Arizona Theatre Company

Arizona Theatre Company. Founded in 1966, it is the official State Theatre of Arizona and one of the nation's preeminent regional theatre companies. Operating as a dual-city institution, it presents a full season of professional productions in both Phoenix and Tucson. The company is dedicated to producing a diverse repertoire of classic works, contemporary plays, and world premieres, serving as a major cultural pillar in the Southwestern United States.

History

The organization was originally established in 1966 as the Arizona Civic Theatre under the leadership of founding director Sandy Rosenthal. In 1978, following a period of growth and professionalization, it was renamed Arizona Theatre Company. A pivotal moment in its development came with the appointment of David Ira Goldstein as Artistic Director in 1992, who, alongside Managing Director Jessica L. Andrews, guided the company for over two decades through significant artistic and financial expansion. The company achieved the distinction of being designated the State Theatre of Arizona by the Arizona State Legislature in 2005. Following Goldstein's tenure, leadership passed to David Ivers before the appointment of current Artistic Director Matt August in 2023. Its history is marked by a consistent mission to provide top-tier theatrical experiences across the state, navigating challenges such as the Great Recession and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Productions and artistic direction

The artistic programming balances celebrated classics from playwrights like William Shakespeare, Tennessee Williams, and Noël Coward with significant modern works and new play development. Notable productions have included ambitious stagings of works such as *The Secret Garden*, The Glass Menagerie, and The Royale, a play about boxer Jack Johnson. The company has a strong commitment to world premieres and has developed new works through programs like the National Endowment for the Arts-supported "Arizona Theatre Company's Arizona Playwrights Festival." Under the direction of Matt August, previously a director for The Walt Disney Company and Broadway, the repertoire continues to emphasize storytelling that resonates with its diverse Southwestern communities while maintaining a national profile.

Facilities and venues

The company performs in two primary venues, reflecting its unique dual-city model. In Tucson, its home is the historic Temple of Music and Art, a beautifully restored 1927 venue located in the Downtown Tucson Historic District. In Phoenix, performances are held at the Herberger Theater Center, a major performing arts complex in the city's downtown arts district. This two-city operation requires intricate logistical planning for each production, which is rehearsed in one city before opening and then transported for a run in the other. The company's administrative offices are located in Tucson.

Education and community engagement

Educational outreach is a cornerstone of its mission, with programs designed to serve students, teachers, and lifelong learners across Arizona. Key initiatives include the "Project Discovery" student matinee program, which provides subsidized tickets and study guides for school groups. The "Summer on Stage" program offers intensive theatre training for youth. Community engagement efforts often include post-show discussions with artists, partnerships with local organizations like the Arizona Commission on the Arts, and programs aimed at making theatre accessible to underserved populations. These activities extend the company's impact beyond the stage and foster the next generation of artists and audiences.

Awards and recognition

The organization has received numerous accolades for artistic excellence and community service. It has been the recipient of multiple National Endowment for the Arts grants and awards from the Arizona Commission on the Arts. Individual productions and artists have been honored with regional awards such as the AriZoni Awards, which celebrate theatre in Arizona. The company's status as the State Theatre of Arizona stands as a formal recognition of its cultural importance. Furthermore, its commitment to new work has earned recognition from playwrights' organizations and has contributed to the national theatrical landscape.

Category:Theatre companies in Arizona Category:Performing arts organizations based in Arizona Category:Regional theatre in the United States