Herberger Theater Center

We are Arizona's center stage, engaging the community through diverse arts experiences that ignite emotion, stimulate conversation, and inspire connections with the arts.

The Herberger Theater Center is committed to bringing together artists and community for diverse and engaging experiences in the arts. We are the Valley's only theater whose primary mission is to service other local, non-profit performing arts companies. We are committed to sustaining youth and community outreach programs, designed to give Arizona children opportunities to excel, learn and heal through their experience with the arts. The Herberger Theater continues to expand its role in the arts community by adding new approaches to engage the public and arts community, and use performance and interactive art to break down barriers, creating an environment where all members of the community feel welcome.

Built in 1989 to support and foster the growth of performing arts in Phoenix, the Herberger Theater has contributed to the cultural and educational development of the Valley. Five million patrons, including 350,000 school-aged children, have shared the unique experience of attending more than 16,000 live performances. The Herberger Theater continues to celebrate the diverse, multicultural heritage of the Phoenix community with accessible performing arts experiences.

The Herberger Theater Center enriches the Phoenix community. Through performances and outreach programs, it brings people together, inspires imagination, and fosters important conversations. We believe cost should not be a barrier to experiencing or creating art and have created free or low-cost opportunities for all to experience the magic of live performance. Diverse programming ensure everyone in our community can enjoy the arts. 

Each year we provide several youth arts education and community outreach programs:

ARTS 360 - an innovative arts education program that brings live performances and arts-integrated instruction directly into elementary school classrooms. This initiative ensures that all children, regardless of financial means or transportation access, have the opportunity to experience and engage with the performing arts. The mobile program offers interactive dance and music activities and includes movement classes to build rhythm, motor skills, and creativity, as well as a ballet performance. 

Arizona Young Artists' Competition - provides talented young performers with an opportunity to compete for scholarships in front of a live audience. The program enables young Arizona artists to experience the audition process and garner productive feedback and pertinent experience through an adjudication process led by highly esteemed arts professionals. 

Camp 360 - a collaboration between the Herberger Theater and Art Heals Arizona dedicated to helping young lives heal through the performing arts. The two-week program serves teens who are living in group homes, shelters, and residential treatment centers throughout Maricopa County, offering them an opportunity to create and experience art in a safe, supportive environment.

Lunch Time Theater - showcases the work of diverse and emerging theater companies and features high-quality live performances presented in a condensed (45-50 minutes), daytime format designed to entertain, inspire, and spark conversation.  At just $12, tickets are affordable to those patrons who cannot attend main stage performances due to higher ticket prices and is a convenient choice for downtown workers.

Festival of the Arts - a free celebration of the arts showcasing performances by more than 30 Valley arts organizations, live music, food, wine and beer garden, vendor market, live art demonstrations, and interactive children’s activities. Our goal is to connect the community with the arts and provide an opportunity for people to experience a wide variety and diversity of arts experiences at no cost.

First Friday Live - offers a unique opportunity for the community to experience the magic of live performing arts. Held every first Friday between October and May, the series showcases vibrant outdoor performances. Admission is free, making it an accessible and welcoming experience for everyone. First Friday Live provides a safe and inviting environment for all and each performance is thoughtfully curated to showcase a diverse range of music, dance, visual art, and interactive experiences. 

Performance Pop-Ups - free outdoor programs celebrating the depth and diversity of talent in Arizona, providing high-quality music, dance, and theatrical programming in a safe and welcoming environment. The one-hour performances are held most Saturdays at 6 p.m. (weather permitting between October and April) and showcase artists and performances that are diverse and reflective of our community.

Art Galleries - features the creative and inspiring work of Arizona artists and provides a platform for visual art.