Mesa Arts Center

The Mesa Arts Center is a massive performing arts center located in Mesa and home to the largest performing arts center in Arizona. The center holds four theaters, five art galleries, and 14 art studios. Owned by the City of Mesa, the venue constantly holds strong lineups of performers every year. The East Valley Children’s Theater, Southwest Shakespeare Company, and Mesa Encore Theater call this state-of-the-art facility their home base. When it comes to theater, head on over to catch  a showing of “Chicago The Musical,” starting Sept. 8 to the 24. Check out their Web site for a full list of all the art and theater events held at the center each week.

Hale Center Theater

The Hale Center Theater knows what it’s doing—probably because it is the longest running privately owned theater company in the country. This Gilbert location is one only on in Arizona but one of five theaters across three states. Since it’s opening day back in 2003, it has become a go-to hub for family-friendly plays and musicals. The venue holds 350 people located in Gilbert’s Downtown Heritage District. The family-run theater program produces around 10 shows a year. Swing by now to see the final weeks of the run of “Disney’s The Little Mermaid,” until August 19.  You can check out a full schedule of shows on their Web site.

Phoenix Theater

The Phoenix Theater, founded in 1920, is one of the oldest continually operating theaters in the West. Since opening in Phoenix, the venue has constantly put on top-notch productions. You are able to experience Broadway-style shows in a intimate setting of a main stage. Each show is aimed to inspire the audience to find hope and understanding and further create good in the world. The theater holds a long past, since it’s ancient opening and guests are encouraged to take a historical tour of the halls of the theater as well. Head on down to the stage this September to see “Mama Mia!” Tickets for the musical experience are online now.