Showing posts with label childsplay. Show all posts
Showing posts with label childsplay. Show all posts

Tuesday, August 25, 2026

Auditions for DRACULA at Childsplay's YETi Announced for September 8

 
Director: Ricky Araiza
Stage Manager: Alexis Nomorosa
YETi Program Manager: Rachel McCabe

Questions? Email yeti@childsplayaz.org

The vampire Dracula flees Transylvania for London, where the teeming population provides ample fodder for his blood-thirst. Only Agatha Van Helsing, the world famous metaphysician, has a hope of stopping the Prince of the Undead. Can Van Helsing save the day? Or will her heroic efforts merely render her the next victim to Dracula’s deadly bite? A fresh new take on a timeless horror classic.

Video Auditions Due: Thursday, September 8th at 11:59 PM 
In Person Auditions: September 8th between 5 PM - 9 PM (time slots)
Callbacks: September 10th between 5 PM - 9 PM (Exact times TBD)
First Rehearsal/Table Read: Saturday, September 19th from 2:30 PM - 5:30PM
We will also have our Parent/Caregiver Meeting at the first rehearsal. A guardian must attend the first 30 minutes of the rehearsal to review the actor contract and ask any questions they might have about the rehearsal process. 

Rehearsals: 
Will meet on Saturdays between 2 - 5:30 PM, plus an additional 1-3 days a week (Generally Mondays and Wednesdays between 5:30 - 9:00 PM)

Rehearsals will take place at our campus in downtown Tempe: 900 S. Mitchell Drive, Tempe AZ 85281 

Exact rehearsal dates are determined based on availability/conflicts given by production staff and actors, we will have a preliminary outline by the first rehearsal 

Tech Week: November 8-11
Sun - keep this full day open
Mon – Wed Times: 5:30 PM – 10 PM 
Shows at Childsplay Campus of Imagination and Wonder, 900 S. Mitchell Drive Tempe AZ 85281: 
Thursday, November 12th at 7:00 PM   
Friday, November 13th at 7:00 PM
Saturday, November 14th at 7:00 PM
Friday, November 20th at 7:00 PM
Saturday, November 21st at 7:00PM
Sunday, November 22nd at 7:00PM

Character Break Down
Note: Depending on the number of performers, there may be understudies/swings, double cast characters, or actors playing multiple roles. 

Count Dracula – he is a vampire
Dorinaa – young Transylvanian woman, Dracula’s victim
Stefan – Dorina's lover, another victim
Zora Barbu – Dorina’s sister
Gustaf – Zora’s husband; an innkeeper in Bisritz
Jonathon Harker – a solicitor from London
Dr. Jack Seward – he is a friend of Harker, runs a lunatic asylum near London
Mina Seward – Jack’s sister, engaged to Harker
Lucy Weston – Mina’s best friend
Renfield – she is one of Seward’s patients, eats flies
Agatha Van Helsing – expert on diseases, Seward’s former professor
Guard – an attendant in the Asylum
Woman #1 – a vampire
Woman #2 – a vampire

Wednesday, July 22, 2026

Upcoming Performance Opportunities in Childplay's Academy




Check out our upcoming production for youth, teens, and even one for adults!
CLICK HERE to view all of our programs

Buddy: An Elf Musical
Ages: 8-15
Tuition: $300 (Scholarships available)
Meets: Tuesdays OR Wednesdays
Performs: December 6th

Dracula (Full Length Play Production)
Ages: 13-18
Tuition: $50 Costume Fee (Scholarships Available)
Auditions: in September
Performs: November 12 - 21

Demigods (Fall Break)
Ages: 8-15
Tuition: $280
Meets: 9:30 AM - 3:30 PM
Dates: Sept 28 - Oct 2 OR Oct 5 - Oct 9

The Spelling Bee - 24 Hour Musical
Ages: 12-18
Tuition: $200 (Scholarships Available)
Meets: December 31st - January 1st

Sixth Annual Young Playwrights Festival
Ages for playwrights: 6th - 12th Grade
Ages for Performers: Youth & Adults Ages 8+
Tuition: Free to participate
Auditions: February 13th

For questions about any of our programs, please contact:
(480) 359-1494

Monday, June 15, 2026

Childsplay's YETi Accepting Applications for Season 11



Application closes: August 18th at 11:59 PM

If you are a teen who loves theatre and you'd like to learn to produce it, you are invited to apply for our teen theatre's 11th season!

