Enrollment is now open for 15 seminars and workshops designed to introduce new actors to professional acting, and sharpen the skill set of actors already practicing the craft—faculty will include professional actors from Los Angeles—tuition for workshops is $25  

Yavapai Community College has been diligently developing its Performing Arts program on the Prescott Campus over the past few years. To further that development, it will hold “The Elevated Actor” Summer Actor Intensive training program from Monday, June 24, to Friday, June 28, at the Jim & Linda Lee Performing Arts Center.

As part of the event, the College is hosting a team of television, film, and stage artists who will work with students throughout the week. With more than 15 seminars and workshops, “The Elevated Actor” is designed to introduce new actors to professional acting and sharpen the skill sets of those already practicing the craft.

The faculty includes Yavapai Community College Theatre Professor Nanette Hofer. Other professional talents lending their skills to the workshop include Groundlings veteran, television actor, and stand-up comedian Matt Conde; Webby award-winning writer/producer and improv comic Russ Gooberman; writer-producer Timothy Boissey; and writer/director Jonas Brenneman.

Sessions will cover acting studies and an auditioning workshop to help actors make a lasting impression. Students will learn different techniques for stage, film, television, and commercial acting. Improvisation and writing workshops are designed to help performers maximize their creative potential in every onstage moment.

“Elevated Actor” participants will conclude their week with a final showcase performance on Friday night, June 28, at 8 p.m. on the Performing Arts Center stage.

The cost of “The Elevated Actor” workshop is $25. Participants must be 16 or older and may attend any or all of the week-long sessions. For registration or additional information, please visit [email protected].

General Admission Tickets of $20 can be purchased online from the College at its Performing Arts Center box office on the Prescott Campus.

Yavapai Community College will give a performance of “The Messiah” on December 1, 2023 in the Verde Valley. The concert will take place at the Conception Catholic Church Parish, 700 N. Bill Gray Road, Cottonwood, and will begin at 7 p.m.

Ticket Information:

Adults: $20

Youth (18 years and younger): $5

Tickets are available by calling the Community College Performing Arts Center box office on the Prescott Campus at 928-776-2000.

This special event should provide an evening of magnificent music.

Prescott Residents Invited to Enjoy Nine Major Events at the Center, Including Jake Shimabukuro’s Christmas in Hawai’I, Handel’s Messiah, the Nutcracker Ballet, and More

Yavapai Community College is presenting an impressive lineup of diverse holiday programs this December at the Jim and Linda Lee Performing Arts Center on the Prescott Campus. Residents of Prescott can look forward to an array of nine outstanding scheduled events including Jake Shimabukuro’s festive “Christmas in Hawai’i,” the timeless “Handel’s Messiah,” the enchanting “Nutcracker” ballet, and many more captivating performances.

The 70,000 or so Sedona and the Verde Valley residents have so far been left out of similar major cultural programming events for the months of January and February 2023

In February, Yavapai Community College continues its slate of outstanding cultural and entertainment events, most of which will be attended by west side residents and all of which are scheduled for the Performing Arts Center on the Prescott Campus.

On Friday, February 3 at 7 p.m. the New York Gilbert & Sullivan Players will perform “H.M.S. Pinafore” at the Yavapai Community College Performing Arts Center.  The College describes the Players as “those comic opera magicians, who brought us The Mikado and The Pirates of Penzance, are back with Gilbert & Sullivan’s delightful tale of true love, class warfare, hidden identities, and a web of secrets that threaten the politest ship in Her Majesty’s Fleet.”   Tickets: $59 | $47 | $32 | Youth $10.

The Arizona Philharmonic manos percussion quartet will perform at the Yavapai Community College Performing Arts Center on February  5, 2023  at  3:00 p.m.  The College describes the trio as follows:  “The percussion trio, manos received a resounding standing ovation in 2020. Expanding to a quartet, AZ Phil’s principal percussionist Eddie Solomon now joins our timpanist Maria Flurry and Tucson Symphony Orchestra percussionists Homero Cerón and Fred Morgan. In this concert they combine their percussion instruments of wood, metal, skin, and water to snare you into a thoughtfully curated, virtuosic program of familiar favorites and exotic musical selections. From delicate to bold to unabashedly fun, manos delights the ears and fills the soul with percussion’s wealth of musical possibilities.”  Ticket range from $10 to $49.

