Actors Theatre of Phoenix

Actors Theatre is unique in that they are a professional company that does plays that you wouldn't necessarily call mainstream. Phoenix doesn't have anything like that and it desperately needs it. I could tell you how personally their productions have moved me to tears ("OPUS" and "NEXT FALL" come very quickly to mind), made me laugh while thinking ("BOOM!"), or just laugh ("FOX ON THE FAIRWAY"), but what I would rather tell you is that AT gives to Phoenix far more than it takes. It is my strongest hope that they are able to stay around for a long long time.

Actors Theatre is THE professional theatre in Phoenix and in fact the entire state. It features local actors in challenging plays that investigate the human condition in entertaining ways not approached by any other theatre company in the state.

Actors Theatre is THE unique theatre in Phoenix and is the only company that produces cutting edge plays that amuse, provoke, educate, and, in general, takes audiences to a higher level. The sad thing is that local and national Arts support is dwindling and ATP was one of the earlier casualties due, in large part, to the fact that they don’t do standard “crowd pleasers” but, rather present challenging, Broadway quality productions. My wife & I have been financial, technical, and production supporters for a number years and only wish that more people that appreciate quality would get on board as well. Phoenix can ill afford to lose a company of this quality and integrity.

Actors Theatre provides the very best in locally produced, live theatre which is compelling, insightful, moving and engaging. The audiences see this aspect of what makes Actors Theatre outstanding each and every time. What the audience doesn't see is that which keeps Actors Theatre at the forefront of the community of LOCAL actors, designers, technicians and production personnel who have the great pleasure of working with and for the company. For 25+ years, AT has maintained the commitment to source LOCAL before it was a trend by hiring LOCAL actors, designers, technicians and production personnel and buying LOCAL products and services. By valuing human resources at the LOCAL level, the benefit to the community goes beyond what the audiences experiences. These aspects of greatness, in tandem, provide an invaluable asset to the Metro Phoenix non-profit arts community. As a patron, donor and theatre professional, my support for Actors Theatre is forever longstanding.

I have attended theatre for many years in Chicago and in the Phoenix area. I am delighted to say I have never in years of attending Actors Theatre been disappointed. No exception when last Sunday I attended "Steady Rain" and found this two man play compelling and heartwarming. The love and respect these two characters held for each other in life was unparalleled and as different as these men are, they are bonded as brothers. Fine performances by both actors and the continuing good work of Actors Theatre.

As a patron, donor and volunteer for Actors Theatre, I support their endeavor wholeheartedly. I find the selection of plays unusual, interesting, sometimes pretty edgy, and always thought-provoking, as well as entertaining. I know when I head to an Actors Theatre production that I will come away with something to ponder, and a new appreciation for their directors and actors who always do thoroughly professional, wonderful work.

All too often, we see non-profits and community-based organizations succumb to the pressures of doing business and the economy, even in spite of their talent, vision and mission to serve that community. Rarely do we see the leadership of an organization look inward to make drastic changes in order to reinvent themselves to better serve their community. But that is exactly what Actors Theatre has done. By initiating a pause, the organization's leadership of Matthew Wiener and Erica Black took a huge step back to look at every aspect of the organization, and sometimes with great pain, making huge changes to stabilize the organization for its future.

As we see Actors Theatre emerge from this pause, the community of metro Phoenix is seeing just how brilliant these efforts are. The Actors Theatre stage is once again the center of attention with the performance of A Steady Rain (by Keith Huff and directed by Anthony Runfels). With an appropriate parallel to the organization itself, the stage set is minimal, containing only what is needed to support the incredible script. And, as the name "Actors Theatre" suggests, the actors are the theater.

Actors Theatre is truly the most powerful theatre in Phoenix.

Actors Theatre is a truely unique non-profit theatre in Phoenix. It is the only professional theatre dedicated to producing first-class contemporary plays that address important social issues. My wife and I moved to Phoenix in 1994, became subscribers almost immediately and have been subscribers ever since. We've also become financial supporters and vocal advocates. Last year the economy hit Actors Theatre hard, but rather than fold as so many theatres did, it decided to "pause" and regroup. During this "pause," I along with many others felt so strongly that Actors Theatre must survive that we volunteered to help in any way we could, and we're all glad we did. The economy is now slowly regaining strength and Actors Theatre has recently been able to kick-off its 2013-14 season with A STEADY RAIN. Thankfully there's light ahead for Actors Theatre because it is a key, unmatched component of Phoenix's arts community.