Youth Ensemble Theatre Inc. or "YETi" is a teen theatre company that produces shows and events from the ground up. From show selection, to assistant directing, to playwrighting, to fundraising, costume design, social media marketing, event planning, and SO MUCH MORE.

All guided by theatre professionals who mentor young people through the process.

Techies and stage hands thrive in this environment as well as performers and leaders. Members of the ensemble get guaranteed casting in all shows and/or a guaranteed part of the production team.

Grow with other theatre lovers and be apart of a passionate community of young people, theatre makers, and future leaders in the field.

Questions? Email yeti@childsplayaz.org

We can't wait to meet you!

Saturday, June 6, 2026

Childsplay's YETi Presents ROMEO & JULIET on June 11 and 12


Tickets are now on sale for this totally tubular version of the Bard's most famous script. Performing at the beautiful Tempe Center for the Arts

Keeping the original language, but adding an 80's flare, Romeo & Juliet tells the story of two star crossed lovers who are from two warring families. Featuring tall hair, fun costumes, and a few musical numbers, this story is sure to bring a smile to your face and a tear to your eye.

YETi of (Youth Ensemble Theatre Inc) is a teen production company hosted by Childsplay and is celebrating 10 season of producing student-lead theatre. Teens select the script, raise money to produce their work, and participate in directing, performing, and designing each production.

Come let us show you what young artists are capable of!


Questions? Email yeti@childsplayaz.org

Thursday, April 30, 2026

Review Highlights: THE MIRACULOUS JOURNEY OF EDWARD TULANE, THE MUSICAL - Childsplay

Kyle Sorrell, Cassie Chilton, and Connor Dunning
Photo courtesy of Childsplay Theatre, photo by Tim Trumble
 
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 May 17

"Sometimes children's theatre has the ability to do more than just introduce young audience members to live theatre and entertain them. It can also clearly depict love, life, and loss through important life lessons that resonate no matter your age. The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane, which is based on Kate DiCamillo's 2006 young adult novel, is one of those shows. Childsplay first presented Dwayne Hartford's stage adaptation of the book over a decade ago, with other children's theatre companies across the country also mounting the show. The piece is now back, but has been expanded into a fully fleshed out musical, with Hartford contributing lyrics to Kyle Sorrell's music, and it's even more magnificent.musical, with Hartford contributing lyrics to Kyle Sorrell's score, and it's even more magnificent."   - Gil Benbrook, TalkinBroadway.com (click here to read the complete review)

"Unlike its earlier incarnation, this new production lets the story rise almost entirely through music and song. The soundscape is spare but evocative with acoustic guitars and harmonica laying down a restless, earthy pulse, joined by Cassie Chilton’s haunting violin and the steady insistence of a boxed beat board. Under the arrangement and orchestration of music director Michelle Chin, the score feels less like accompaniment and more like the narrative’s bloodstream, carrying the emotion forward in every note."   - David Appleford, Broadway World (click here to read the complete review)

Tuesday, March 17, 2026

Season General Auditions for Childsplay's 2026/2027 season announced for March 30


Childsplay General Auditions

Childsplay is holding open call auditions for our upcoming 2026–2027 season. We welcome actors interested in performing in our upcoming productions to audition.

We will accept both in-person and video auditions.

In-person auditions
March 30, 2026
Childsplay Campus in Tempe

Video auditions
Submissions due March 30, 2026

To reserve an in-person audition slot or submit a video audition, email casting@childsplayaz.org
.
Childsplay welcomes performers of all backgrounds, identities, and abilities. We are committed to creating an inclusive space where artists can create meaningful work for young audiences.

Full audition details and submission information:
childsplayaz.org/employment

Thursday, March 12, 2026

Anthony Runfola Named New Artistic Director at Childsplay




Childsplay has named Anthony Runfola as its new artistic director, after a nationwide search. Runfola will be the company’s third artistic director, succeeding Dwayne Hartford and founder David Saar, and will begin his tenure on June 1, 2026.

