Phoenix Theatre Inc

We are the state's top employer of Phoenix-based theatre professionals, offering artistically exceptional productions,  groundbreaking new works by seasoned and emerging playwrights, and training for future arts leaders through our internship and apprentice programs. We devote fully 25% of our operating budget to education and outreach programs, which use theatrical techniques to encourage communication, provide comfort in institutional settings, reveal the rewards of collaboration and creativity, and foster the hero within.

Audiences enjoy Mainstage productions of classic American musicals, comedies, dramas, and become active participants in the development of new works through our Hormel New Works Festival. Phoenix Theatre for Young Audiences brings live professional theatre to thousands of underserved students every year -- an effort that is heavily subsidized by Phoenix Theatre and its donors.

We train artists to comfort children and adults in hospitals, nursing homes and crisis shelters through our innovative Partners That Heal program. Demand for this program has skyrockted and currently outstrips our ability to provide services, particularly for bedside visits with children.And our summer theatre camps include a unique program developed for children with autism spectrum disorders. One mom tells the story of her son's participation in this exciting program:

“My son, who has autism, had never had a friend, never participated in group activities and spoke few (but special) words. The only activities that seemed to get a smile out of him were silly games and funny voices. I wondered if a theatre experience or camp would cultivate the voice I so dearly wanted to hear, the smile I wanted to see, and group of friends I had been wishing for him for years. At Adventure Stage, he met and found his FIRST true friend….a beautiful, inquisitive red headed boy that befriended him and took my son on as his special assignment, guiding him through the camp experience. His curiosity began to emerge and he found his voice in a short monologue about how it would be for a flower to wilt and die.  He came home later that day and proudly reenacted for the whole family….there was not a dry eye in the house and a standing ovation was given not only to my son, but to Phoenix Theatre for all the work you have done to enrich the lives of children.”            An Adventure Stage parent

We are making significant capital improvements to our campus (including the addition of a 250-seat black box theatre) that will allow significant expansion of our youth and new works programs.We will continue to make improvements that position Phoenix Theatre as a center for both entertainment and service to the community.