Herberger Theater Adds 3 Resident Companies

The Herberger Theater Center has added three resident companies beginning with the 2018-2019 season. Arizona Opera, Childsplay and Arizona Broadway Theatre join current resident companies Arizona Theatre Company, Center Dance Ensemble and iTheatre Collaborative.

“Each of these new companies has a long history of quality productions for audiences throughout the Valley, and I can’t wait to see their performances on our stages, says Mark Mettes, president and CEO of the Herberger Theater Center. “Together, the diverse offerings of the resident companies of the Herberger Theater Center will entertain and inspire audiences of all ages, providing more reasons than ever to live, work and play in downtown Phoenix.”

Beginning in the 2018-19 Season, Arizona Opera will enhance its programming with an innovative new season model. “With this program expansion, we are increasing our commitment to presenting an adventurous, gutsy and compelling repertoire of diverse works to inspire new audiences, while continuing to meaningfully invest in the cherished traditional operas known and loved by so many,” says Joseph Specter, Arizona Opera president and general director.

In addition to its Main Stage Series in the winter and spring, which will feature two big and beloved works from the classic repertoire along with one Modern Masterwork, Arizona Opera will launch a new fall series entitled Arizona Opera RED. Arizona Opera RED will be presented in the Herberger Theater Center in Phoenix and the Temple of Music and Art in Tucson.

“With the RED Series, we are thrilled to partner with the Herberger to inspire curiosity among audiences new to the art form and create an impact beyond the traditional borders of opera,” Specter says. The winter/spring Main Stage Season will continue to be presented in Phoenix’s Symphony Hall and at Tucson Music Hall.

“Childsplay is very happy to be performing at a more central Valley location, and we are a thrilled to be a member of the Herberger Theater Center’s outstanding family of resident companies,” comments Steve Martin, managing director of Childsplay.

To expand its brand of Broadway-style musicals to a growing audience, Arizona Broadway Theatre plans a continued partnership with the Herberger Theater Center, co-presenting a number of blockbuster productions in 2018-19. “As founder of Arizona Broadway Theatre, I am thrilled the Herberger Theater Center’s board of directors has accepted ABT as one of its newest resident companies. With our recent success at HTC of A Christmas Carol last December and Disney’s Beauty and The Beast this past summer, we know there is an audience in central Phoenix and the East Valley for ABT’s brand of entertainment,” says Kiel Klaphake, CEO and executive producer of Arizona Broadway Theatre. “As we foster new relationships with the other resident companies, working together to offer audiences a variety of exciting productions, ABT is eager to advance the mission of the Herberger Theater – bringing the ‘art’ to the ‘audience.’”

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