Arizona Theatre Company facts for kids
The Arizona Theatre Company is a special group that puts on plays and shows in two big cities in Arizona: Tucson and Phoenix, Arizona. It's the only theater company of its kind that performs a full season of plays in two different places! You can see their shows at the Temple of Music and Art in Tucson and the Tempe Center for the Arts near Phoenix.
The Story of Arizona Theatre Company
The Arizona Theatre Company, often called ATC, was started by Sandy Rosenthal in 1966. Back then, it was known as the Arizona Civic Theatre. They first performed plays in the basement of an old hotel in Tucson called the Santa Rita Hotel.
In 1972, the company became fully professional. This meant they joined a special group called the League of Resident Theatres (LORT). Being part of LORT shows that they are a high-quality, professional theater company.
ATC began performing some of its shows in Phoenix in 1978. Just one year later, in 1979, they changed their name to the Arizona Theatre Company.
Since 1983, ATC has been putting on full seasons of plays in both Tucson and Phoenix. Over many years, they have created more than 330 different shows! They often perform classic plays from Europe and America, fun musicals, and brand-new plays. Sometimes, they even put on plays for the very first time in the world or in Arizona.
In May 2019, a new artistic director named Sean Daniels joined the company. He helps decide which plays ATC will perform and guides the creative side of the theater.
Learning and Community Fun
ATC doesn't just put on shows; they also help people learn about theater! They offer learning chances for both adults and students all over Arizona.
Through programs in schools and during the summer, ATC teaches young people many things. They learn about reading and writing, different cultures, and how performing arts work. Kids also learn special techniques used on stage and how to understand dramatic stories.
