Arizona Leisure vacation and travel guide

Phoenix Performing Arts, Theatre, Symphony, Ballet & Opera

Originally written by Tony Subia

Reviewed and updated by AZ Leisure Staff Writers on .

Greater Phoenix has a diverse performing arts scene that includes professional theatre, touring Broadway productions, symphony concerts, ballet, opera, contemporary dance, family theatre and community productions. Major venues and organizations are located throughout Phoenix, Tempe, Mesa, Scottsdale, Chandler, Peoria and other Valley communities.

Use this guide to discover established performing arts companies and venues, then visit each organization's official website for current productions, performance dates, ticket prices and venue information. Schedules and performance locations can change from season to season.

Yellow cactus flower blooming in the Sonoran Desert near Phoenix Arizona

Phoenix Performing Arts Quick Facts

  • Region: Phoenix and Greater Phoenix, Arizona
  • Major performing arts: Theatre, Broadway, symphony, opera, ballet and dance
  • Major downtown venue: Phoenix Symphony Hall
  • Major theatre venue: Herberger Theater Center
  • Touring Broadway venue: ASU Gammage in Tempe
  • Major producing theatre: The Phoenix Theatre Company
  • Professional opera: Arizona Opera
  • Professional ballet: Ballet Arizona
  • Professional orchestra: The Phoenix Symphony
  • Other major arts centers: Mesa Arts Center, Tempe Center for the Arts and Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts

Professional Theatre In Greater Phoenix

The Phoenix Theatre Company
One of Phoenix's principal professional producing theatres, presenting musicals, plays and new works on multiple stages at its central Phoenix campus.

Arizona Theatre Company
Arizona's professional regional theatre company presents its Tempe/Phoenix season at Tempe Center for the Arts, with productions ranging from contemporary plays to musicals and classic theatre.

Black Theatre Troupe
Phoenix professional theatre company presenting productions that illuminate the African-American experience and celebrate Black artists, stories and culture.

Theater Works
Peoria-based performing arts organization presenting community and professional-quality theatrical productions, youth programs and educational opportunities.

Phoenix Symphony, Opera & Ballet

The Phoenix Symphony
Arizona's major professional orchestra presents classical masterworks, pops concerts, film-with-orchestra performances, family programs and special events during its annual season.

Arizona Opera
Arizona Opera presents productions in Phoenix and Tucson, with Phoenix performances at venues including Symphony Hall, Herberger Theater Center and the Arizona Opera Center.

Ballet Arizona
Phoenix's professional ballet company presents classical and contemporary productions at Symphony Hall and other Valley venues.

Major Phoenix Area Performing Arts Venues

Herberger Theater Center
222 E. Monroe Street, Phoenix. Downtown performing arts complex hosting theatre, music, dance, family productions, community programs and rotating arts events.

ASU Gammage
1200 S. Forest Avenue, Tempe. Landmark performing arts venue best known for touring Broadway productions and major cultural performances.

Symphony Hall
75 N. 2nd Street, Phoenix. Downtown performance venue used by The Phoenix Symphony, Arizona Opera, Ballet Arizona and touring productions.

Mesa Arts Center
1 E. Main Street, Mesa. Multi-theatre arts complex presenting Broadway, theatre, concerts, dance, classical music and family performances.

Tempe Center for the Arts
700 W. Rio Salado Parkway, Tempe. Performing and visual arts venue hosting Arizona Theatre Company and a variety of theatre, dance and music programs.

Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts
Scottsdale Civic Center venue presenting music, dance, theatre, comedy and touring artists.

Celebrity Theatre
440 N. 32nd Street, Phoenix. Long-running entertainment venue hosting concerts, comedy and other live performances.

Arizona Financial Theatre
400 W. Washington Street, Phoenix. Large downtown concert and entertainment venue formerly known as Dodge Theatre, Comerica Theatre and Arizona Federal Theatre.

Family & Youth Theatre In Greater Phoenix

Childsplay
Tempe-based professional theatre company specializing in performances and arts education for young audiences and families.

