Phoenix Theatre - Phoenix, AZ - Performing arts venue

The Phoenix Theatre, located in Phoenix, Arizona, is one of the oldest performing arts institutions in the state and is still going strong to this day. With performances of some of the most popular theatre productions, the venue is still pulling in large audiences and there's even a "Little Theatre'' for more intimate events.

The theatre was founded in 1920 and prides itself on using local actors for local audiences, putting on big-name productions as well as smaller performances throughout the year. Not only is it the oldest theatre in Arizona but it's also one of the oldest arts organizations that's continuously operating in the country.

The aim of the theatre is to tell stories in new and unique ways that appeal to audiences of all ages and backgrounds. To do this it has a number of major programs, including the professional Mainstage theatre for adult audiences, Greasepaint Youth Theatre and the Cookie Company, a theatre showing performances primarily aimed at young people and families. It also offers both on and off-site training and hosts the New Works Festival, a place to showcase new performances and pieces to the local audiences.

The theatre also has an education department which provides numerous training initiatives for people of all ages. One of their partnerships is with the Arizona School for the Arts, providing professional instructors to students as well as a unique place to train in the theatre itself. It hosts a number of other workshops and events throughout the year including dance training, field trips and even a summer camp, so it's worth checking the calendar regularly to see if anything's coming up.

The Phoenix Theatre has won numerous awards for the theatre itself as well as the performances within it. These include being named the Best Theatre Company in Arizona for two consecutive years, and Greasepaint came out on top at the National Youth Theatre Awards in July 2009.

Performances on offer include everything from musicals to serious dramas, with highlights having included The Producers, Oliver and Les Misyrables. The facilities can even be rented out for private performances and rehearsals, subject to the theatre's own schedule.

Ticket prices of each performance will obviously vary, as will opening times of the theatre itself, but box office opening times are 10am until 5pm Monday to Friday (or until show time) and from noon until show time on Saturdays and Sundays. There are a number of ticket options from single tickets to season passes, and gift certificates can always be purchased for a unique gift idea.

The theatre is truly accessible for everyone, with all performances having wheelchair access and assisted listening systems and certain others having audio descriptions and even the option of a signed performance. It's conveniently located right next to the Phoenix Art Museum and has plenty of free parking, making it easily accessible from anywhere in the surrounding area.

The Phoenix Theatre offers something for the whole family, from children's productions and youth theatre all the way up to dramas and musicals. In a great location and with fantastic education facilities it's definitely worth checking back to see what performances or workshops will be coming up.