Arizona Theatre Matter's 2026 Season

SEASON 2026

Welcome to ATM’s 2026 Season

Our 14th year brings solo stunners, spectral satire, operatic chaos, and untold histories to vivid theatrical life. These are stories worth keeping. These are performances made to matter.

Even Unto Death

by Jeanmarie Simpson

Premieres May 30

After Joan of Arc’s execution, her mother struggles with grief and powerlessness. In her quiet kitchen, family tensions are palpable. Unspoken memories weigh heavy. Each member wrestles with the loss in their own way.

Mackers

Adapted and Directed by Jeanmarie Simpson (from William Shakespeare).

Premieres October 31

During a preview performance of “The Scottish Play,” a stage manager documents a production unraveling in real time as everything that can go wrong does.

Lear — a solo adaptation

Adapted & directed by Jeanmarie Simpson • with Michael Rawley

Available to stream now

Lear confronts memory, regret, and ghosts — a minimalist tour-de-force of language and loss.

Ghosts of the Gilded Stage

written & directed by Jeanmarie Simpson • with Michael Rawley

Available to stream now

An aging, queer theatre artist opens a trunk of memories — confession, eulogy, and celebration.

Great Divide — A Clara Barton Story

by Jeanmarie Simpson Directed by Diana Kimmeto • with Angelica Linares

Available to stream now

Clara Barton across war, floods, and epidemics. Lyrical, unsentimental, and urgent.

Midnight at the Algorithm & Blues

by Gary Wright

Premieres December 26

Grant and Julia haunt Grant’s Tomb — a whip-smart, haunted comedy about legacy and memory.

All shows can be streamed on Arizona Theatre Matter's YouTube channel HERE

Arizona Theatre Matters to premiere LEAR: A SOLO ADAPTATION

Arizona Theatre Matters will premiere Lear: A Solo Adaptation, an innovative audio theatre interpretation of Shakespeare’s King Lear, on its YouTube channel this month.

The production features celebrated actor Michael Rawley in the title role, supported by intricate narration and an on-screen Artistic Sign Language performance. Together these elements create an immersive and accessible dramatic experience designed for both listening and visual engagement.

Adapted by Founding Artistic Director Jeanmarie Simpson, Lear: A Solo Adaptation reframes Shakespeare’s tragedy as a psychological journey unfolding in the final moments of Lear’s life. As the dying king struggles with memory, regret, and loss, fragments of his past reappear—the division of the kingdom, the betrayal of his daughters, the storm on the heath, and the heartbreaking loss of Cordelia.

At the center of the production is a single theatrical object: Lear’s cloak. Throughout the play it transforms repeatedly—from royal mantle to storm-soaked refuge, from symbol of madness to the body of Cordelia—creating a powerful visual and emotional anchor for the tragedy.

Michael Rawley, Associate Artistic Director of Arizona Theatre Matters, brings decades of performance experience to the role. Rawley has appeared on national and international stages, including the role of Scar in Disney’s The Lion King (U.S. National Tour). His work with Arizona Theatre Matters includes directing The Ferryman’s Toll and Even Unto Death, as well as performing Theseus/Oberon in A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Prospero in The Tempest.

Arizona Theatre Matters produces innovative digital theatre designed for global audiences. Productions premiere on the company’s YouTube channel, where viewers from nearly 200 countries can experience theatre with captioning available in more than 300 languages.

The organization recently joined the Glendale Chamber of Commerce, strengthening its connection to the local business and arts community while continuing to expand its global reach through accessible digital theatre. More information about Arizona Theatre Matters’ Chamber membership can be found here: https://docu.team/mtiodew/index.php?v=lp&store=199788

Lear: A Solo Adaptation will premiere on the Arizona Theatre Matters YouTube channel later this month and will be available for free worldwide, in perpetuity.

Production Information

Title: Lear: A Solo Adaptation

Performer: Michael Rawley

Adaptation: Jeanmarie Simpson

Format: Audio Theatre

Producer: Arizona Theatre Matters

Platform: YouTube

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About Arizona Theatre Matters

Arizona Theatre Matters (ATM) shapes theatre from the substance of accessibility itself, ensuring storytelling reaches everyone—regardless of ability, income, or location. By making accessibility an artistic foundation, we create theatre that is deeply inclusive, boldly experimental, and undeniably for all.

