Our History
about Phoenix
For over 35 years, Phoenix Productions has been dedicated to the mission of providing quality theatrical experiences on both sides of the footlights. Since its first production in 1988, we’ve produced over 100 main stage shows providing on-stage and back stage opportunities for thousands of talented volunteers.
In 2023, Phoenix Productions merged with its home of 3+ decades, the Count Basie Center for the Arts, combining and solidifying its regional impact on the performing arts.
Together, Phoenix Productions and the Count Basie Center have a clear vision: to be the place where a diverse mix of talented people want to do their best work. The organizations’ continued pledge to deepen their commitments to cultural competency, racial equity and social inclusion is at the heart of the Basie Center’s mission as a nonprofit.
The Phoenix Performing Arts Center, where we rehearse, build scenery, sew costumes and prepare our shows before transferring to the Count Basie Center for the Arts. Our headquarters is also home to various Count Basie Center arts education initiatives, rehearsals and other gatherings.
Moving forward, Phoenix Productions will purposefully focus on the diversity of its casting, assuring that all actors, tech personnel and other supporters recognize that our community theatre company is open to all.
“Community theatre is an opportunity to break down walls and open doors,” says Basie Center President and CEO, Adam Philipson. “Our doors – as we make clear in every casting call – are wide open: Regardless of a person’s race, religion, body type or gender expression, they are welcome here. Theatre, by nature of the art form, must be inclusive to represent the reality of everyday life it seeks to reflect.”