“I am deeply grateful and excited to serve as Childsplay’s next Artistic Director,” Runfola said. “This organization shaped who I am as an artist and a leader, and the opportunity to help guide it into its next chapter is both humbling and exhilarating. As we approach Childsplay's 50th anniversary, I see incredible opportunity ahead of us. My vision centers on three priorities: continuing its legacy of bold, original work by commissioning new plays that speak to this moment; deepening its commitment to equity and access so every young person in Arizona feels theatre is for them; and strengthening the ensemble culture that has always been Childsplay's heart and ensuring that everyone feels empowered to do their best work.”

Runfola began his career at Childsplay, where he spent two decades as the Director of Production, among other positions. During his tenure, he oversaw more than 150 productions, contributed to new play development, including Tomás and the Library Lady and The Sun Serpent, directed national tours of Rock the Presidents and Schoolhouse Rock Live!, and helped shape Childsplay's ensemble culture through significant periods of organizational growth.

“Anthony Runfola’s career has been shaped by the values Childsplay holds dear,” Childsplay Managing Director Steve Martin said. “He believes children are not second-class audience members. They deserve the best directors, designers, actors, arts educators, and storytellers from inside and outside our community. It will be a true honor and adventure helping to bring his artistic vision to life.”

“As a national leader in the Theatre for Young Audiences field, the appointment of Anthony positions Childsplay to continue leading the field of TYA,” Childsplay Board President Tasha Cycholl said. “We are thrilled to have him back in the desert!”

He previously served as Artistic Director of Magik Theatre in San Antonio, Texas, from 2019 to 2025, leading the company toward inclusive, socially relevant storytelling through new play development and community partnerships. He commissioned and directed the world premieres of Lyric and the Keys and Eddie & Vinnie, and directed productions including ¡Lotería: Game On!, The Lightning Thief, and Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus. Under his leadership, Magik Theatre was named "Best Theatre" by the San Antonio Current from 2022 to 2024.

Runfola will oversee Childsplay’s artistic programming in partnership with Managing Director Steve Martin and the board of trustees. His responsibilities include developing new productions, strengthening relationships with artists and the community, and advancing the company’s commitment to education, access, and equity.

For more information, visit www.childsplayaz.org or call (480) 921-5774. 

Thursday, August 28, 2025

Childsplay's YETi Announces Auditions for LUNA & SOLIS (Ages 12-18) on September 20



Director: Thomas Underdal
Stage Manager: Alexis Nomorosa
YETi Program Manager: Rachel McCabe

Questions? Email yeti@childsplayaz.org

The sun and the moon have loved one another from afar for eons, but their responsibility to humanity keeps them apart. They are only able to meet in person during an eclipse, when they take corporeal form. However, eventually they grew weary of putting the lives of humans above their one happiness, and decide to run away together during the latest solar eclipse. What will humankind have to do to restore the balance?

In Person Auditions: Saturday, September 20th from 6 PM – 8 PM 
Video Auditions Due: Friday, September 19th  at 11:59 PM  

Callbacks: Monday, September 22nd from 6 PM – 8:30 PM 

First Rehearsal/Table Read: Saturday, September 27th from 1:30 PM – 5:00 PM 

We will also have our Parent/Caregiver Meeting at the first rehearsal. A guardian must attend the first 30 minutes of the rehearsal to review the actor contract and ask any questions they might have about the rehearsal process. 

Rehearsals: 

Will meet on Saturdays between 1 - 5 PM, plus an additional 1-2 days a week 

Rehearsals will take place at our campus in downtown Tempe: 900 S. Mitchell Drive, Tempe AZ 85281 

Exact rehearsal dates are determined based on availability/conflicts given by production staff and actors, we will have a preliminary outline by the first rehearsal 

Tech Week: November 2-5
Please keep Sunday open all day
Mon - Wed times: 5:30 PM - 10 PM

Shows at the Childsplay Campus of Imagination and Wonder (subject to change): 

Thursday, November 6th at 7:00 PM   

Friday, November 7th at 7:00 PM   

Saturday, November 8th at 7:00 PM   

Thursday, November 13th at 7:00 PM 

Friday, November 14th at 7:00 PM   

Saturday, November 15th at 7:00 PM

Character Break Down
Note: Depending on the number of performers, there may be understudies/swings, double cast characters, or actors playing multiple roles. 

