About Us

Our Mission

East Valley Children’s Theatre (EVCT) is more than just a theatre. It is a place where children can grow and develop into confident young adults. At EVCT youth gain self-esteem, and develop creativity. Its mission is to offer youth age 5-18 opportunities to experience the process and product of live theatrical performances, by children for children. School age children and adolescents age 8-18 are invited to audition for every show. Auditions are conducted by highly qualified production teams which vary from show to show. No previous experience is required for children to audition and no advance preparation is needed. We provide youth of the East Valley the opportunity to participate in community-based quality theatrical events for the purpose of developing and enhancing confidence, individual creativity and self-esteem. We are dedicated to the development of active performers, crews and audience.

EVCT will begin its 14th season in the fall of 2010 in the Playhouse Theatre at the new Mesa Arts Center. Managed by an all-volunteer board of directors, EVCT has grown from one production and one workshop to an award-winning children’s theatre, bringing exceptional theatre to children and their families in the East Valley community.

• Productions - Four fully-staged theatrical productions each season.
• Playwriting Contest - Promoting playwriting of original works for children�s theatre (Princess Furball, The Snow Faerie, Brave Little Tailor, Tale From the North Woods, The Frog Prince, The Golden Butterfly, The Goats Gruff).
• Scholarship Program - Supporting former EVCT youth, studying theatre in college.
• Theatre Workshops - Holds two series of 8 workshops focusing on theatre skills, one in the fall and one in the spring.
• Drama Classes – Six week classes that meet once a week throughout the year covering a variety of theatre techniques and topics.
• Intergenerational Theatre Program - Youth work with senior citizens to create plays that they perform at retirement communities and assisted living centers.
• EVCT Express - A group of youth who meet once a week and create a performance piece, which they perform in the community at various locations.
• On the Spot Improv - A team of youth who meet once a week to practice improvisation techniques and games which are then performed throughout the Valley.
• EVCT Bravo – The Troupe rehearses songs and choreography from Broadway shows and performs in the East Valley.
• Summer and Spring Musical Theatre Camps – In a one or two week session, youth participate in intense acting, dancing, and singing skill courses. They also rehearse a play or performance for the final day of camp.
• Technical Theatre Program- Youth learn the basics of technical theatre through training at the MAC, working with theatre professionals & hands on training.
• Community Outreach Program - free performances at various non-profit organizations who serve children & their families.

Volunteer opportunities are available to all ages in marketing, public relations, fundraising, board membership and production aid. Contact the EVCT office (480-756-3828) for further information.