Located inside Scottsdale Fashion Square on the west side of the food court in the space previously occupied by Harkins Theatres, Desert Stages is a non-profit performing arts theatre for actors of all ages and skill levels. Whether you want to enjoy a show or put on a show, Desert Stages offers both opportunities for theatre-lovers alike.
The local theatre was established in 1995 by Laurie Cullity, the late Gerry Cullity and Joan Thompson, and has been the go-to spot for local productions since, with 250 performances per year. The shows, which range from Broadway mega-hits like Hairspray and Aladdin to smaller, more avante-garde productions, are put on on one of two stages, the more intimate Actor’s Café and the larger Cullity Hall. Each year the theatre puts on eight adult productions and five youth shows (ages 3-19). And many of the actors and actresses that have taken the stage at Desert Stages have gone on to secure work as professional actors under the bright lights of cities like New York and Los Angeles.
Upcoming Show Schedule
April 6 – May 6: Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
April 20 – June 3: Plaza Suite
May 18 – June 17: Disney’s Aladdin Jr. (youth)
June 15 – July 29: Agatha Christie’s A Murder Is Announced
June 29 – July 29: Bring It On The Musical (youth)
For tickets, call the box office at 480.483.1664 or click here.
What’s more, the local theatre offers younger ones the chance to learn theatre arts as theatrical camper/actors, teen directors, choreographers and counselors in eight-week sessions or three-week theatrical camps. But the most compelling aspect of Desert Stages is the ability to audition, despite having never stepped on a stage before. That’s right, anyone—including you!—can jump into the spotlight.
How To Audition
Youth: Just bring a completed audition form, headshot and resumé. Those auditioning will be taught a song from the show, no prep required!
Adult: Just bring a completed audition form, headshot and resumé and check out the prep details for each audition beforehand.
The next auditions will be held on April 15 for Agatha Christie’s A Murder Is Announced.
For more information on the theatre and auditions or to purchase tickets, visit: desertstages.org
Desert Stages is offering AZ Foothills readers $15 tickets (for $28 shows) by calling the box office at 480.483.1664 and using the code FOOTHILLS-15.