This is an amazing company giving the audience a great experience on a limited budget. They have an incredible amount of passion for what they do and it shows in the product that is delivered.

I have been an active board member, audience member and donor for 26 years. Actors Theatre has provided a powerful avenue through which I can see the world around us in an artistic manner. Over the years, in addition to being well entertained, I have left many performances with a need to discuss the issues presented by their "talk provoking" productions. I believe Actors Theatre fills a need in our community by this type of representation. Where else can one escape, yet not lose sight of the problems, issues, joys and sorrow around us.

My experience with Actors Theatre of Phoenix is nothing short of incredible. They are an amazing group of people that are 100% dedicated to offering the best theatre to the valley community. Everyone knows exactly what to expect from them: complete professionalism. From the first day I walked through the door they treated me with respect, dignity, and insured that my experience there was enjoyable. I would highly recommend any collegue of mine to work with them.

Actors Theatre is a top rate theatre company, producing first class theatre!
Like all arts non-profits it has had a rough few years.
However, the Board decided to take a bold move by leaving the Herberger Theatre, where the rent was outrageous, and "PAUSE" for a few months to reinvent itself.
Eight months later, with new Strategic, Business, Marketing and Development Plans, it will open A Steady Rain at The Theatre In The Park.
The Company will produce 4 plays this season, all in different theatres, giving our audiences a taste of many brand new venues in Phoenix.
Actors Theatre is hot on the trail of a suitable building in a redevelopment district in Phoenix, with the hope of having their own place, but it has reenergized the Board and the supporters are right behind them.
What a GREAT Company.

In Phoenix Arizona Actors Theater is a solid professional theater company in a soup of mediocure performing arts. They always produce solid, outstanding, challenging plays. From safe to new, from old to novel, they try to reach an audience, and do so with style.

Actors Theatre of Phoenix presents wonderful, diverse stage programs that we have enjoyed for many years.The actors.the setting ,the lighting.
and the themes awaken and stimulate the audiences.The variety of plays
from ANGELS IN AMERICA[part 1&2] to A CHRISTMAS CAROL have been
highlghts of our theatre going.The efforts of the directors have brought
to Phoenix the hightest quality of artistic experience.

a truly vital part of our artistic community, and one that we should not be willing to witness falter.

To me, theater is essential culture. No where else, save life itself, do we have the chance to watch a story become a living, breathing creature. No where else is the opportunity given to lean forward and add your own energy to the story being told. I introduced my son to theater at an early age and it is one of the things we really enjoy doing as a family.

I see amazing theater at Actors Theatre. Theater that makes me laugh. Theater that moves me. Theater that inspires me to do my very best work.

I admire Actors Theatre's audience. Smart, interesting people who demand smart and interesting plays.

I have such respect for the artists that work there, both on the front and behind the scenes. The support given there is astounding and their commitment to what they do makes me proud to have Actors Theatre on my resume.

I think of the people at Actors Theatre as my people and some of my dearest friends.

Actors Theatre always continues to impress me with the quality of their productions and the value of entertainment they provide the audience. In the theatre world where musical classics tend to reign supreme, Actors Theatre brings fresh and innovative theatre to the Phoenix area which is captivating, insightful, and satisfying. For example their recent production of THIS gives the audience serious themes and ideals to think about even after the proverbial curtain has descended. Yet the show is able to make you roar with laughter while the characters meander through difficult themes. The only thing I would change about Actors Theatre would be to have them perform year round to give their audiences more plays to adore and take pleasure in! Keep up all the AMAZING work guys! !

I've been privileged to be in two Actors Theatre productions as an actor. They treat the artists who work there with true professionalism and respect for their craft. Everyone in the artistic and production staff has the highest of production values which results in a product that is pleasing to the eyes, ears and mind. The organization selects scripts that are timely and thought provoking, not just entertaining. Our community is much better for the ideas shared on the Actors Theatre stage.