Arizona Theatre Matters Presents: Reproductive Freedom is What We Want

Nehemiah Danjuma, Deaf Sign Language Performer, in a scene from
Reproductive Freedom is What We Want

Unflinching Stories of Life-Altering Decisions

Arizona Theatre Matters (ATM), in partnership with Repro Freedom Arts and Words of Choice, presents Reproductive Freedom is What We Want, a collection of stories that confronts hard truths with unflinching honesty. These are the voices of people navigating some of the most critical moments of their lives, told with a kind of quiet intensity that lingers long after the performance ends.

Streaming now on YouTube HERE

Directed by Jeanmarie Simpson and Ololade Adekanmi, this production brings together a wide range of deeply personal stories and perspectives. Deaf Sign Language performer Nehemiah Danjuma commands the stage with an expressive performance, supported by an understated cast of voice actors who deliver the narratives with subtlety and nuance, letting the stories themselves shine.

Selections Include:  

- Incantation by June Jordan  

- Fine Line by Repro Freedom Arts and Feminist Health Clinic  

- She Said.....Before 1973 by Judith Arcana  

- Remembering by Dr. Emilie Townes  

- Matt’s Story by Mary Anne Sorrentino  

- You’re on Your Own by Michael David Quinn  

- What I Said to the Congress of the United States by Claudia A.  

- Kathy/Parallel Lives by Angela Bonavoglia, Kathy Najimy & Mo Gaffney  

- Tru Luv by Cindy Cooper  

- The Siege by Dr. Susan Wicklund  

- New Laws I Want by Charlotte Taft  

- Why I March by Zoneziwoh Mbondgulo-Wondieh  

- Florynce Rae Kennedy: In Her Own Words  

- Blessed by Alix Olson

Each piece takes an unvarnished look at the emotional and societal stakes involved in often painful decisions, inviting the audience to sit with the complexity of each story. The restrained delivery of the performers allows the depth of the material to speak for itself, creating a powerful resonance that builds quietly, moment by moment.

Voice Actors:  

Diana Kimetto, Marcus Brown, Janet Eng, Bradford Gray, Christina Mathews, Emmy Cuthbert, Nona Isaacson, Ariana Wilber, and Mariana Brubaker.

Musical Performance:  

Whispering to the Flowers by The Hippy Nuts, produced by Tim Champion on Sandpile Records.

Announcer:  

Ray Williams

About Our Partner:

Repro Freedom Arts uses theatrical storytelling to support reproductive health, rights, freedom and justice. It presents performances onstage, virtually, in print and in communities, traveling to 20 states and conducting walking tours in New York City. The group is a platform of 24-year-old Words of Choice. Founded by Cindy Cooper, the organization has won awards from the Abortion Conversations Project, NARAL Pro-Choice America (Repro Freedom for All), and the 'Thank You Award' from the Quixote Foundation. Reprofreedomarts.org

Arizona Theatre Matters Presents Shakespeare’s The Tempest - Watch Now on YouTube

Binta Mohammed signing a Caliban scene
Character rendering by KadyB.

Arizona Theatre Matters is proud to announce the release of its production of Shakespeare’s The Tempest on YouTube. This groundbreaking adaptation breathes new life into one of Shakespeare's final masterpieces, blending traditional storytelling with innovative, universally accessible theatre.

The Tempest is a tale of magic, betrayal, love, and forgiveness, set on a remote island where the exiled Duke Prospero uses his mystical powers to seek revenge, only to discover that reconciliation is the true path to peace. The Arizona Theatre Matters production offers a fresh take on the timeless play, emphasizing themes of resilience and redemption.

What Makes This Production Unique?

Standout Performances: The Tempest features a stellar voice cast led by Michael Rawley as Prospero. A top-tier stage actor, in his long career, Rawley starred as Scar in both the Toronto and American National Touring productions of The Lion King. He is also the founding artistic director of the LaSalle Theatre in Kirkland Lake, Ontario, where he has spearheaded the SaveTheLaSalle movement.

