Phoenix Theatre Company

The Phoenix Theatre Company is a prominent cultural institution and the largest producing regional theatre company in the Valley. Renowned for its extensive range of programs and experiences, it boasts nearly 500 performances annually across multiple stages. The company's education and outreach efforts have a substantial impact, inspiring over 100,000 citizens each year. Founded in 1920 as the Phoenix Players, The Phoenix Theatre Company is the oldest arts organization in Arizona and one of the oldest continuously operating arts organizations in the United States. Initially performing in various venues, including schools and backyards, the company's growth necessitated a permanent home. In 1924, the Heard Family provided their old coach house at Central and McDowell for the company, then known as Phoenix Little Theatre. The 1950s saw further development when Board President Stephen Shadegg, alongside the Heard Family and Barry Goldwater, secured funding for a new building. This structure became a cornerstone of an evolving arts and cultural district, which now includes the Phoenix Art Museum and the Phoenix Library. In 1993, the organization was renamed The Phoenix Theatre Company, reflecting its expansion and evolution. Throughout its history, The Phoenix Theatre Company has been dedicated to innovation and community engagement. It has launched careers for industry stars, nurtured young audiences, supported emerging playwrights and composers, and provided a platform for alternative and experimental theatre. The company has also been a venue for world premieres and continues to play a pivotal role in the arts complex it anchors, staying true to its mission of education and cultural elevation. In 2006, recognizing the need to accommodate the growing demand for its programs, the company began planning for an expansion. This vision came to fruition in October 2013 with a significant extension of the performing arts facility, one of the most substantial in the southwest. The expansion included a new glass atrium lobby, additional rehearsal and entertainment spaces, and the Hormel Theatre, a state-of-the-art black box theatre. These enhancements have allowed The Phoenix Theatre Company to further its creative vision, extend its programming and services, and improve the overall experience for patrons. The Phoenix Theatre Company's mission is to create exceptional theatrical experiences that use the arts to convey messages that inspire hope and understanding. It upholds values that emphasize the importance of the arts in fostering individual heroism, cultural and political understanding, and providing a live forum for community gathering. The company is committed to inclusivity, welcoming individuals from all walks of life to experience theatre as a space where everyone, regardless of race, creed, orientation, or socioeconomic status, can find acceptance. The Phoenix Theatre Company continues to be a beacon of the performing arts in the region, contributing significantly to the cultural fabric of Phoenix and beyond.