Phone: 480-488-1981
Address: 33606 N. 60th Street
Scottsdale, Arizona 85262
Email: tickets@desertfoothillstheater.com
Address: 33606 N. 60th Street
Scottsdale, Arizona 85262
Email: tickets@desertfoothillstheater.com
Desert Foothills Theater History
For over 35 years the Desert Foothills Theater has been providing theater experiences to the Northeast valley. It was founded in 1975 by Anne and Carl Nusbaum. They had grease paint in their veins, and wanted to share their deep love of live theater with everyone in the Desert Foothills.
Starting under canvas, they began their plays and musicals wherever it was possible to set up the tent. After the tent was destroyed by a storm, they moved to the Carefree Inn, then to Pierre’s Playhouse (later destroyed by a fire), then to el Pedregal and finally to the Cactus Shadows Fine Arts Center. Our productions focus on providing high-quality theater with the help of extensive volunteer support. We pride ourselves on being a true community-supported theater. In 1996, Desert Foothills Theater was invited to join the umbrella of the Foothills Community Foundation. The foundation, which serves to support organizations that provide community service to the Desert Foothills area, serves as the 501(c)(3) conduit for Desert Foothills Theater. Though the Foothills Community Foundation has “foundation” in its name, it is not a foundation in the funding sense. The Foundation provides 501(c)(3) conduit support as well as general administrative and cash flow support. Desert Foothills Theater is required to balance its budget and run as if it were a separate entity.
In 2006, DFT started the DFT-Gecko Teatro Youth Theater. Through this performing program, DFT provides two professionally produced performance opportunities for youth ages 8-18 each year.
In 2008, DFT began presenting a theater outreach program under the auspices of DFT COPA (Conservatory of Performing Arts) with classes held after school at several schools in the Cave Creek Unified School District and at the FCF-Holland Community Center. DFT COPA provides classes for 100 emerging artists ages 5 through adult each year. The Desert Foothills Theater is one of the largest programs of the Foothills Community Foundation with an annual budget of over $230,000. Each year DFT’s performances draw thousands of attendees and allow hundreds to participate in hands-on theater work, theater training and music education. Two of the past three years, DFT has won ariZoni Awards for "Best Overall Production, Non-Contract Theater".
For over 35 years the Desert Foothills Theater has been providing theater experiences to the Northeast valley. It was founded in 1975 by Anne and Carl Nusbaum. They had grease paint in their veins, and wanted to share their deep love of live theater with everyone in the Desert Foothills.
Starting under canvas, they began their plays and musicals wherever it was possible to set up the tent. After the tent was destroyed by a storm, they moved to the Carefree Inn, then to Pierre’s Playhouse (later destroyed by a fire), then to el Pedregal and finally to the Cactus Shadows Fine Arts Center. Our productions focus on providing high-quality theater with the help of extensive volunteer support. We pride ourselves on being a true community-supported theater. In 1996, Desert Foothills Theater was invited to join the umbrella of the Foothills Community Foundation. The foundation, which serves to support organizations that provide community service to the Desert Foothills area, serves as the 501(c)(3) conduit for Desert Foothills Theater. Though the Foothills Community Foundation has “foundation” in its name, it is not a foundation in the funding sense. The Foundation provides 501(c)(3) conduit support as well as general administrative and cash flow support. Desert Foothills Theater is required to balance its budget and run as if it were a separate entity.
In 2006, DFT started the DFT-Gecko Teatro Youth Theater. Through this performing program, DFT provides two professionally produced performance opportunities for youth ages 8-18 each year.
In 2008, DFT began presenting a theater outreach program under the auspices of DFT COPA (Conservatory of Performing Arts) with classes held after school at several schools in the Cave Creek Unified School District and at the FCF-Holland Community Center. DFT COPA provides classes for 100 emerging artists ages 5 through adult each year. The Desert Foothills Theater is one of the largest programs of the Foothills Community Foundation with an annual budget of over $230,000. Each year DFT’s performances draw thousands of attendees and allow hundreds to participate in hands-on theater work, theater training and music education. Two of the past three years, DFT has won ariZoni Awards for "Best Overall Production, Non-Contract Theater".