Arizona Broadway Theatre’s Non-Profit Mission: Building Audiences and Artists for the Future

In Peoria, Arizona, a shimmering marquee lights up each night as Arizona Broadway Theatre (ABT) continues to redefine what community arts can look like. As a non-profit organization, ABT’s purpose stretches far beyond ticket sales or standing ovations — it’s about creating opportunities, inspiring future generations, and making Broadway-quality theatre accessible to everyone.

More Than a Theatre — A Community Institution

Since opening its doors in 2005, ABT has grown from a bold local experiment into one of the most respected regional theatres in the Southwest. Each season brings professional-caliber productions that rival touring shows, but the organization’s heartbeat has always been its community-driven mission. Every dollar earned supports a larger ecosystem — education, outreach, and access — designed to keep the arts alive for all ages.

Unlike commercial venues, ABT reinvests its resources directly into people: the performers, designers, educators, and volunteers who make each production possible. This non-profit structure allows the theatre to balance artistic ambition with social impact, ensuring the arts remain a vital part of Arizona’s cultural landscape.

Education at the Core

One of ABT’s proudest achievements lies in its dedication to arts education. Its programs engage students from early elementary through high school, offering opportunities that range from youth performance workshops to behind-the-scenes mentorship.

Through ABT’s Academy for Young Performers and the HyRev teen performance troupe, the theatre nurtures young talent in a setting that emphasizes creativity, discipline, and teamwork. These students don’t just learn how to perform — they learn how to lead, collaborate, and express themselves with confidence.

Earlier this year, HyRev members performed at Disneyland, a milestone that symbolized how far ABT’s youth programming has come. These experiences help students connect their artistic passions to real-world opportunities, inspiring many to pursue performing arts professionally.

Expanding Accessibility and Inclusion

ABT’s mission extends well beyond education — it’s about making theatre accessible to everyone, regardless of physical ability or background. The theatre regularly dedicates performances to accessibility, featuring American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters and audio descriptive services for audience members with hearing or vision impairments.

These performances are more than accommodations; they’re celebrations of inclusivity. By creating an environment where every audience member can experience the magic of live theatre, ABT demonstrates that accessibility and artistry can coexist seamlessly.

The organization also collaborates with local community groups and schools to bring theatre to those who might not otherwise have access — proving that cultural enrichment can and should be for everyone.

Future-Focused: Programs in Development

Beyond the stage, Arizona Broadway Theatre continues to explore ways to broaden its community reach. The organization has plans to introduce new programs in the near future — including a potential Creative Aging initiative designed to engage older adults in the arts.

While still in development, these efforts reflect ABT’s long-term vision of inclusivity and lifelong learning. The theatre’s leadership remains focused on building connections across generations and ensuring that its programming evolves with the needs of the community.

This forward-thinking approach ensures that ABT’s mission continues to grow alongside its audience — staying relevant in an ever-changing cultural landscape.

Economic and Cultural Impact

ABT’s influence is felt not only on stage but across the West Valley’s economic and social fabric. The theatre attracts thousands of visitors each year, filling restaurants, hotels, and local shops. Its success has played a significant role in positioning Peoria as a cultural destination, supporting jobs and boosting the region’s entertainment economy.

At the same time, ABT’s productions and educational programs foster community pride — connecting generations through shared artistic experiences. From seniors attending matinees to students performing for the first time, ABT serves as both a stage and a bridge between people.

Sustaining a Legacy of Art and Impact

As Arizona Broadway Theatre looks to the future, its mission remains clear: to make art that matters. Through its non-profit structure, ABT ensures that creativity and accessibility always come before commercial interest. The organization’s long-term sustainability depends on donors, members, and patrons who believe in the transformative power of the arts.

With each curtain rise, ABT proves that theatre can be more than entertainment — it can be a force for education, empathy, and economic vitality. And while new initiatives like Creative Aging are on the horizon, one thing remains constant: Arizona Broadway Theatre’s unwavering commitment to enriching lives, nurturing talent, and keeping the arts thriving in Arizona for generations to come.