Transparency, Communication, and Building Community

    By Theresa Kellar Tonner   The Phoenix Theatre Company’s Producing Artistic Director and Executive Director, Michael Barnard and Vincent VanVleet, respectively, were featured as two of InBusiness Greater Phoenix’s “16 Top Leaders of 2024: Our List of Valley Leaders Who are Making a Real Difference!” by Mark Hunter.   The list of leaders…

Behind the Scenes: More Than Just a Photo Shoot

    By Jen Barraza Publicity photo shoots for theatre productions are more than just an opportunity to capture the cast in costume—they serve as the first visual invitation for audiences to step into the world of a show. Every lighting choice, costume detail, and pose works together to craft a compelling image that sparks…

Dance! No One is Watching.

By Theresa Kellar Tonner Summer of Dance at The Phoenix Theatre Company is entering its 17th year. Seventeen years of providing a place for dancers of all experience levels to “develop skills, sweat, and have fun,” as Summer of Dance Director Molly Lajoie would say. Dancing is good for the soul. Summer of Dance encourages…

More Than Helpers: Honoring Our Volunteers for National Volunteer Week

By Shelina Elyse Volunteers are a vital part of The Phoenix Theatre Company history and experience. In celebration of National Volunteer Week, we recognize the tremendous efforts of our volunteers throughout the years.  Motivated by a community-driven model, the early days of Phoenix Little Theatre relied heavily on volunteers through unpaid talent and helpers. By…

Behind the Scenes: Lights, Camera, Spoof!

  By Jen Barraza   Publicity photo shoots at The Phoenix Theatre Company are never just about snapping a few cast pics—they’re about setting the tone, delivering the vibe, and in the case of Forbidden Broadway, letting audiences know they’re in for a gleefully outrageous ride.    This satirical revue takes aim at Broadway’s most…

An Actor’s Process: Bringing the Four Seasons to Life

  By Shelina Elyse & Elizabeth Montgomery Jukebox musicals revive beloved music with a new perspective. They challenge traditional musical casts to embody real-life celebrity figures and evoke the audience’s feelings of nostalgia and familiar affection.  Jersey Boys spans decades of a group’s evolution into the Four Seasons. You know the guys and their popular…

A History of The Phoenix Theatre Company Sets the Stage for Success

  By Shelina Elyse As the oldest arts organization in Arizona, The Phoenix Theatre Company is no stranger to growth, innovation, and community.   The humble Phoenix Players troupe was originally founded in 1920 and performed in a variety of spaces around Phoenix. Inspired by the National Little Theatre Movement that challenged commercial Broadway productions, they…

Behind the Curtain: How a Season Gets Cast at The Phoenix Theatre Company

  By Elizabeth Montgomery Casting an entire season of theatre is a complex, thoughtful process that begins long before opening night.   From nationwide video submissions to local auditions, callback sessions, and creative team collaboration, each role is carefully considered to bring together the right ensemble for every production.  With the recent announcement of our 2025/26…

The Phoenix Theatre Company’s 106th Season Ushers in a Bold New Era of Theatre

  By Elizabeth Montgomery The Phoenix Theatre Company’s 106th season delivers a compelling mix of Broadway hits, new works, and beloved classics. The season features the Tony Award-winning Come From Away, the sweeping regional premiere musical The Roads to Loch Lomond, and the enchanting Ever After, a fresh take on the hit film. Audiences will…

Sips & Stage Reviews: A Chat with Kiki & Lucy

  By Jen Barraza If you think theatre reviews are best served with a side of sass and a generous pour of Chardonnay, then you need to meet Kiki & Lucy—Boca’s most fabulous, wine-loving theatre connoisseurs. With impeccable taste (in both performances and pinot), these two have made a name for themselves by reviewing shows…