East Valley Children's Theatre
Youth theatre organization providing young performers opportunities to participate in live theatrical productions and theatre education.

Queen Creek Performing Arts Center
Queen Creek venue presenting professional, community and youth-oriented productions and entertainment.

Chandler Symphony Orchestra
Community orchestra presenting symphonic music and concerts for audiences throughout Chandler and the East Valley.

Where To Find Performing Arts Around Greater Phoenix

  • Downtown Phoenix: Symphony Hall, Herberger Theater Center and major professional arts organizations
  • Central Phoenix: The Phoenix Theatre Company, Arizona Opera Center and additional cultural venues
  • Tempe: ASU Gammage, Tempe Center for the Arts and Childsplay
  • Mesa: Mesa Arts Center and numerous East Valley theatre organizations
  • Scottsdale: Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts and community theatre
  • Peoria: Theater Works and West Valley performing arts
  • Chandler: Chandler Center for the Arts and Chandler Symphony Orchestra
  • Queen Creek: Queen Creek Performing Arts Center

Planning A Phoenix Performing Arts Visit

Performance seasons, venues and ticket availability change throughout the year. Before traveling, use the official organization or venue website to confirm the production date, curtain time, address, parking information and ticket policies.

Major productions during the fall-through-spring arts season can sell out, particularly Broadway tours, holiday performances, opera, ballet and popular theatre productions. Buying directly from the official venue or performing organization is generally the safest way to confirm valid tickets and current performance information.

Phoenix Performing Arts Visitor Tips

  • Confirm the performance venue because some organizations use more than one theatre.
  • Purchase tickets from the official venue or performing arts organization whenever possible.
  • Check parking options before attending downtown Phoenix performances.
  • Allow extra travel time for evening traffic and major downtown events.
  • Review age recommendations before taking young children to a production.
  • Check accessibility and assisted-listening information when needed.
  • Arrive early enough to find parking and reach your seats before curtain time.
  • Do not rely on old printed addresses because companies occasionally change venues.
  • Check performance dates directly because most arts organizations operate seasonal schedules.
  • Consider combining a performance with nearby dining, museums or downtown attractions.

Phoenix Performing Arts FAQ

Where Can I See Live Theatre In Phoenix?

Major options include The Phoenix Theatre Company, Herberger Theater Center, Black Theatre Troupe and other professional and community theatre organizations throughout Greater Phoenix.

Where Can I See Broadway Shows In Phoenix?

ASU Gammage in Tempe is the Greater Phoenix area's principal venue for touring Broadway productions, while other Valley arts centers also present touring musicals.

Where Does The Phoenix Symphony Perform?

The Phoenix Symphony presents many of its major concerts at Symphony Hall in downtown Phoenix, with additional performances at other Valley venues.

Where Can I See Opera In Phoenix?

Arizona Opera presents Phoenix performances at venues including Symphony Hall, Herberger Theater Center and the Arizona Opera Center.

Where Can I See Ballet In Phoenix?

Ballet Arizona presents major classical and contemporary productions at Symphony Hall and other Greater Phoenix venues.

What Are The Major Performing Arts Venues In Phoenix?

Major venues include Symphony Hall, Herberger Theater Center, The Phoenix Theatre Company, ASU Gammage, Mesa Arts Center, Tempe Center for the Arts and Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts.

Are There Children's Theatre Performances In Phoenix?

Yes. Childsplay, East Valley Children's Theatre and other Valley organizations present theatre and performing arts programs for children and families.

Does Greater Phoenix Have Community Theatre?

Yes. Community and regional theatre organizations operate throughout Phoenix, Mesa, Tempe, Scottsdale, Peoria, Chandler and other Valley communities.

When Is The Main Performing Arts Season In Phoenix?

Many theatre, symphony, opera and ballet organizations emphasize fall through spring, although performances and special events are available throughout much of the year.

Where Should I Buy Phoenix Performing Arts Tickets?

Purchase directly from the official performing arts organization or venue whenever possible, and confirm the performance date, location and ticket policies before attending.

More Phoenix Arts, Events & Attractions

 

 

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