Staff Reports | Happenings & Events
Fountain Hills Theater is marking its 40th anniversary season, celebrating four decades of live theater, arts education and cultural programming in the Fountain Hills community.
Since opening in 1987, the theater has grown from productions staged in the multipurpose room of McDowell Mountain Elementary School into a nonprofit performing arts organization that produces mainstage and youth theater productions throughout the year, according to a press release.
The theater moved into its current home in the former town library in 1995 and expanded into the former community center in 2002, increasing opportunities for community members to participate in and experience the arts. Over the years, the theater has staged productions including South Pacific, Hello, Dolly!, Fiddler on the Roof and Man of La Mancha.
Youth education has remained a central part of the organization’s mission. In 2003, Fountain Hills Theater launched a dedicated youth theater program that provides performance opportunities, workshops and summer camps for young actors.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the theater adapted by creating an outdoor drive-in theater experience that allowed performances to continue when many venues faced closures.
Over the years, the theater’s productions have received hundreds of ariZoni Award nominations and awards. The organization has also been recognized by the Town of Fountain Hills as Nonprofit of the Year. Those accomplishments reflect the contributions of volunteers, artists, staff members, patrons and community supporters, according to a press release.
“Our 40th anniversary season is both a celebration of our history and a tribute to the people who made it possible,” Val Stasik, a founding member of Fountain Hills Theater, said. “For four decades, Fountain Hills Theater has brought stories to life, created opportunities for artists of all ages, and strengthened our community through the power of live performance. As we celebrate this milestone, we are also looking ahead to the next 40 years.”
To commemorate the anniversary, Fountain Hills Theater will host a 40th anniversary gala Jan. 9, 2027, at We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort. The event will feature performances, a cocktail reception, dinner and a tribute honoring the people, productions and milestones that have shaped the organization’s first 40 years.
