DONATION CAMPAIGNS
General Support
Some years move quietly—2025 did not. This season brought artistic excellence, powerful homecomings, and remarkable growth for Valley Youth Theatre. The return of alumni directors and the acclaim of productions like Little Shop of Horrors reflect a renewed energy that honors our past and strengthens our future.
Your support drives the programs that will shape our next decade
• Year-round performing arts classes for youth ages 3+ and camps for ages 7+
• Our Governor’s Arts Award–winning Literacy & the Arts program, connecting reading and live theatre at a critical stage for literacy development
• Sponsor-A-Seat, a free day of live theatre and a nutritious lunch for children and adults from social service agencies
• Professional production opportunities for youth, both on- and backstage that are FEE FREE. VYT is proud to be one of the few youth theatres in the country that does not charge audition fees or require performers to pay to be in our shows, making the experience truly inclusive and accessible to every child, no matter their family’s financial circumstances.
Because of supporters like you, thousands of young people have gained confidence, leadership, and a sense of belonging through VYT programs.
Your tax-deductible gift ensures that VYT continues to inspire young people—today, tomorrow, and for generations to come.
Literacy and the Arts
Valley Youth Theatre’s award-winning Literacy and the Arts (LTA) program, founded in 1993, uses the proven power of arts integration to inspire a love of reading, improve comprehension, and increase student engagement in K–8 learners. Improving literacy for at-risk and under-resourced youth is one of the most effective, research-backed strategies for breaking cycles of poverty and strengthening long-term academic success.
What began as a small partnership with Phoenix Elementary #1 and Roosevelt School District has grown into a Valley-wide initiative serving approximately 3,000 Title I and Title I–eligible students each year. LTA is offered completely free to teachers and schools, removing barriers so that all children. regardless of income, can access quality arts education.
Each participating classroom receives:
A brand-new book for every student to keep and take home
A grade-appropriate study guide aligned with Arizona ELA standards
Pre- and post-literacy assessments to track comprehension growth
A field trip to a Valley Youth Theatre production, bringing the story to life on stage
For many students, LTA is their first-ever live theatre experience and the first book they have ever owned, an experience that fosters confidence, curiosity, and a stronger connection to learning.
Donations to LTA directly fund books, study materials, and performance tickets, ensuring the program remains accessible to the schools that need it most.
Your support transforms a book, a lesson, and a day at the theatre into a life-changing literacy experience for thousands of Arizona children each year.
Sponsor-A-Seat
Since 1996, VYT's Sponsor-A-Seat program provides a special day of theatre, food and fun to under-resourced Valley children. VYT partners with dozens of social service organizations to attend a free VYT performance at the Herberger Theater Center and enjoy a complimentary lunch with the cast and crew.
Your tax-deductible gift of $50 sponsors a seat and lunch for one child -- having a direct impact on the lives of these children. With 1,500 seats to sponsor, consider sponsoring more than one!
Thank you for helping us continue the magic that is Valley Youth Theatre!
Artistic Director's Circle
VYT's ARTISTIC DIRECTOR'S CIRCLE (ADC) is an exclusive group of supporters who have decided to increase their level of support for VYT and receive exclusive and exciting rewards. This helps to ensure and increase the reach of our unique programming.
Invitation to private ADC events and advanced notification of special VYT productions
All of the benefits above, plus:
Through your investment, our young actors who perform fee-free will continue to receive extensive training in the theatrical arts, bolstering their chances for success in life through higher self-confidence, elevated leadership standards and public speaking skills.
ADC members receive exclusive and exciting rewards for their support of VYT and the fostering of its mission. As a member, you will be among the first to know new details about VYT happenings, get early access to events and join a social group of people who truly believe in what we do!
We would be honored to have you join the Artistic Director's Circle and help us continue to INSPIRE the youth in our community.
ADC Levels of Giving & Associated Benefits
Applause $1,000
Invitation to private ADC events and advanced notification of special VYT productions
Two Season Memberships (2 tickets to 6 shows)
Two Individual Performance Tickets
Priority Seating and ticket services
Behind-the-scenes tour
Recognition in playbills and theatre lobby signage
Bravo! $2,500
All of the benefits above, plus:
Four additional Season Memberships (6 total)
ENCORE! $5,000
All of the benefits above, plus:
Two additional Season Memberships (8 total)
***Note: Please indicate in the notes field which level of membership you are joining today***
Nigel Ross Educational Scholarships
To commemorate the special talents and unique spirit of Nigel Ross, a victim of domestic violence, on Christmas Eve 2017, Valley Youth Theatre and United Surgical Partners International (USPI) created the Nigel Ross Scholarship Fund. This fund enables other young performers to attend the summer theatre workshops that Nigel enjoyed so much as well as classes throughout the year who might not be able to otherwise.