Sienna: Strong, stubborn, brave. Requires some singing. [Female] 
Aaron: Kind. Imaginative. Loyal. Requires some singing. [Male] 
Luna: The moon. Calming. Earnest. [Female, Non-binary] 
Solis: The Sun. Effervescent. Bold. [Female, Non-binary] 
Sam: Sienna's parent. [Any] 
Amara: Aaron's parent. [Any] 
Dez: Dolo's son. Bully. Confident. [Any] 
Dolo: Smooth-talking politician. Charming, but alarming. [Any] 
Pithy: Mysterious. Magical. Witch of the Woods. [Any] 
Additional Characters: Villagers, Jimmy, Tommy, Karen, Shop Owner, Shadow Trolls, Sea Beast 

Questions? Email yeti@childsplayaz.org

Thursday, July 17, 2025

Childsplay's YETi Accepting Applications for Fall

 
Application closes: August 17th at 11:59 PM

If you are a teen who loves theatre and you'd like to learn to produce it, you are invited to apply for our teen theatre's 10th season!

Youth Ensemble Theatre Inc. or "YETi" is a teen theatre company that produces shows and events from the ground up. From show selection, to assistant directing, to playwrighting, to fundraising, costume design, social media marketing, event planning, and SO MUCH MORE.

All guided by theatre professionals who mentor young people through the process.

Techies and stage hands thrive in this environment as well as performers and leaders. Members of the ensemble get guaranteed casting in all shows and/or a guaranteed part of the production team.

Grow with other theatre lovers and be apart of a passionate community of young people, theatre makers, and future leaders in the field.

Additionally, we are hiring a new YETi Program Manager. We are looking for an adult theatre maker who is passionate about fostering the love for theatre to teens. Someone who is excited about growing and innovating this program and taking it to new heights. For more information about the position, please visit: Childsplayaz.org/employment

Questions? Email yeti@childsplayaz.org

We can't wait to meet you!

Wednesday, July 16, 2025

Dwayne Hartford to Retire as Childsplay Artistic Director in 2026



Childsplay Artistic Director Dwayne Hartford has announced his plans to retire in September 2026 after 10 years of service. The Board of Trustees has formed a search committee to find his successor.
“Dwayne (Hartford) has taken Childsplay to new heights over the last decade of service,” said Board President Gaylord Gagnon. “We are so grateful for everything he’s done for Childsplay and the Arizona theatre community and are looking forward to continuing to collaborate in the future.”

Hartford led Childsplay through the creation of new works, a performance venue change, and a pandemic, further developed the Childsplay Academy, oversaw the creation of the company’s latest mission, as well as expanded access to Childsplay’s theatre programs in schools and on tour.

“My partnership with Dwayne (Hartford) over the past 10 years has been a true joy,” said Managing Director Steve Martin. “His commitment to Childsplay and the young people we serve has been nothing short of phenomenal. He believes in the capacity of our youth to tackle tough issues while experiencing the great joy of live theatre. While we’ll miss him after 35 years with the Childsplay Ensemble, we all wish him grand new adventures as well as a relaxing retirement.”

Hartford began his Childsplay career in 1990 when he was hired for a school touring production of “Just So Stories.” Since then, he has acted in more than 50 different Childsplay plays and musicals, including originating the role of Father in the world premiere of Founding Artistic Director David Saar’s “The Yellow Boat” in 1992.

In addition to acting, Hartford has directed more than 25 Childsplay productions and written several award-winning plays for the company, including “Eric and Elliot,” “The Color of Stars,” and “The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane,” among others. He was named Playwright-in-Residence in 2005.

In 2016, Hartford was named the second artistic director of Childsplay after Saar’s retirement.

