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photos by Jenny Kaufman
Showing posts with label VYT. Show all posts
Showing posts with label VYT. Show all posts
Wednesday, August 19, 2026
Saturday, August 8, 2026
Monday, July 13, 2026
MATILDA THE MUSICAL - Valley Youth Theatre - August 14-30, 2026
HERBERGER THEATER CENTER
Tickets available for Season Ticket holders May 26
Directed by: Michelle Chin
Choreographed by: Wesley Broadstreet
Inspired by the twisted genius of Roald Dahl, the Tony Award-winning Roald Dahl's Matilda The Musical is the captivating masterpiece from the Royal Shakespeare Company that revels in the anarchy of childhood, the power of imagination and the inspiring story of a girl who dreams of a better life. With book by Dennis Kelly and original songs by Tim Minchin, Matilda has won 47 international awards and continues to thrill sold-out audiences of all ages around the world.
Matilda is a little girl with astonishing wit, intelligence and psychokinetic powers. She's unloved by her cruel parents but impresses her schoolteacher Miss Honey. During her first term at school, the two forge a bond as Miss Honey begins to recognize and appreciate Matilda's extraordinary personality. Matilda's school life isn't completely smooth sailing, however – the school's mean headmistress, Miss Trunchbull, hates children and just loves to punish those who don't abide by her rules. But Matilda has courage and cleverness in equal amounts, and could be the school pupils' saving grace!
MATILDA THE MUSICAL is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www .mtishows.com
FRIDAY, AUGUST 14 7 PM
SATURDAY, AUGUST 15 2 PM | 7 PM
SUNDAY, AUGUST 16 2 PM
FRIDAY, AUGUST 21 7PM
SUNDAY, AUGUST 23 12 PM* | 4 PM
FRIDAY, AUGUST 28 7PM
SATURDAY, AUGUST 29 2 PM | 7 PM
SUNDAY, AUGUST 30 2PM
THE LIGHTNING THIEF: THE PERCY JACKSON MUSICAL - Valley Youth Theatre - October 9-25, 2026
VALLEY YOUTH THEATRE
Tickets available for Season Ticket holders July 27
TICKETS ON SALE AUGUST 3
Book by Joe Tracz
Music & Lyrics by Rob Rokicki
Adapted from the book The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan
From the bestselling book to the Disney+ series, the world of Percy Jackson comes to life on stage. As the half-blood son of a Greek god, Percy Jackson has newly-discovered powers he can’t control, a destiny he doesn’t want, and a mythology textbook’s worth of monsters on his trail. When Zeus's master lightning bolt is stolen and Percy becomes the prime suspect, he has to find and return the bolt to prove his innocence and prevent a war between the gods. But to succeed on his quest, Percy will have to do more than catch the thief. He must travel to the Underworld and back; solve the riddle of the Oracle, which warns him of betrayal by a friend; and come to terms with the father who abandoned him. Adapted from the best-selling book The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan and featuring a thrilling original rock score, The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical is an action-packed mythical adventure “worthy of the gods”
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 9 7 PM
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 10 12 PM | 4 PM
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 11 2 PM
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17 12 PM | 4 PM
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 18 2 PM
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24 12 PM | 4 PM
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 25 2 PM
THE LIGHTNING THIEF is presented by special arrangement with Concord Theatricals (www.concordtheatricals.com)
A WINNIE-THE-POOH CHRISTMAS TAIL - Valley Youth Theatre - December 3-23, 2026
VALLEY YOUTH THEATRE
Tickets available for Season Ticket holders September 21
TICKETS ON SALE SEPTEMBER 28
Celebrate 100 years of Winnie-the-Pooh this holiday season as a Valley tradition returns for its 29th year. Join Pooh, Eeyore, Piglet, and all your favorite Hundred Acre Wood friends as they come to life on stage in this heartwarming musical about friendship.
•• Friday, Dec 4 at 7 p.m.
• Saturday, Dec 5 at 12:00 p.m. & 3 p.m.
• Sunday, Dec 6 at 12:00 p.m. & 3 p.m.
