46 SUMMER ’26 F or families looking to swap screen time for stage time this summer , Arizona Broadway Theatre is offering its biggest and most ambitious program yet. The Peoria-based theatre expanded its 2026 camps to eight unique sessions designed for kids, tweens and teens. More than two decades ago, founders Kiel and Cassandra Klaphake, along with Ronald and Penelope Klaphake, set out to create a dinner theatre. “Kiel and Cassandra, both classically trained performers with busy careers that were sending them in different directions, discussed the idea of starting a dinner theatre with Kiel’s parents,” Education Director Stephen Hohendorf said. “They wanted to create a different kind of dinner theatre; one that harkened back to supper clubs of yore, evoking a sense of occasion.” Today, that vision has evolved into a thriving theatre that draws audiences from across the Valley with a mix of musicals, comedies and dramas. The summer camp program, which first launched in 2009, has seen outstanding growth over the years. What began with just 75 participants across three sessions has expanded into a robust Academy for Young Performers serving more than 300 students over eight sessions. “Our academy program has grown at an exponential rate due to the high-caliber productions we are able to present in just two weeks,” Hohendorf said. From the moment campers arrive, they are immersed in the world of theatre. Over the course of one- or two-week sessions, students learn what it takes to bring a production to life. Instruction includes acting, incorporating music, choreography, staging and audition techniques. Participants also gain behind-the-scenes insight into costume design, props and set creation. F or families looking to swap screen time for F or families looking to swap screen time for F a dinner theatre with Kiel’s parents,” Education Young Performers serving more than 300 students over ARIZONA BROADWAY THEATRE’S SUMMER CAMPS INVITE VALLEY KIDS TO STEP INTO THE SPOTLIGHT 9:00AM - 4:00PM

47 SUMMER ’26 Unlike traditional summer camps, where activities may be more recreational, this program emphasizes collaboration, creativity and personal expression. Campers are encouraged to tap into their imagination while building real-world skills such as confidence, discipline and teamwork. “It really comes down to kids getting to showcase not only their talents, but their creativity and imagination,” Hohendorf said. “In the digital age, it’s especially important that these kids come together and connect with each other. There’s no better way to do that than with live theatre.” One of the defining features of the program is its fast-paced production schedule. Each session culminates in a live performance on the theatre’s main stage, giving students the chance to perform in front of friends and family days after auditions begin. This quick turnaround is made possible by carefully selecting shows that resonate with young performers and often align with productions currently featured on the theatre’s main stage. Each summer tends to have its standout hit, and this year is no exception. The musical “Beetlejuice” has emerged as a favorite among young performers nationwide, prompting the theatre to offer two sessions dedicated to the show. Classes run Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Whether a child is stepping onto the stage for the first time or already has theatre experience, the program is designed to meet them where they are and help them grow. The theatre is actively seeking sponsors and donors to help ensure that financial barriers do not prevent young performers from participating. Community support plays a vital role in making these opportunities available to as many families as possible. Arizona Broadway Theatre’s summer camps offer a one-of-a-kind experience for Valley youth. As the curtain rises on its largest program to date, the theatre continues to inspire the next generation of performers, one spotlight moment at a time. azbroadway.org the lineup ARISTOCATS KIDS Ages 7-11 | May 26-29 | Performances May 30 at 10 a.m. & 1 p.m. | $400 In Paris, a pampered cat and her kittens are targeted by a scheming butler, and it’s up to alley cat Thomas O’Malley and his jazzy crew to save the day in this playful adventure. 101 DALMATIANS KIDS Ages 7-11 | June 1-5 | Performances June 6 at 10 a.m. & 1 p.m. | $400 When Cruella De Vil plots to steal a litter of puppies, Pongo, Perdita and a citywide network of dogs band together for a daring rescue. SEUSSICAL KIDS Ages 7-12 | June 8-12 | Performances June 13 at 10 a.m. & 1 p.m. | $400 Guided by the Cat in the Hat, Horton the Elephant protects the tiny Whos while juggling an unexpected responsibility in this whimsical tale. NEWSIES JR. Ages 12-15 | June 8-19 | Performance June 20 at 9 a.m. | $600 Inspired by true events, Jack Kelly leads a group of newsboys in a spirited strike, proving the power of teamwork and standing up for what’s right. BEETLEJUICE JR. – SESSION A Ages 14-18 | June 15-26 | Performance June 27 at 9 a.m. | $600 A grief-stricken teen encounters a mischievous demon and a haunted house, unleashing chaos in this bold, high-energy fan favorite. BEETLEJUICE JR. – SESSION B Ages 11-13 | July 6-17 | Performance July 18 at 9 a.m. | $600 A younger cast brings the same spooky, hilarious story of Lydia and the unpredictable Beetlejuice to life in this second session. WINNIE THE POOH KIDS Ages 7-11 | July 20-24 | Performances July 25 at 10 a.m. & 1 p.m. | $400 Pooh and friends journey through the Hundred Acre Wood on a honey-filled adventure that celebrates friendship, teamwork and a little bit of mischief. PUFFS, OR SEVEN INCREASINGLY EVENTFUL YEARS AT A CERTAIN SCHOOL OF MAGIC AND MAGIC Ages 14-18 | June 29-July 10 | Performance July 11 at 9 a.m. | $600 This comedic parody follows a group of loyal underdogs navigating magic school, offering a fresh and funny take on a familiar wizarding world. BEETLEJUICE JR. – SESSION B Ages 11-13 | July 6-17 | Performance July 18 for Valley youth. As the curtain rises BEETLEJUICE JR. – SESSION B BEETLEJUICE JR. – SESSION B