For me, the quicker a cast can involve me in the story - the sooner I forget that I am in the audience - the better the show. It was only seconds into last nights performance of THIS by Actors Theatre at Herberger Theatre Center that I magically left my seat and became consumed by the story.

The cast took an incredible script and presented it with brilliance, on a well designed set with the guidance of an amazing director (Ron May).

This show, THIS, embodies all that Actors Theatre provides to the Phoenix community. As far as I am concerned, THIS is IT!

Actors Theatre isn't afraid to bring productions to Phoenix that would be seen off Broadway. Always entertaining, frequently provocative, memorable and lingers with you. Leaves you something to talk about with friends who have seen the same program. It's unfortunate that more live theatre fans in Arizona don't know about them - the only criticism is that each of their shows should be sold out.

When I moved from New York to Arizona, I was in serious "culture shock", and I especially missed Broadway and great theatre. In 1985, a friend and I discovered Actor's Theatre of Phoenix, and we bought season's tickets for Thursday evening performances. Twenty-five years later, we have changed jobs, moved, gotten married, had children, but Thursday nights at Actor's Theatre are sacred! Over the past twenty five years we have been treated to outstanding, challenging, important works that no one else in Arizona performs! The actors are first rate, the staging inventive and the direction original and expert. I have way too many favorites to list here, (Angels in America, Baltimore Waltz, Last Night at Ballyhoo, Stones in His Pocket) but executive director Matthew Weiner somehow managed to make each season better than the last! Post show discussions make audience members feel like part of the process, they serve to educate the theatre going public, and enhance enjoyment of the show. In a town where it's a lot easier to find a "old war horse" musical than it is to find provocative theatre, Actor's Theatre of Phoenix has come to the rescue! Please join me in supporting this worthy organization!

On Thu Dec 24, 2009, I wrote the following to Matthew Wiener, Producing Artistic Director:
We all LOVED "A Christmas Carol!" [I loved it because besides being entertaining, this adaptation was powerfully relevant to our times - especially our economic situation.] My 7-yr-old niece, Nevertiti, hadn't seen a musical because all she could imaging happening in a theatres is a movie. She was awe-struck throughout-especially when the Magidc started with the door knocker and Marley making his appearance. When we left the theatre, she said, "This is the best Christmas ever! This show was awesome!"
My nephews Deveon and Devante, 9 and 13 respectively, were a little more reserved, but they kept talking about the show and what they liked about it. And they said that they really enjoyed it!
Sp thank you so much! You made our Holiday! Keep doing what only you can do!

Actor's Theatre is a theatre company that has stayed true to its mission. I have appeared as an actor in three of its productions and I can personally attest to the company's desire to create a dialogue with its surrounding community about contemporary issues. Matthew is an artistic director with a vision that continues in the face of severe economic challenges and chooses plays that are intelligent, thought-provoking, and most importantly, relevant to the times in which we live.

I LOVE Actor's Theatre. They produce edgy and interesting work, and though some of it is not to my personal tastes, their productions and actors are always first rate. I appreciate the fact that they try to use mostly local professional actors in the Phoenix area, and that they do theatre that is not usual fare, but rather new or not often produced. I have shared many a wonderful evening there with friends, and look forward to many more wonderful surprises and great theatre from them.

I "discovered" Actors Theatre 23 years ago. Then, it was an entertaining Black Box theatre company. It has been incredible to have been experienced the productions year after year. While, even I do not love every play, I do love seeing the performers who have done multiple productions for us grow, yet maintain their own identity despite the varying roles.

I also have been challenged many times thru the years by the social messages delivered by some of our performances. It is difficult to be bothered by a particular social commentary, yet still be entertained. Actors Theatre has provided this for me and the many guests I have brought thru the years.

It has been quite a journey from the perspective of a long time board member. I have learned much about the Performing Arts world. I have met some wonderfully talented performers and committed staff, and I have been troubled by the effects of our economic times. However, here we are, in our 25th year, striving to improve the stability of our company without sacrificing the quality we have been identified with by our growing audience.

Lastly, I must admit to being as smitten by live theatre as I was as a child and as a new subscriber to Actors Theatre. The work that the performers and techies create is still as magical as ever.

Please join me in celebrating our 25th year and become part of our Actors Theatre family