Hartford led Childsplay’s transition from its former home, the Tempe Center for the Arts, to its current home, the Herberger Theater Center, during the 2016-17 season. During his tenure, Hartford championed the creation of over a dozen new and original plays that prioritized elevating the voices of BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) writers and actors, such as “Chato’s Kitchen” by Mark Valdez, “Selena Maria Sings” by Miriam Gonzalez, and “The Hula Hoopin’ Queen” by Gloria Bond Clunie.

During the 2020 pandemic, he transformed the way theatre was shared with Arizona’s young audiences by developing and producing one-person plays to be performed virtually as “drive-in theatres” in Maricopa County library parking lots and eventually in schools. His final work with the company as artistic director will be a reimagining of “The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane” as a musical, premiering in spring 2026.

Hartford was born and raised in rural central Maine. He earned his BFA in Musical Theatre Performance from the Boston Conservatory in 1983, continuing with graduate work in directing at Boston University. From 1985 to 1999, he was the artistic director of the music and theatre program at Quisisana, a summer resort in western Maine.

In the fall of 1989, Hartford moved to Phoenix and soon began working with Childsplay as an actor. During his time in the Valley, Hartford has received numerous awards, including the AriZoni Awards for directing, the American Association of Theatre & Education’s Distinguished Play Award (twice), and the 2015 National Society of Arts & Letters, Arizona Chapter Medallion of Merit.  

In addition to his work at Childsplay, Hartford has directed for Arkansas Children’s Theatre, The Phoenix Theatre Company, Greasepaint, Stagebrush, Valley Youth Theatre, Opera-tunity, and the Phoenix Symphony’s production of “Amahl and the Night Visitors” at the Orpheum.

Hartford plans to stay in Phoenix after retiring. His goals are more writing, directing, traveling, and, most importantly, hanging out with his dog, Larry.

Monday, June 30, 2025

Childsplay's 2025/2026 Season!

 
Explore our 49th Season of
Imagination and Wonder!


 5 shows, 2 world premieres, and the return of a fan favorite! Childsplay's 2025-2026 Season is one you don't want to miss! Individual tickets will be on sale later this month. We can't wait to bring you and your family a season of unforgettable stories!
Learn More >
World Premiere!
JSonic and The Unknown

September 9 - October 5, 2025
John Paul Theatre - Phoenix College
Recommended for Ages 9+
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
November 12 - December 22, 2025
Herberger Theater Center

Recommended for Ages 4+
The Diary of Anne Frank
January 13 - 31, 2026
Herberger Theater Center
Recommended for Ages 11+
Hare and Tortoise
February 3 - March 8, 2026
Herberger Theater Center
Recommended for Ages 4+
World Premiere!
The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane The Musical

April 21 - May 17, 2026
Herberger Theater Center
Recommended for Ages 5+


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

Wednesday, March 12, 2025

Childsplay's YETi Announces Auditions for GHOST BIKE (Ages 13-18) for March 29



Director: Bray Lawrence

Ora and Eddie fell in love with Chicago on their bikes. But when Eddie is hit by a car and killed, Ora refuses to let him go. Instead, she rides beneath our city to bring him back, facing off against underworld gods and ghosts – some interested in helping her, some determined to get in her way. Chicago culture sketches off of Greek, African, and Chinese mythology, sparking a spirited mash-up of underworld and after-life as seen from the seats of fixies, BMX’s and ten-speeds.

Important Dates

Video Auditions Due: March 28th at 11:59 PM 

In Person Auditions: Saturday, March 29th from 6 PM – 8 PM 

Callbacks: Monday, March 31st from 6 PM – 8:30 PM 

First Rehearsal/Table Read: Saturday, April 5th from 1:30 PM – 5:00 PM 

Rehearsals: 

Will meet on Saturdays between 1 - 5 PM, plus an additional 1-2 days a week 

Shows at the Tempe Center for the Arts: 

Thursday, June 12th at 7:00 PM 

Friday, June 13th at 7:00 PM 

Saturday, June 14th at 7:00 PM 

Sunday, June 15th at 7:00 PM 

Friday, June 20th at 7:00 PM 

Saturday, June 21st at 7:00 PM 

Sunday, June 22nd at 7:00 PM 


ORA: 18 years old. Tough as nails. Rides a fixed-gear bike. EDDIE’s best friend. 