Phoenix Metro favorites Mathew Zimmerer and Mace Archer also take on key roles. Zimmerer, a world-class actor known for his wide range of acclaimed performances, voices both Alonso, the grieving king, and Stephano, the drunken butler, masterfully rendering both roles. Mace Archer, who recently won the "Zoni" Best Actor in a Play award for his commanding portrayal of Macbeth at the Southwest Shakespeare Company, brings his immense talent to this production, further establishing himself as a top actor in the region.

Character Renderings by Kady Barnes: The stunning character renderings featured in the background images are created by Kady Barnes, adding a visual richness that beautifully complements the audio performances.

Deaf Sign Language Team: Binta Mohammed brings a nuanced and deeply emotional layer to the production. As a Deaf sign language performer, Binta’s ability to convey the subtleties of each character is remarkable. Her portrayal is rich with distinct characterizations, bringing not only clarity but an enormous amount of heart to the production. She enhances the narrative with incredible depth, ensuring that the performance resonates with audiences on a profoundly human level.

Accessible Theatre for All Audiences: This production of The Tempest features richly descriptive narration, making it accessible for people who are blind or visually impaired. Additionally, subtitles are available and can be translated into more than 300 languages, ensuring that the production is accessible to viewers who speak languages other than English.

Support the Arts: As part of our mission to promote inclusive theatre, we are raising funds to continue working with our dedicated Deaf sign language team. To support this cause, please visit our GoFundMe campaign at the link included in the video description.

Shakespeare’s The Tempest is now available to stream for free on YouTube. Watch it HERE.

Spotlight on “Bambino Mio — Bright Little Flame”: A Play Exploring the Legacy of Maria Montessori coming in April to Arizona Theatre Matters' YouTube Channel

L to R — Nehemiah Danjuma, Rachel Temitope, Binta Mohammed and Ololade Adekanmi
ATM Sign Language Team in rehearsal

A fiery exploration of love, loss, and the revolutionary educational methods of Maria Montessori unfolds in the two-hander play, “Bambino Mio — Bright Little Flame” by Jeanmarie Simpson. This powerful production by Arizona Theatre Matters, based in Glendale, Arizona, delves into the complex life of the Italian physician and educator, raising questions about family, sacrifice, and the impact of visionary ideas.

A Prolific Voice:

Simpson is a seasoned playwright and actress with a diverse body of work. She is perhaps best known for her one-woman show, “A Single Woman,” which tells the story of Jeannette Rankin, the first woman elected to the U.S. Congress. Simpson has also garnered acclaim for her solo shows, including “Heretic — the Mary Dyer Story,” which explores the life of a Quaker martyr, and “Coming In Hot,” which portrays 19 women who served in the U.S. military. Through these powerful monologues, Simpson demonstrates her ability to bring historical figures to life with depth and nuance, sparking conversations about social justice, faith, and the experiences of women throughout history.

More Than Just a Historical Biopic:

“Bambino Mio — Bright Little Flame” transcends the boundaries of a simple historical biopic. It delves into universal themes of love, loss, and the sacrifices we make for our beliefs. By using Montessori’s life as a springboard, Simpson invites audiences to examine their own choices and grapple with questions about ambition, family, and the legacy we leave behind.

A Sign of the Times:

Theatre enthusiasts can look forward to a unique experience in April when a video of “Bambino Mio — Bright Little Flame” is released on the Arizona Theatre Matters YouTube channel. This production features the talents of renowned Phoenix Metro area theatre artists: Maren Maclean as the voice of Maria, Hira Ismail as Githa, and Chris Mascarelli as the Narrator. The Bridge Initiative’s Brenda Jean Foley directed the voice actors.

Adding another layer of inclusivity, the production features a BIPOC Deaf sign language team led by Ololade Adekanmi. Binta Mohammed signs the character of Maria, Rachel Temitope signs Githa, and Nehemiah Danjuma signs the Narrator. This innovative approach broadens the play’s reach and allows a wider audience to connect with the powerful story of Maria Montessori. Additionally, the video will be captioned in over 300 languages, making it accessible to a truly global audience. The production and video are funded by grants from the National Endowment for the Arts, the Arizona Commission on the Arts, and the Living History Foundation.

A Must-See for Theater Enthusiasts:

“Bambino Mio — Bright Little Flame” promises to be a powerful and thought-provoking theatrical experience. With its captivating performances, exploration of complex themes, and historical context, it is sure to resonate with audiences seeking a deeper understanding of Maria Montessori’s life and legacy, while also prompting introspection about personal choices and societal expectations.

