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE at Don Bluth Front Row Theatre

 
AUDITIONS | IMMEDIATE CASTING!

Do you know an amazing up and coming youth male actor? Young Harry/Tommy Bailey (Age 6-9) needed for IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE - award-winning annual holiday classic. Performances Nov 19-Dec 23 | Stipend $350-$400

Email interest with headshot (or just a photo!) & acting resume (if have one) to: info@donbluthfrontrowtheatre.com 

Friday, September 25, 2026

BEYOND TYPE: A CABARET - The Bridge Initiative - October 5, 2026

 
Beyond Type: A Cabaret
Monday, October 5 @ 7pm (preshow song share 6:30pm)  

Co-presented by The Bridge Initiative and ASU Kerr

Run time: 75-90 mins

What happens when we invite performers to think beyond "type" and cast themselves in unexpected ways? In this “miscast cabaret,” some of the Valley's favorite singers and actors will dive into material they wouldn’t traditionally perform, giving you the chance to see cherished pieces and artists through a new lens. 
AND...
you get a chance to play too!

Starting at 6:30pm, Lincoln Wright will support your turn at the mic. Bring sheet music (please keep your selection to 2-3 minutes). 

DIRECTOR: Brenda Foley
COLLABORATIVE PIANIST: Lincoln Wright

PERFORMERS: Matravius Avent, Phillip Beaupre, Shana Bousard, Elizabeth Brownlee, Jane Bunting, Johanna Carlisle-Zepeda, Rusty Ferracane, Brenda Foley, Tony Hodges, Mike Lawler, Ksjusha Povod, Brian Runbeck, with Elaine "E.E." Moe

Table seating $41 / General admission $30**
**NOTE: fees lower if purchased through box office; $5 off for Seniors/Students/Educators/Veterans only if purchased through box office in person or by calling 480-596-2660**

Your first look at SHE LOVES ME at Don Bluth Front Row Theatre













photos by Mark Gluckman

Phoenix College's 2026/2027 Season!

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

Wednesday, September 23, 2026

Auditions for CLOSER at 5th Wall Playhouse announced for October 17

 


5th Wall Playhouse is excited and proud to announce auditions for our second production of our 2026/2027 season, “Closer”.

Closer begins with a chance encounter between two strangers and grows into an intimate exploration of four people whose lives become increasingly entangled over several years. Attraction becomes love, love becomes possession, and curiosity becomes interrogation as each asks the people closest to them for the one thing they may not actually be prepared to receive: the truth. 

Set in 1990s London, Patrick Marber’s play is less interested in who cheated on whom than in what we believe intimacy entitles us to know about another person. These characters lie, confess, provoke, forgive, wound and reach for one another, often in the same breath, revealing the complicated distance between looking at someone and truly seeing them. How close can we really get to another person, and how much of them belongs to us once we do?

ACTORS MUST BE 18+ YEARS OLD. This show contains very mature themes and content. Please familiarize yourself with the show to ensure you are comfortable with being cast.

CASTING NOTE: We enthusiastically encourage performers of all racial and ethnic backgrounds to audition. No character's race or ethnicity is prescribed for this production. We are interested in building a quartet of actors with exceptional chemistry, emotional bravery and the willingness to find both the humor and humanity inside characters who don't always behave particularly well.

Audition Dates:

Auditions: Saturday, October 17th, 11:00 AM–2:00 PM
Callbacks: Sunday, October 18th, beginning at 6:00 PM

Location: 4th Wall Photo Studio, 9119 N 7th St Ste 202, Phoenix, AZ 85020 (Second floor w/ no elevator access, we will assist you up the stairs if need be)


Instagram: @5thwallplayhouse
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/5thwallplayhouse/

Cast announced for JEKYLL & HYDE at Emerald City Players


ITS ALL A FACADE…

Behind every face there is a story. 

Behind every story, there’s a secret. 

Welcoming the cast of Emerald City Player’s JEKYLL & HYDE!

Join us Oct 2-11 to discover what is lurking right behind the facade…

Featuring:
Derek Neumann
Zeke Collins
Tyler Fleck
Ryan Malikowski
Scott Springer
Payson Johnson
Lee DeFord
Dalton Shade
Shaylen Sparrow
Jamie Graves
Kori Stearns
Katie Babbitt
Darcy Gruer
Ashley Goldring

Directed by: Paul Yount
Music Direction by: Abby Gellman


Follow @emeraldcityplayersaz on IG for more information!

Tuesday, September 22, 2026

Auditions for THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER at Actors PLAYground Theater Company announced for October 17


Director: Rachel Cummings

Casting: Youth and Adult

Date: Saturday, Oct 17
Time: 10:00-1:00

Location: Actors PLAYground 11340 W Bell Rd. Suite 105

Prepare: Readings from the script 

Production Fee: $200 (18 and under)

Rehearsals: Wed-Fri evenings and Sat mornings

Performances: December 4-19