EDDIE: 18 years old. More distractable than ORA – sometimes he has his head in the clouds. Rides a fixed-gear bike. ORA’s best friend. 

NURSE: an ER nurse. 

WELL-WISHERS 

SATYR: a bearded young man of ill repute. Shady. Not sleazy, though – he’s too smart to show that side of himself. Rides a freak bike. (Also plays KING YAMA) 

COUNSELOR: a shrink. Doesn’t ride a bike. 

GHOSTS (5): over-intellectual. All died young. A little bit hipster. 

DARK HEL: the rotting corpse that rules over Niflheim. Rides a tandem bike. 

LIGHT HEL: the non-rotting half of Hel. Rides a tandem bike. 

OLD GHOST: the oldest ghost in Niflheim. 

FERRYWOMAN: the woman who rows the boat across the River Styx. 

SOULS 

RIDERS: BMX riders who guard the gate to Hell. 

PEOPLE BEHIND SCREEN  

ALVIN: Eddie’s friend in the Underworld. Rides a ghost bike. 

CADY: Eddie’s friend (and ORA’s competition) in the Underworld. Rides ghost bike. 

DATSUE-BA: a hag from Buddhist mythology 

PERSEPHONE: Persephone of the Greek myths. Her clothes are stained with pomegranate juice. She carries a pomegranate with her. 

KING YAMA: the emperor of the Underworld. (Also plays SATYR) 

GHOST ESCORT: ghost riders exiting the underworld. 

FRIENDS WITH FLOWERS  

Questions? Email yeti@childsplayaz.org

Wednesday, January 15, 2025

Childsplay's YETi announces Auditions for their Young Playwrights Festival on February 15



Each year, Childsplay mentors a handful of playwrights through the process of writing a 10 minute play. Then members of YETi's teen ensemble direct the pieces to be performed in a two day festival.

We are looking for actors of ALL AGES to perform. From youth as young as 8 years old to 100!  We will be casting anywhere from 20 - 40 actors and some actors may be cast in multiple roles. Performers of all abilities, genders, ethnicities, and backgrounds are encouraged to audition. Actors have the option to perform with script in hand.

This is a super fun and impactful event and actors get to help give these young artists an unforgettable experience that they will carry with them always. Network with other artists and have fun doing it.

Important Dates:
Auditions: Saturday February 15th, between 1 PM - 3 PM
Rehearsal #1: Saturday, February 22nd, between 12 PM - 5 PM (exact times TBD)
Rehearsal #2: Saturday, March 1st, between 12 PM - 5 PM (exact times TBD)
Rehearsal #3 (Tech Rehearsal): Wednesday, March 5th, 5:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Rehearsal #4 (Tech/Dress): Thursday, March 6th, 5:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Performance #1: Friday, March 7th, Call Time: 6 PM | Showtime 7 PM | End Time: 8/8:30ish
Performance #2: Saturday, March 8th, Call Time: 6 PM | Showtime 7 PM | End Time: 8/8:30ish

Click here to learn more and submit your audition application: childsplayaz.org/playwrights25
Questions? Email yeti@childsplayaz.org

Monday, November 25, 2024

Childsplay's YETi Announces Auditions for Holiday Cabaret on December 7



Director: Gabe Escudero
Audition info & form: childsplayaz.org/jingle-cabaret

Join us for an enchanting evening of holiday cheer and dazzling talent at the Jingle All the Way Cabaret! This festive showcase will feature a delightful mix of singing, acting, and other short performances, brought to life by talented teens and adults from our community. Whether you're a fan of show-stopping numbers or heartfelt holiday moments, this event promises something for everyone. Celebrate the season with us and experience the magic of live performance!

Important Dates:

Auditions:
December 7th from 5 PM - 7 PM

Rehearsals: 
December 10th + 11th in the evening

Shows at the Childsplay Campus: 
Thursday, December 12th at 7 PM
Friday, De3cember 13th at 7 PM

Questions? Email yeti@childsplayaz.org