East Valley Children's Theatre

★★★★★Linda Osborn

I love how EVCT gives the kids an opportunity to shine…to work as a group and to each be an integral part in producing an experience for themselves as well as for the audience. There are so many roles to be played, beyond speaking lines on the stage…so many life skills that are learned in the process of working together for a common goal. Brava and bravo to all involved in this community gem.

★★★★★Angela Buer, MA

Hands down the best youth theater in the East Valley! Whether you’re looking for high-quality summer camps, acting classes, or just want to see a great musical, EVCT delivers every time. The staff is professional, the venues at the Mesa Arts Center are beautiful, and the talent is inspiring. A must-visit for Mesa families! - Thank you for providing an inclusive and inspiring experience for kids.

★Jen Eckles

I have been attending shows at this children’s theatre company since 2010 and have always enjoyed the productions and the theatre’s environment; however, recently there have been significant concerns about its management at the board level. There is a pattern of poor communication and a lack of clear direction coming from the board of directors. Decisions reportedly feel inconsistent and, at times, disconnected from the needs of the students, families, and staff who are directly involved in productions. This kind of top-down management appears to create unnecessary confusion and stress for everyone else trying to make the program run smoothly. In addition, there are also concerns about limited transparency, with important decisions being made without much explanation or input from those affected. That can make it difficult for families and staff to feel confident in the organization or invested in its success. More recently, it’s especially concerning to hear about a mass departure of long-time, highly knowledgeable, and talented theatre staff members (directors and teachers), leaving due to what they experienced as unkind and unsupportive treatment from the board. Even more troubling, some of the lead child performers in the theatre’s current production (who are due to perform in a week at the time of this posting) have also stepped away, which speaks volumes about the impact these issues may be having on the overall environment. Children’s theatre should be a supportive, enriching environment where young performers can learn, grow, and feel valued. Unfortunately, ongoing management issues—including apparent power struggles and a culture of self-importance among the board of directors—seem to be undermining that mission. I hope the leadership takes these concerns seriously and works toward building a more respectful, transparent, and well-organized program. Until then, I recommend you take your children and your business elsewhere for your theatre-going experience.

★★★★★Kyle Cummins

If you’re looking for a place where creativity meets community, East Valley Children’s Theatre (EVCT) in Mesa is a true local gem. ​Whether your child is a budding star or a bit shy, EVCT provides a remarkably supportive and high-energy environment. What sets them apart is their commitment to "theatre for children, by children"—every performer on stage is a youth, which creates a uniquely inspiring experience for the young audiences in the seats. ​Why It’s a 5-Star Experience: ​Professional Quality: Despite the young age of the cast, the productions at the Mesa Arts Center are impressively polished, featuring professional-grade costumes, sets, and lighting. ​Confidence Building: Their classes and camps (for ages 5–18) focus on more than just acting; they help kids build genuine self-esteem and "life skills" like teamwork and public speaking. ​Inclusivity: There is a real sense of "family" here. The instructors and staff are known for being encouraging and making every child feel like they have a place, whether they are center stage or working on the technical crew. ​Accessible Magic: With affordable ticket prices and a cozy, intimate theatre setting, it's one of the best ways to introduce toddlers and grade-schoolers to the magic of live performance without the "big city" price tag. ​EVCT isn't just a theatre company; it’s a place where East Valley kids find their voice and their tribe. If you have a chance to catch one of their shows or sign up for a workshop, don't hesitate!

★★★★★T Klimczak

What a remarkable group of people. Our family has attended several of the performances of EVCT and it is great to see an organization that helps kids with theatre AND LIFE SKILLS! We are looking forward to our next visit!