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EVCT Organizational Mission, Description and History (2024) Mission: To provide transformative theatre experiences, nurture creativity and foster inclusivity for you people, their families and the community. Vision: To create an empathetic society where everyone belongs. History: The 28th season of East Valley Children's Theatre (EVCT) will begin in the fall of 2024. This exceptional 501(c)3 organization delivers outstanding theatrical programs to the East Valley's youth. EVCT was established as Chandler Children's Theatre in 1987 and reorganized in 1997 to become East Valley Children's Theatre. Since its inception, the committed volunteer board of directors has effectively led the organization, driving its growth and managing its financial stability. The board and other dedicated adult volunteers take on various administrative responsibilities and fundraising events. In June 2019, EVCT made its first paid hire by appointing an Office/Business Manager. In 2023, the theater transitioned into a new era by appointing a full-time paid artistic director to succeed the retiring founding artistic director, who had previously served on a voluntary basis. This change reflects the theatre's commitment to professional leadership and creative development. This strategic decision and other vital choices have injected new energy into the board, strengthening its advocacy for youth theatre within the community. EVCT’s mission has evolved over the years, a testament to its unwavering commitment to the East Valley community. It now focuses on providing transformative theatre experiences, fostering creativity, and promoting inclusivity for young people, their families, and the community. This growth, from one production and one workshop each year to a full-service theatre offering a wide variety of youth programs, not only showcases EVCT's dedication to the community but also significantly contributes to the cultural and artistic development of the East Valley. Each year, EVCT offers a comprehensive range of opportunities for children between the ages of 5 and 18 to engage in the theatre and performing arts. Their programs include classes, camps, workshops, and performance troupes, providing a diverse and exciting range of experiences. EVCT provides engaging camps during fall, winter, and spring school breaks and a comprehensive summer program. As a founding resident company of the Mesa Arts Center, EVCT provides five professional main-stage productions tailored for kids aged 8-18 each year and a no-cut production designed for younger actors aged 6-12. EVCT also features three dynamic performance troupes for students aged 12-18: Express Troupe, known for bringing imagined stories to life on stage; On the Spot Troupe, where performers improvise scenarios based on audience suggestions; and Bravo Troupe, focused on creating captivating musical theatre performances. These troupes regularly showcase their talents at various venues across the East Valley, offering a wide variety of experiences for our young performers. EVCT has also expanded its offerings to include smaller ensembles designed for specific artistic purposes. One program, Literature Alive!, engages homeschooled children in creating and performing short plays based on classic children’s stories at Title I schools for kids in kindergarten through second grade. The goal is to bring the magic of storytelling to life through theater while promoting reading and literacy. Each student receives their own bilingual copy of the storybook presented. The Adaptive Theatre ensemble collaborates to create theatrical experiences tailored to various physical, mental, and emotional needs under the guidance of a certified educator. Additionally, there is a junior improv ensemble for younger students aged 7-12. For students interested in the behind-the-scenes aspects of theatre, EVCT has a program where youth 12-18 work alongside professional designers in lighting, sound, make-up, set design and construction to learn theatre's technical and backstage workings. EVCT is known for its Aspiring Playwrights Contest and its annual presentation of original works for children’s theatre. Playwrights worldwide have submitted plays to this contest, which is recognized as one of the most sought-after contests to win. EVCT also supports a student playwriting festival for students aged 10-18 to collaborate with experienced mentors to create a play that reflects impactful moments in their lives. This initiative aims to show participants the significance of their perspectives and how theater can foster meaningful community dialogues. In addition to Literature Alive!, EVCT offers various opportunities for children in its community to enjoy live theatre. Through the Bringing Smiles to Children program, EVCT creates a magical world of make-believe for children with special needs or serious illnesses. Furthermore, EVCT invites children in the community to its main stage productions by organizing matinee shows for youth from Title I schools and organizations like Hope Kids, Sunshine Acres, and Children First Academy. The dedicated teaching staff at EVCT comprises highly qualified individuals with advanced degrees and vast experience in performing and instructing. Additionally, exceptionally talented and award-winning design teams bring each main-stage production to life. Awards and accolades are not new to EVCT. The theatre has won awards for its main stage productions for many years, including ariZoni Theatre Awards of Excellence nominations and awards, National Youth Theatre nominations and awards, and national and local recognition for our Playwriting contest. These achievements reflect our dedication to promoting new works for children’s theatre. EVCT's high standard of excellence is a testament to our commitment to providing a creative outlet for youth and artistic service to the East Valley community, making us a source of pride for all. EVCT is in central Arizona and encompasses the cities east of Phoenix, AZ, the fifth largest city in the United States. The communities in the east valley consist of Mesa, the third-largest city in Arizona, as well as Gilbert, Chandler, Tempe, Queen Creek, and Apache Junction. Based on the July 2023 US Census Bureau data, nearly 25% (over 300,000) of this population is under 18 years of age. Additionally, Mesa is home to the largest school district in Arizona. This data clearly illustrates the impact that EVCT can potentially have on the youth of Arizona. Programs Currently Offered at East Valley Children’s Theatre Weekly Theatre Classes Home-Schooled Classes and Workshops Master Class Workshops Fall, Winter and Spring Break Camps Summer Camps Musical Theatre Camp Imagination Theatre Camp Theatre Workshop Camp. Acting Intensive Performance Troupes EVCT Express, Acting Troupe On the Spot, Teen Improv Troupe EVCT Bravo, Musical Theatre Troupe Jr Jokester, Jr Improv Troupe Performance Ensembles Jr Musical Theatre Adaptive Theatre Literature Alive, a literacy program for Title I schools Main Stage Productions – five/year, including a no-cut junior production held in the Nesbitt Elliott Theatre at the Mesa Center of the Arts Technical Theatre Program Aspiring Playwright’s Contest Student Play Writing Festival Community Outreach East Valley Kids Got Talent EVCT Annual Cabaret Hope Kids – for kids with life-threatening medical conditions Vet Tixs – for veteran and their families Main Stage matinees for kids from Title I schools, Sunshine Acres or Children’s First Academy Scholarships with cost-sharing options are available to support and empower youth in need. Programs Currently Offered at East Valley Children’s Theatre Weekly Theatre Classes Home-Schooled Classes and Workshops Master Class Workshops Fall, Winter and Spring Break Camps Summer Camps Musical Theatre Camp Imagination Theatre Camp Theatre Workshop Camp. Acting Intensive Performance Troupes EVCT Express, Acting Troupe On the Spot, Teen Improv Troupe EVCT Bravo, Musical Theatre Troupe Jr Jokester, Jr Improve Troupe Performance Ensembles Jr Musical Theatre Adaptive Theatre Literature Alive, a literacy program for Title I schools Main Stage Productions – five/year, including a no-cut junior production held in the Nesbitt Elliott Theatre at the Mesa Center of the Arts Technical Theatre Program Aspiring Playwright’s Contest Student Play Writing Festival Community Outreach East Valley Kids Got Talent EVCT Annual Cabaret Hope Kids – for kids with life-threatening medical conditions Vet Tixs – for veteran and their families Main Stage matinees for kids from Title I schools, Sunshine Acres or Children’s First Academy Scholarships with cost-sharing options are available to support and empower youth in need.