For more information visit ArizonaTheatreMatters.org.

Arizona Theatre Matters Paves the Way for Universal Representation in the Performing Arts

You probably recognize Picasso, Traci Chapman, Frida Kahlo, David Hockney, Stevie Wonder, Joni Mitchell, and Vincent Van Gogh as some of the greatest artists of all time. But what you might not know is that they all had something else in common: they created their iconic works while living with disabilities.  

 

Although one in four American adults has a disability, representation in the performing arts is still minimal. At least 95% of characters with disabilities are played today by able-bodied actors. But Arizona Theatre Matters is working to change that. Since its founding in 2012, Arizona Theatre Matters has been featuring artists with disabilities in all of its shows. 

 

This season, they're taking it to the next level by featuring a team of BIPOC Deaf sign language artists on screen and voice actors, with high LGBTQI+ representation, many of whom are elders and many with disabilities. And they're doing it all on their YouTube Channel, for free, and captioned in 82+ languages, making it as close to universally accessible as possible. 

 

Arizona Theatre Matters, based in Glendale Arizona, is leading the way in promoting universal 

representation in the performing arts. By featuring artists with disabilities, LGBTQIA+ artists, and artists from the Deaf community in their shows and making their content free to all, they are helping to create a more inclusive and equitable field. 

 

Whether you're an industry insider or an arts enthusiast, you can support Arizona Theatre Matters in its mission to create a more representative performing arts landscape. 

Visit arizonatheatrematters.org to learn more.

Auditions announced for SHAKESPEARE IN LOVE at Arizona Theatre Matters

from our friends at Arizona Theatre Matters:

Who wants to do the wildly successful play, Shakespeare In Love in April and May of 2023? We're in the Valley of the Sun and are putting together a radically inclusive cast and crew. 

Send us an email with a resume and photo if you'd like to read for a role, direct, design something, stage manage, do the social media stuff, etc. It's a major bonus if you speak ASL.

This live production (16 performances) is a benefit for Arizona Theatre Matters' YouTube channel. We have more than 10,000 subscribers and all of our content must be ASL-interpreted and audio-described. Every donation to the project will go directly to interpreter and describer fees. Made possible by grants from the Arizona Commission on the Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts.

Rehearsals begin Saturday April 1. Show dates are Fridays through Sundays May 5 - 28. 

Email resume to arizonatheatrematters@gmail.com

Roles in the play:

TILNEY

WILL SHAKESPEARE

RALPH

KATE

VIOLA DE LESSEPS

QUEEN ELIZABETH

HENSLOWE

ROBIN / FREES

MOLLY / MISTRESS QUICKLY

BURBAGE

SIR ROBERT DE LESSEPS

SAM

NURSE

PETER / BARMAN

MARLOWE

WABASH

ADAM / BOATMAN

WESSEX

NED ALLEYN

LAMBERT / GUARD

FENNYMAN

WEBSTER

NOL

ENSEMBLE MEMBERS / MUSICIANS / ATTENDANTS

Arizona Theatre Matters' "Pay What You Can" 2021 Summer Festival features Virtual Productions of Classic Plays and New Works

from our friends at Arizona Theatre Matters:

Radically Inclusive Theatre: PAY WHAT YOU CAN for ATM Productions’ 2021 Summer Festival

Arizona Theatre Matters Seeks Equal Access and Inclusivity in Performing Arts

Arizona Theatre Matters is no ordinary production company. The industry has historically isolated groups of talent and patrons who face hurdles or disabilities, but ATM Productions is on a mission to change that systemic isolation through an unique creative construct. 

Launched on July 1, their 2021 Summer Festival is using a two-step method to ensure accessibility for all.

First and foremost, ATM Productions has a “Pay What You Can” admission policy, rooted in the conviction that all theatre lovers must have access readily available to them, regardless of economic status. While donations are always appreciated and encouraged, ATM Productions’ emphasis is on access for all.

Second, each performance in the Festival is translated into 110 different languages via closed caption on YouTube, inviting theatre lovers from around the world. The 2021 ATM Summer Festival is a virtual feast, featuring UNDER MILK WOOD by Dylan Thomas, UNEXPECTED by John Perovich, Shakespeare’s MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM and an hilarious live show by Bill Robison. They feature a world-class company who have performed across the globe.