• Saturday, Dec 12 at 12:00 p.m. & 3 p.m.
• Sunday, Dec 13 at 12:00 p.m. & 3 p.m.
• Saturday, Dec 19 at 12:00 p.m.* & 3:00 p.m.
• Sunday, Dec 20 at 12:00 p.m. & 3 p.m.
• Sunday, Dec 21 at 12:30 p.m. & 3 p.m.
• Tuesday, Dec 22 at 10 a.m. & 12:30 p.m.
• Wednesday, December 23 at 10 a.m. & 12:30 p.m.
*Sing Along Performance"
ANNE OF GREEN GABLES - Valley Youth Theatre - February 12-28, 2027
VALLEY YOUTH THEATRE
Tickets available for Season Ticket holders November 23
TICKETS ON SALE NOVEMBER 30
Follow Anne Shirley, a spirited young girl whose imagination and optimism transform everyone she meets. Based on the beloved classic, this timeless story of belonging and friendship continues to inspire audiences of all ages.
Adapted by Joseph Robinette.
From the novel by L.M. Montgomery.
Anne of Green Gables is a non-musical dramatization that captures the charm and excitement of L.M. Montgomery's enduring classic about an orphan girl, Anne Shirley, from her first encounter with her austere guardian to her thrilling graduation from Queen's Academy. The play faithfully recreates the memorable events and characters from the brilliant novel. All the tragedies and triumphs that mark Anne's growth from adolescence to early adulthood are here: her friendship with Diana, her feuds with Gilbert, her adoration of Matthew, the mistaken wine bottle, the cake disaster, the broken leg, the scholastic achievements, and the saving of Green Gables. Whether the playgoer is an ""old friend"" of Anne's or meeting her for the first time, this play will solidify a lasting friendship between the audience and one of literature's most unforgettable characters.
• Friday, Feb 12 at 7 p.m.
• Saturday, Feb 13 at 12 p.m. & 3:30 p.m.
• Sunday, Feb 14 at 12 p.m.
• Saturday, Feb 20 at 12 p.m. & 3:30 p.m.
• Sunday, Feb 21 at 2 p.m.
• Saturday, Feb 27 at 12 p.m. & 3:30 p.m.
• Sunday, Feb 28 at 2 p.m."
A YEAR WITH FROG AND TOAD - Valley Youth Theatre - April 9-25, 2027
VALLEY YOUTH THEATRE
Tickets available for Season Ticket holders January 25
TICKETS ON SALE FEBRUARY 1
Join two unlikely best friends as they journey through the seasons in a series of charming adventures. This Tony-nominated Broadway musical is a whimsical celebration of friendship, brought to life with warmth and humor.
Music by Robert Reale
Book and Lyrics by Willie Reale
Based on the books by Arnold Lobel
A hit on Broadway, A Year with Frog and Toad was nominated for three Tony Awards – including Best Musical. Based on Arnold Lobel's well-loved books, and featuring a hummable score by Robert and Willie Reale, this whimsical show follows two great friends – the cheerful, popular Frog and the rather grumpy Toad – through four fun-filled seasons.
Waking from hibernation in the Spring, Frog and Toad plant gardens, swim, rake leaves, go sledding and learn life lessons along the way. The two best friends celebrate and rejoice in the differences that make them unique and special. Part vaudeville, part make believe... all charm, A Year with Frog and Toad tells the story of a friendship that endures throughout the seasons.
The jazzy, upbeat score of A Year with Frog and Toad bubbles with melody and wit, making it an inventive, exuberant and enchanting musical for the whole family. It is a perfect show to be performed by an ensemble group of actors and can be produced with either simple or extravagant staging and sets.
• Friday, April 9 at 7 p.m.
• Saturday, April 10 at 12 p.m. & 3:30 p.m.
• Sunday, April 11 at 2 p.m.
• Saturday, April 17 at 12 p.m. & 3:30 p.m.
• Sunday, April 18 at 2 p.m.
• Saturday, April 24 at 12 p.m. & 3:30 p.m.
• Sunday, April 25 at 2 p.m.
