The Ahwatukee Children’s Theatre (ACT)

5051 East Elliot Road
Phoenix, AZ 85044
480-705-9319

A 501(c) (3) non-profit Corporation

MISSION STATEMENT The Ahwatukee Children’s Theatre (ACT) provides local children and adult’s education in, appreciation for and opportunities to participate in all aspects of the performing arts, as well as offering family-friendly entertainment to the community at large.

HISTORY For six years ACT has been renting space in the Southeast valley to accommodate its more than 300 students and performers. Due to the rise in rent for both rehearsal and performance space in the local area, ACT could not continue in this mode. Fortunately in March 2004, the Executive Management of ACT partnered with an anonymous donor who purchased a building to house ACT, which ACT leased with the option to purchase. Another anonymous donor helped ACT purchase that building and use the proceeds to rebuild the Ahwatukee Senior Center into what is now our permanent theatre space.  We now house a brand new state of the art building in Ahwatukee with 4 private practice/teaching rooms, a drama room, a dance studio, and an 85 seat black box theatre!  We also have room for a prop shop and costume shop.  We are so thirlled that we will now provide the Southeast Valley residents a local performing arts center. This organization provides a safe and educational facility for children to gain exposure to the Arts, build self confidence and experience understanding and acceptance of cultural diversity. It is Act’s belief that involvement by children in safe, productive, healthy activities, helps to create more constructive citizens for their communities.

NEEDED SUPPORT Supporters of ACT have worked tirelessly to secure a permanent location, and their efforts have paid off.  However, being a non-profit organization we are continually in need of donations. Your donation is 100% tax deductible because of our 501(c) (3) non-profit status! For more information about ACT please call 480-705-9319.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES The Ahwatukee Children’s Theatre provides our growing community of family and friends volunteer opportunities that support the theatre by building sets, making costumes, concessions, office support, and all other production and theatre needs. If you are interested in helping us grow our family by volunteering please call (480)-705-9319.

PROGRAMMING

        Theatre Productions performed 2002-2007

• Annie Jr.
• Grease - The School Version
• Disney's 101 Dalmatians
• Disney's High School Musical
• School House Rock
• Aladdin, Jr.
• Music Man, Jr.
• Cinderella
• School House Rock
• Olivia
• Footloose
• Narnia - The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe
• A Christmas Carol (2001-05)
• The Mystery of Edwin Drood
• Bye Bye Birdie
• Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
• The Wizard of OZ
• Really Rosie (Junior Troupe)

        Performing Groups

• Ahwatukee Select Show Choir - Competition show choir
• Ahwatukee Children’s Chorus - Beginning performing group
• Tukee Tweens - Intermediate performing group
• Treble Makers - Beginning show choir
• Disney Dazzle- Young children's singing group

        Classes and Instructional Lessons

• Acting 101, Acting 102 - Introductory and Intermediate levels offered
• Musical Theatre Classes - Beginning and Advanced study
• Art classes
• Acting for Camera and Film
• Private Voice Instruction
• Musical Dance Instruction

ACT LEADERSHIP ACT consists of a Board of Directors that dictates and creates rules, regulations, and budgets and helps guide the theatre in its goals and objectives.

PRODUCTION COSTS ACT performs approximately five musical productions per year. The number of cast members varies depending on the show and the size of the performance venue. The following is an example of what it costs to put on a musical with ACT.

Michele Rubino; Executive Director… "This is my life and dream and it is so exciting for me to see it come to reality. I am so excited to watch these kids grow and learn and develop friendships"

Chris; Age 17; Ahwatukee… "It has helped me be more confident and has given me better self esteem"

Bailey; age 15; Chandler… "It is a fabulous place for kids to come and relax, have fun and learn so much"

Allison; age 21; Chandler… "I am a lot more outgoing and confident. It has given me a lot of skills, skills I use now working with entertainment in Disneyworld"

Taylor; Age 14; Tempe…"It‘s so inspiring I find myself singing and dancing constantly"

Justin; Age 16; Tempe… "It is like a family, everyone is so nice and kind, everyone cares for each other"

Jenna: Age 11; Ahwatukee… "ACT makes me feel special because they pay attention to my needs in acting and they don’t push me over my limits"