Phoenix Theatre Company Begins Final Phase Of Fundraising

PHOENIX, AZ —The Phoenix Theatre Company has announced the launch of the final phase of its $20 million Capital Campaign, which will expand its existing Hormel Theatre and fund improvements to the Hardes Theatre complex.

According to the company, nearly $17 million already has been raised to improve its existing facilities, which are located at 1825 N Central Ave.

The project is scheduled to expand the 200-seat Hormel Theatre into a state-of-the-art 500-seat theater that includes technical improvements like a full fly loft, below-stage traps and a stage large enough to accommodate pre-Broadway productions. There also will be enhanced lobby accommodations.

According to the company, the Phoenix Theatre Company is gaining a national reputation as a theater that develops Broadway-bound plays. Other theaters with this reputation include: the 5th Avenue Theatre in Seattle, the La Jolla Playhouse in California and Steppenwolf Theatre in Chicago.

However, the Hormel Theatre's current capacity and technical capabilities also limit its ability to attract Broadway-bound shows.

"This project will make us more competitive in attracting these development projects, which have the potential to bring millions into the local economy," said Vincent VanVleet, executive director of the Phoenix Theatre Company. "We recently had to turn down two Broadway producers because our Mainstage and Hormel theaters currently lack important technical capabilities, which we estimate has cost the community more than $1 million in potential economic impact."

Meanwhile, funds from the Capital Campaign also will be used to improve rehearsal and training space in the Hardes Theatre complex.

The added space will help the company runs its Partners that Heal and inclusive Summer Theatre Camp offerings, programs that are dedicated to healing and educating through the arts.

The company also pointed out that unlike many performing arts centers in the area, which only present out-of-state performances, the Phoenix Theatre Company produces shows from start to finish, and employs more than 350 people each year, including: local artisans and tradespeople, performing artists, administration staff, and front-of-house workers.

"We aspire to move substantially forward with the help and support of our friends, our
passionate friends, who want to give something back to the community and see the theater
grow in Phoenix," said Tom Simplot, past board chair for Phoenix Theatre Company.

Details about how community members can give to the Capital Campaign are on the Phoenix Theatre Company website.