DISNEY'S FROZEN - Valley Youth Theatre - June 11-27, 2027
HERBERGER THEATER CENTER
Tickets available for Season Ticket holders March 22
TICKETS ON SALE MARCH 29
For the first time in forever, VYT brings the story of Elsa, Anna, and the kingdom of Arendelle to life. Based on Disney’s Award-winning film, experience the Broadway full musical featuring favorite songs including “Let It Go” and “Do You Want to Build a Snowman?”
Music and Lyrics by Kristen Anderson-Lopez & Robert Lopez
Book by Jennifer Lee
Based on the Disney film written by Jennifer Lee & directed by Chris Buck & Jennifer Lee
For the first time in forever, experience the musical phenomenon that has taken the world by storm! Based on the Academy Award-winning animated feature film, Disney’s Frozen includes all the film’s beloved songs by Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez, along with new music written exclusively for the stage.
In the beautiful mountainous kingdom of Arendelle, Princesses Anna and Elsa grow up sheltered inside their castle, isolated from the world and increasingly distant from each other. When Elsa is crowned queen, the magical powers she’s desperately tried to conceal from her sister take control, and she flees into the mountains. As a ferocious winter descends on Arendelle, Anna sets off on an epic journey to find Elsa and bring her home – with the help of hardworking ice harvester Kristoff, his loyal reindeer Sven, and a happy-go-lucky snowman named Olaf.
Full of magic, humor, and a stunning musical score, Frozen is a powerful tale of sisterhood, acceptance, and finding the real meaning of true love."
• Friday, June 11 at 7 p.m.
• Saturday, June 12 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.
• Sunday, June 13 at 12 p.m.* and 4:30 p.m.
• Friday, June 18 at 7 p.m.
• Saturday, June 19 at 12 p.m. and 7 p.m.
• Sunday, June 20 at 12 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.
• Friday, June 25 at 7 p.m.
• Saturday, June 26 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.
• Sunday, June 27 at 2 p.m.
*ASL Performance"
Monday, June 22, 2026
Review Highlights: SHREK THE MUSICAL - Valley Youth Theatre
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| 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)
Wednesday, June 17, 2026
Sunday, June 14, 2026
Auditions for MATILDA THE MUSICAL at Valley Youth Theatre announced for June 16
from our friends at Valley Youth Theatre:
Don't miss your chance to audition for Valley Youth Theatre's production of the Tony Award-winning Broadway hit, “Matilda The Musical!, happening on Center Stage at the Herberger Theater Center this August!
We're looking for young performers ages 20 and under to help bring this beloved story to life. Whether you're a seasoned performer or stepping onto the stage for the first time, there's a place for you at VYT.
No participation fees
No ticket quotas
Professional-quality productions
A safe, supportive environment where young artists shine
Doors open at 3:30 p.m. Auditions begin at 4 p.m.
Location:
Valley Youth Theatre
525 North First Street, Phoenix
PLEASE PRE-REGISTER
Pre-registration helps auditions run smoothly and gives you time to prepare. Walk-ins are welcome, but pre-registering is strongly encouraged.
Audition information and registration:
Wednesday, June 10, 2026
Tuesday, May 12, 2026
Valley Youth Theatre's 2026-2027 Season!
