Monday, July 20, 2026

Center Stage Academy's Youth Musical Theater classes start this week!

 
AZ Youth Musical Theater – Classes Start Week of July 20th!

Limited spots available for your aspiring performer! Give your child the gift of confidence, friendship, and stage experience with our fun, high-energy programs at Center Stage Academy.

✨ Dramini & Sparks (ages 4–8) – Elf Jr.
✨ Dramatics (ages 9–11) – How to Train Your Dragon Jr.
✨ Theatricks (ages 11–15) – Newsies Jr.

Award-winning staff • High-caliber performances • High quality training!

Gilbert / Chandler area

Classes begin the week of July 20th – Don’t miss out!

Register today at www.centerstage.academy

Cast announced for FOOTLOOSE at AZ ACT


Auditions for ONCE UPON A ONE MORE TIME: HIGH SCHOOL VERSION at Greasepaint Youth Theatre announced for July 28


Tuesday July 28th, 5-10pm


Once Upon a One More Time is a Broadway jukebox musical that uses Britney Spears's hit songs to tell a new story about classic fairy tale characters. The show follows the princesses as they attend a book club and encounter a feminist awakening after a fairy godmother introduces them to Betty Friedan's The Feminine Mystique. The characters embark on a quest to rewrite their stories and redefine "happily ever after".

What is the musical really about?

“We do not have to be trapped by tradition. Instead, we keep what works and discard what limits us. We are the authors of our own lives.” – Our director, Angelica Howland

And it’s all told through the songs of the undisputed pop princess, Britney Spears!

Order Chaos Theater Company presents free IN FOCUS events in July and August

 
Join us for the launch of IN Focus, a new monthly series presented by Order Chaos Theater Company and Fourth Wall Photo Studio.

Inspired by the artistic salons of 16th-century Italy and 17th- and 18th-century France, IN Focus brings artists and audiences together for evenings of creativity, conversation, and community.

Admission is FREE!
All events are open to the public and made possible through the generosity of our volunteer artists.

Upcoming Events

Wednesday, July 22, 2026 | 7:00 PM

What Show Was That!?
Great Songs from Forgettable Musicals

Think you know your Broadway? Hear a fast-paced cabaret of wonderful songs from musicals that time almost forgot. No song titles. No show names. Just incredible performances followed by a lively audience discussion where everyone gets to guess the musical and celebrate these hidden gems.

Sunday, August 9, 2026 | 4:00 PM

The Four Seasons
Four local theater companies take the stage for one exciting afternoon!

Featuring:
Order Chaos Theater Company
Fifth Wall Playhouse
Rebel Theater
Emerald City Players
Each company will present highlights from its upcoming season, offering audiences an exciting preview of the remarkable theater being created throughout our community.


Future Events feature a different artistic experience, including:

Play readings
Musical performances
Featured local artists
Workshops
New works by Arizona playwrights
Interactive conversations with artists
More than a performance, IN Focus invites audiences to become part of the experience—asking questions, sharing ideas, and connecting with Phoenix's vibrant arts community in an intimate and welcoming setting.

Whether you're a lifelong theater lover, an artist, or simply curious about the creative process, IN Focus offers something new every month.

Bring a friend, enjoy an evening of inspiration, and become part of the conversation.

We look forward to seeing you at IN Focus!

Fourth Wall Studio
9119 N 7th St Ste 202, Phoenix, AZ 85020

Auditions for THE SOUND OF MUSIC, YOUTH EDITION at Places Productions announced for August 21

 
The Sound of Music: Youth Edition

Music by RICHARD RODGERS 
Lyrics by OSCAR HAMMERSTEIN II
Book by HOWARD LINDSAY and RUSSEL CROUSE
Suggested by "The Trapp Family Singers" by Maria Augusta Trapp
Adaptation by TOM BRIGGS and TIMOTHY ALLEN McDONALD

THE SOUND OF MUSIC: YOUTH EDITION is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of The Rodgers &
Hammerstein Organization.
www.concordtheatricals.com

Ages 5-18

AUDITIONS 
Friday, August 21, 5-8pm

Register for a time on our website: placesproductionsaz.com. Please email placesproductionsaz@gmail.com if you need to cancel or change your time slot.       

VIDEO AUDITIONS: Due Thursday, August 20th
Videos will happily be accepted early! Please use the registration form and specify "video audition." Recordings should be emailed to placesproductionsaz@gmail.com. YouTube links are preferred. We will reply to confirm your audition has been received. 
                                                              
CALLBACKS
Saturday, August 22nd                                               
(by invitation only- times TBD. An email will be sent after auditions on the 21st with more information. Please contact us if you do not receive the email. Actors are encouraged to be available most of the day. Callback cuts and sides will be available at least a month before auditions.)    

