Herberger Theater Center facts for kids
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| Address | 222 East Monroe Street Phoenix, Arizona United States |
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| Coordinates | 33°27′04″N 112°04′15″W / 33.451073°N 112.070731°W |
| Type | Performing arts center |
| Capacity | Center Stage: 800 Stage West: 320 Kax Stage: 120 |
| Opened | 1989 |
The Herberger Theater Center is a special place in downtown Phoenix, Arizona, where you can watch live shows. It has three stages and its main goal is to help performing arts grow in Phoenix. It's known for being a top spot for performances and a place that helps artists and arts groups.
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A Look Back: History of the Herberger Theater
The Herberger Theater Center, often called HTC, opened in 1989. It was a big part of making downtown Phoenix a lively place again. Many different theater groups call HTC home. They put on all sorts of shows, from exciting dance performances to funny improv and classic plays. You can see local groups and even national touring shows here. Famous groups like the Arizona Opera and Ballet Arizona have also performed on its stages.
Exploring the Herberger Theater: Stages and Shows
The Herberger Theater Center is one of the best places in Phoenix to see a show. Even though it's a large building, the stages feel close and personal. This means you get a great view without needing binoculars!
The theater has three main stages:
- Center Stage: This is the biggest stage, seating up to 800 people.
- Stage West: This stage can hold 320 people.
- Kax Stage: This is a smaller, flexible "black box" space that seats 120. It's great for different kinds of performances.
The Herberger Theater is home to several theater companies, including Arizona Theatre Company and Childsplay. Other groups like Valley Youth Theatre also perform here. Each year, over 40 different shows are put on. About 175,000 visitors and 30,000 school children come to the theater every year.
Lunch Time Theater: Quick Plays for Everyone
One cool program at HTC is the Lunch Time Theater. It happens on the Kax Stage during weekdays. This program shows short, one-act plays that last about 30 to 45 minutes. It's a great way for new and upcoming theater groups to show their talent.
Art on Display: The Upper Steele Pavilion
When you visit the theater, you can also see amazing art! The Upper Steele Pavilion features art by Arizona artists. New art exhibits are shown every three months, adding to the theater's inviting atmosphere.
Learning Through Arts: Education Programs
The Herberger Theater Center believes in using the arts to help people learn and grow. They have several special programs for young people.
Multicultural Theater Camp: Healing Through Performance
Since 2001, HTC has worked with Free Arts for Abused Children. This program helps young people heal through performing arts. Teens from group homes and shelters in Maricopa County can join a two-week theater camp at the Herberger Theater.
During this camp, guest artists teach kids about acting, making masks, costumes, and how theater works behind the scenes. The campers create their own show, which ends with a final performance for everyone to see.
Arizona Young Artists' Competition: Showcasing Talent
Every year, the Herberger Theater Center holds a competition for talented young artists in Arizona. Started in 1999, this competition is for artists aged 15 to 19. They can compete in acting, dance (like modern, ballet, jazz, hip hop, and tap), and singing.
The competition helps young artists learn about auditions and meet experienced arts professionals. Four finalists are chosen for each category to perform live. Winners in each category receive a $1,000 scholarship to help them continue their arts education.
Wolf Trap Program: Arts for Little Learners
The Wolf Trap program is another special project. Artists from the Center Dance Ensemble visit preschools and Head Start classrooms. They teach parents and teachers how to use performing arts to help young children learn. The program ends with a field trip to the Herberger Theater. About 1,000 children get to participate in movement, ballet, and music activities right on the stage!
Gallery
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Herberger Theater Center sign
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The Herberger Theater Center building
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Another view of the Herberger Theater Center
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The Herberger Theater Center in Phoenix, Arizona
See also