Matilda The Musical
August 14-30, 2026
HERBERGER THEATER CENTER
Tickets available for Season Ticket holders May 26
TICKETS ON SALE JUNE 1
The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical
October 9-25, 2026
VALLEY YOUTH THEATRE
Tickets available for Season Ticket holders July 27
TICKETS ON SALE AUGUST 3
A Winnie-The-Pooh Christmas Tail
December 3-23, 2026
VALLEY YOUTH THEATRE
Tickets available for Season Ticket holders September 21
TICKETS ON SALE SEPTEMBER 28
Anne of Green Gables
February 12-28, 2027
VALLEY YOUTH THEATRE
Tickets available for Season Ticket holders November 23
TICKETS ON SALE NOVEMBER 30
A Year With Frog and Toad
April 9-25, 2027
VALLEY YOUTH THEATRE
Tickets available for Season Ticket holders January 25
TICKETS ON SALE FEBRUARY 1
Frozen The Broadway Musical
June 11-27, 2027
HERBERGER THEATER CENTER
Tickets available for Season Ticket holders March 22
TICKETS ON SALE MARCH 29
Friday, April 17, 2026
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Tuesday, April 7, 2026
Cast announced for DIARY OF A WIMPY KID THE MUSICAL at Valley Youth Theatre
Colton Wilcher
Greg Heffley
Jackson Beeson*
Rowley Jefferson
Westley Armbrust
Frank Heffley
Nora Bermudez*
Susan Heffley
Jacob Hammond
Rodrick Heffley
Charlotte Mikalsky*
Patty Farrell
Wade Miller*
Chirag Gupta
Blake Benton*
Fregley and Creighton the Cretin
Beni Bermudez
Bryce Anderson and Joshie
Milan Marcinek*
Claire
Alexia Lade
Christine Hosey
Logan Billings*
Lionel James
Beckett Gambrel*
Paulene
Elizabeth Beckstein*
Yvette
Clementine Payne*
Bill and Mr. Winsky
Mahagani Carter
Mrs. Clayton
Josephine Taylor*
Fregley’s Mom and Mrs. Huff
Ensemble
Laila Carter*
Kennedy Cook*
Zara Sego
Cameron Smidt*
*VYT Debut
Monday, March 23, 2026
Auditions for SHREK THE MUSICAL at Valley Youth Theatre announced for April 14 & 15
SHREK: THE MUSICAL
Director: Mathew Wiener
Music Director: Tristan Peterson-Steinert, VYT Alum
Choreographer: Lauran Stanis
Stage Manager: Morgan McCall
Performed at Herberger Theater Center, Center Stage
Run Dates: June 12 - June 28, 2026
Valley Youth Theatre welcomes all young artists (age 20 and under). All ethnicities, all gender expressions, and all bodies are encouraged to audition.
SYNOPSIS:
"Once upon a time, there was a little ogre named Shrek...." And thus begins the tale of an unlikely hero who finds himself on a life-changing journey alongside a wisecracking Donkey and a feisty princess who resists her rescue. Throw in a short-tempered bad guy, a cookie with an attitude and over a dozen other fairy tale misfits, and you've got the kind of mess that calls for a real hero. Luckily, there's one on hand... and his name is Shrek.
Shrek presents a treasure trove of creative opportunities, including costumes, sets, puppets (there is a fire-breathing dragon after all) and more! Irreverently fun for the whole family, Shrek proves that beauty is truly in the eye of the ogre.
CHARACTERS:
Name: Shrek
Gender: Male
Description: Our story's title character. A big, green, terrifying ogre who lives alone on a swamp. He embarks on a journey to rid his land of fairytale creatures and, along the way, falls in love with Fiona. Begins as a grumpy hermit, but reveals his layers and eventually becomes the hero.
High Note: G#4
Low Note: A2
Name: Fiona
Gender: Female
Description: The beautiful princess of Far Far Away, she transforms into an ogre every night when the sun sets. Rescued by Shrek and eventually falls in love with him. Quirky, blunt, and multitalented, she is not an ordinary princess.
High Note: G5
Low Note: F3
Name: Donkey
Gender: Male
Description: A talking donkey who joins Shrek on the run from Farquaad's guards. Quite the chatterbox, he is not deterred by Shrek's looks and practically forces himself into his good graces. Easily frightened and pushy, but also an optimistic with heart.
High Note: B4
Low Note: C3
Name: Lord Farquaad
Gender: Male
Description: The comically short, ruthless ruler of Duloc. He is in search of a princes to marry so that he can become king. Has an intensely unfair bias against fairytale creatures that stems from a resentment of his father. Self-absorbed, lonely, and cruel.
High Note: D5
Low Note: B2
Name: Dragon
Gender: Female
Description: A dragon that has been charged with guarding Princess Fiona in her isolated castle. She eventually falls in love with Donkey and attempts to keep him there forever. Imposing and flirtatious, but tired of her job as the glorified baby-sitter.