AUDITION/REHEARSAL LOCATION                                       
East Valley High School
7420 E. Main St.
Mesa, AZ 85207

TECH/PERFORMANCE DATES 
December 5-13 East Valley High School tech/shows
December 14-20 Mesa Arts Center tech/shows

REHEARSALS
Rehearsals will mostly take place Monday evenings, Friday evenings, and various hours on Saturdays, though other days and times may be possible. All actors will submit conflicts at auditions. We will work around as many conflicts as possible and create a schedule based around actor conflicts. However, conflicts will be a factor in casting.  

AUDITION REQUIREMENTS
Please register as soon as possible (above)!
Prepare one 32-bar cuts (around a minute) of any song that shows off your voice, preferably in the style of the show (Golden Age). Songs may be performed with recorded accompaniment or a cappella. Accompaniment tracks may be played from a phone or emailed to us before the audition. We will connect phones to our speaker system.
TUITION: $300*  ADDITIONAL SIBLINGS: $200
*Payment plans and scholarships are available. The scholarship application must be submitted two weeks before auditions. 

Fifth Wall Playhouse's 2026/2027 Season!



5th Wall Playhouse is excited to bring you four dynamic plays this 2026/2027 Season!

The Pillowman by Martin McDonagh, Winner of the Olivier Award for Best New Play. Performances will be October 9-18, 2026. The Pillowman is a dark comedy about a writer in a totalitarian state who is interrogated by police about his gruesome short stories and their connection to a series of child murders.

Closer by Patrick Marber, Winner of the Olivier Award for Best Play. Performances will be December 4-13. 2026. Closer dissects modern love, lust and betrayal following four interconnected characters through their relationships, infidelity and deception.

EKO, World Premiere, by Rob Evans. Performances will be March 19-27, 2027. EKO is a political drama loosely inspired by Greek mythology. With a Presidential candidate and his staff deep into the campaign, and at their most vulnerable, they must navigate an investigation into the past that threatens to derail his Oval Office ambitions. EKO is about the meaning, weight, and power of secrets, and the lengths those in power will go to remain so.

Water by the Spoonful, by Quiara Alegria Hudes, Winner of the Pulitzer Prize. Performances will be May 7-16, 2027. Water by the Spoonful explores addiction, recovery, and the search for family and identity, particularly for a veteran struggling with PTSD. The story intertwines the real-world struggles of its characters with their lives in an online chat room for recovering addicts.

Performances are Friday and Saturday nights at 7:00 pm and Saturday and Sunday afternoons at 2:00 pm at the Wittcoff Black Box at AZ Opera.

 Visit our website for more information and tickets when available, https://5thwallplayhouse.com

WEEK AT A GLANCE: July 20-26, 2026

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







STILL PLAYING:

Sunday, July 19, 2026

FOOTLOOSE - AZ ACT - July 25-August 1, 2026

 
FOOTLOOSE Stage Adaptation by DEAN PITCHFORD and WALTER BOBBIE Based on the Original Screenplay by Dean Pitchford Music by TOM SNOW Lyrics by DEAN PITCHFORD Additional Music by ERIC CARMEN, SAMMY HAGAR, KENNY LOGGINS and JIM STEINMAN
 
Sat  7/25 at 7 pm
Sun 7/26 at 2 pm
Fri. 7/31 at 7 pm
Sat  8/1 at 2&7 pm

Two Acts – Approximate Run Time 2.5 hours

When Ren McCormack and his mother move from Chicago to the small town of Bomont, Ren expects the usual challenges of fitting into a new high school. What he doesn’t expect is a town where dancing and rock music have been banned by the local preacher, Reverend Shaw Moore, following a tragic accident that deeply affected the community.

As Ren struggles against the strict rules and conservative attitudes of Bomont, he forms friendships with fellow students and becomes drawn to the preacher’s rebellious daughter, Ariel. Tensions rise when Ren challenges the town’s ban on dancing and encourages the community to heal rather than live in fear.

Filled with high-energy dance numbers and hit songs including “Footloose,” “Holding Out for a Hero,” and “Let’s Hear It for the Boy,” the musical celebrates youth, forgiveness, and the importance of listening to one another

Performed at New School For The Arts and Academies 
1216 E Apache Blvd, Tempe, AZ 85281

Tickets available at AZACT.ORG 

Thursday, July 16, 2026

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! 

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

 



Photos by G's Photos

Cast announced for BASKERVILLE at Don Bluth Front Row Theatre


Wednesday, July 15, 2026

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.

Monday, July 13, 2026

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!

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









STILL PLAYING:







Saturday, July 11, 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

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:


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:


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!

Cast announced for LES MISÉRABLES at The Phoenix Theatre Company


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+.


Friday, July 10, 2026

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


Thursday, July 9, 2026

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!