Festival Director Jeanmarie Simpson said, “The pandemic may have taken away our ability to physically be together in a room, but nothing will stop us from making art. The Summer Festival brings together artists from four countries and several different American states and Canadian provinces. That’s something we usually can’t afford. So, there’s our silver lining,” she laughed. 

To learn more about ATM Productions’ Summer 2021 Festival, or to purchase tickets, please visit: https://arizonatheatrematters.org/

A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM 

by William Shakespeare

Hermia loves Lysander, Demetrius loves Hermia, Helena loves Demetrius, Theseus and Hippolyta are almost newlyweds and the already-complex marriage of the immortal queen and king of Fairyland is further complicated when one of them falls for an amateur actor-turned-ass. Intrigued by the theory that Shakespeare wrote this play as a wedding gift ATM probes the pitfalls and pay-offs of relationships, be they budding or eternal. Seeking out the grace, beauty and delight embedded in the comedy, this joyful, music-laden production invites us to feel as well as laugh.

Theseus/Oberon – Terence Kelly

Hippolyta/Titania – Samantha King

Egeus/Quince – Ken Love

Hermia – Sarah Hourigan

Lysander – Victor Yang

Demetrius – Jaren Navenma

Helena – Kiley Bishop

Bottom – Sean Sullivan

Flute/Cobweb – Monroe Shep

Snout, First Fairy

Peaseblossom – Ian Rey Sausedo

Snug, Second Fairy, Moth – Carolyn Platt McBurney

Starveling/ Mustardseed – Evan Dangel

Puck – Jen Gantwerker

UNDER MILK WOOD

by Dylan Thomas

Originally commissioned by the BBC and described by Dylan Thomas as ‘a play for voices’, UNDER MILK WOOD is a nuanced, provocative and hilarious account of a spring day in the fictional Welsh seaside village of Llareggub. We learn of the inhabitants’ dreams and desires, their loves and regrets. The play introduces us to characters such as Captain Cat who dreams of his drowned former seafellows and Nogood Boyo who dreams of nothing at all. It is a unique and touching depiction of a village that has fallen head over bells in love’. The First Voice narration reveals the ordinary world of daily happenings and events, while the Second Voice conveys the intimate, innermost thoughts of the fascinating folk of Llareggub.

First Voice – Ken Welsh

Second Voice – Elizabeth Saunders

Third Voice – Sean Sullivan

Fourth Voice – Lynne Griffin

Fifth Voice – Michael Rawley

Sixth Voice – Tim Fitzgerald Walker

UNEXPECTED 

by John Perovich

In a village by the sea, an overprotective mother struggles to keep her three daughters from ever falling in love. The mother’s wishes are met with resistance when a mysterious merchant washes ashore. Love is in the air as each person struggles to listen to the love in their heart. UNEXPECTED is a dark comedy about curiosity, disobedience, honesty, and family – the one we have and the one we choose. A pastiche of Greek and Roman mythological love tales, UNEXPECTED is a piece about choice. This one loves that one, that one dumps this one, another runs off in fear, another chooses to go on, no matter what, and her progeny live, grow up and love in the wake of heartbreak which indelibly marks them and all who love them, leave them or are – most painfully of all – indifferent to them.

Vickie – Debra Lyman

Merchant – Gerald Thomson

Emma – Mia Passarella

Penelope – Anabel Olguin

Phoebe – Bertha Alicia Cortes

Taylor – Devon Mahon

Connor – Maybe Stewart

Olivia – Marina Sharpe

Ann – Carolyn McBurney

THE BILL ROBISON STAGE SHOW

by Bill Robison

Bill Robison’s stage show sweeps his audience along on a non-stop journey where microphones come to life, music stands disintegrate and old suitcases have a mind of their own- including a pesky fly that intervenes and just the wrong moment! This non-stop, family-friendly show intertwines comedy mayhem and audience participation with wacky music, characters, costumes and hilarious sound effects. Bill’s Stage Shows combine outstanding physical comedy, audience interaction and are suitable for any type of audience. He has performed on stages large and small at Fairs and Festivals, Cruise Ships, Television, German Variete Theatres, Comedy Clubs Cabarets, Schools, Private Events and much more.