High Note: Eb5
Low Note: F3
Name: Gingy
Gender: Female
Description: A gingerbread man initially kidnapped by Lord Farquaad. His wit and resolution help him both avoid trouble and inspire the rest of the fairytale creatures. Puppet. May be operated by actress appearing as Sugar Plum Fairy.
High Note: C#5
Low Note: B3
Name: Pinocchio
Gender: Male
Description: The leader of the fairytale creatures. He is an animated puppet whose nose grows every time he lies. Plenty of sass with a penchant for lying.
High Note: F#4
Low Note: E3
Ensemble
The ensemble of this show include Fairytale Creatures (Big Bad Wolf, Three Little Pigs, White Rabbit, Fairy Godmother, Peter Pan, Wicked Witch, Ugly Duckling, Three Bears, Mad Hatter, Humpty Dumpty, Elf, Dwarf, Three Blind Mice); Angry Mob; Happy People; Guards; Knights; and Rats
REHEARSALS AND TIME COMMITMENT:
Approximate rehearsal dates can begin as early as the week of April 20th and run though June 4, 2026, Monday through Thursday evenings and Saturdays. Before tech, evening rehearsals will be 5p - 9p until the week of May 18th when they may go as late as 10p; tech rehearsals will be potentially until 12am. We understand that some students may have conflicts where they may miss rehearsals, must arrive late or leave early. However, cast members will not be able to miss rehearsals during tech week or the run of the show.
Load-in is on Thursday, June 4th and tech rehearsals start June 6th.
Opening night is June 12 and the show runs through June 28, 2026. There are several weekday matinees for schools in addition to the traditional evening and weekend performances.
We will ask about the specific dates of your conflicts in the audition form. Again, cast members will not be able to have any conflicts between June 6 and June 28, 2026.
WHAT TO HAVE READY FOR THE AUDITION:
A monologue. This should be around 0:30 to 1 minute and can be from any piece of media. We recommend something from a play or musical, but you can get creative. The monologue does not need to be memorized, but we recommend that it is prepared and you are very familiar with it. If you have the monologue in your hand, make sure you can keep the paper out of your face and connect with the people behind the table. We want to see you make choices and hear what you sound like! Need a suggestion on your monologue? Here are some options (which we will have available at check-in at the audition if you need it)
A song that will show off your voice and is appropriate for you and the character you are auditioning for. How long should the song be? Good question. The answer is: as long as it needs to be for you to feel that you have shown us how amazing you are! Chances are that's around :30 to 1 minute or so, but it may be longer or shorter. You may not get to sing the whole song either so make sure that you get to "the good part" sooner rather than later. You don't have to start at the beginning of the song. We just want to see how you sing!
A headshot. It doesn't have to be professional. Just a good photo that looks like you! you can take it with a camera phone if you'd like. Make sure you have good lighting so we can see your face.
An acting or theatre resume. You don't have to have one all fancy and ready to upload (although you certainly can). We just want to know what you have done performance-wise and in a theatre. If you worked on the stage crew, put that in there too!
Comfortable clothes that are appropriate to dance in -- no sandals or skirts, please.
A Water Bottle. This is Arizona! You need to stay hydrated and energized.
If you can, it's a good idea to pre-register. You will fill out the audition form online before hand so you won't have to fill it out when you get to the theatre. To pre-register, follow the link below.
AUDITION DATE, TIME AND LOCATION:
Tuesday, April 14, 2026 at 4:00pm. Doors Open at 3:30 pm.
Wednesday, April 15, 2026 at 4:00 pm. Doors Open at 3:30 pm.
You only need to attend one of these auditions. We hold auditions at our theatre:
Valley Youth Theatre
525 North First Street
On the Southeast Corner of First Street & Fillmore in Downtown Phoenix
Enter through the side door on Filmore and follow the signage.
Please note: The VYT parking lot is first-come, first-serve. Public paid parking is available in the lot across the street of the front doors on 1st street and at various meters surrounding the theatre. Please plan accordingly.
All info and pre-registering is found on our website at https://vyt.com/section/auditions
Saturday, February 21, 2026
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