As a part of its satellite program attended by mostly west Yavapai County residents, the College will show the National Theatre Live: Henry V, at the  Performing Arts Center on February 15, 2023 at 6:00 p.m. Tickets range from $10 to $15.

The presentation is described by the College as “Kit Harington (Game of Thrones) plays the title role in Shakespeare’s thrilling study of nationalism, war and the psychology of power. Captured live from the Donmar Warehouse in London. Fresh to the throne, King Henry V launches England into a bloody war with France. When his campaign encounters resistance, this inexperienced new ruler must prove he is fit to guide a country into war. Directed by Max Webster (Life of Pi), this exciting modern production explores what it means to be English and our relationship to Europe, asking: do we ever get the leaders we deserve?”

Rita Rudner will perform at the Performing Arts Center Sunday, February 19 at  7 p.m.   Tickets: $59 | $47 | $32.  The College describe her program as follows: “Laugh, and think – but mostly laugh! Find out why Rita’s epigrammatic one-liners and sly observations about life, gender, and relationships have made her a late-night talk show favorite and one of Las Vegas’s hottest tickets.”

Bill Saxton & the Harlem All-Stars will perform at the Yavapai Community College Performing Arts Center  on  February  24, 2023 at 7:00 p.m. The College described the event as follows:  “Hear straight-ahead jazz saxophone the way it was meant to be when this renowned jazz sideman – alumnus of Harlem’s Nick’s Jazz club and six-album veteran – lights up the stage with his quartet.  As part of our intimate Cabaret Series, your $55 general admission ticket includes seating at a table onstage, appetizers, desserts, coffee/tea and a cash bar.”

The Prescott Pops Symphony  will present “Irving Berlin: From Rags to Ritzes,” at the Yavapai Community College Performing Arts Center on February  26, 2023 at  3:00 p.m. Tickets range from $5 to $45.  The College describes the event as follows: “Composer and lyricist Irving Berlin is one of the greatest American songwriters. Born in Russia in 1888, his family fled the persecution of their Jewish community, emigrating to New York City in the mid 1890s. The Prescott Pops Symphony and special guests present the marvelous music of this brilliant composer. “There’s No Business Like Show Business,” “Cheek to Cheek,” “Always,” “Puttin’ On The Ritz,” and many more of his classics will charm and enchant you.  An afternoon of unforgettable music – we promise you’ll leave with a happy heart!”

“Chicago,” Pink Martini, featuring China Forbes, plus  Magic and Illusion program all on the agenda

Yavapai Community College’s Performing Arts Center is offering a splendid line-up of programs over the next few weeks.  The Broadway hit Chicago will hold eight performances from April 14 – 24.  Pink Martini featuring China Forbes  will hold a concert at the Del Webb Center for Performing Arts in Wickenburg  on March 23 and then move to  the Yavapai Community College Performing Arts Center March 24.   Other venues on its schedule are Wolftrap and the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles. The illusionist called “Mike Super” will perform Saturday, March 26 at 7 p.m.

Unfortunately for residents of Yavapai County living on the east side of Mingus Mountain, there is no public transportation to and from the Community College’s Performing Arts Center  on the Prescott Campus for these programs. Moreover, the Community College does not provide inter-campus transportation for students from its Center in Sedona or the Verde Campus to these events.

Isn’t it time for a venue on the east side of Mingus Mountain similar to at least the Del Webb Center in Wickenberg? When the Del E. Webb Center for the Performing Arts opened its doors in 2001, it did so with the mission of enhancing the educational and cultural quality of the Wickenburg community, and offering a platform for local and visiting artists to showcase their creativity. Since its opening, the 600 seat theater on the Wickenburg High School campus has played a vital role in providing opportunities for outreach and education in the area. With shows by musical artists, dance, and theatre performances, the Del E. Webb Center brings  enriching and vibrant experiences to audiences of all ages. 

All events on Prescott Campus; the Film Festival is good news for local west county film buffs

Yavapai Community College is host to the multi-day Prescott Film Festival October 14-17.  All events are held on the Prescott Community College Campus.

The Prescott Film Festival is a 100% volunteer organization dedicated to promoting tourism in Prescott and the quad city area through independent film and filmmakers. Each month the organization  screens a short feature with  a guest filmmaker for a Q&A with the audience. The events take place at  the Yavapai Community College Performance Center on the Prescott Campus  on select Wednesday evenings.

The Festival’s Executive Director for several years  has been  Helen Stephenson. She is also the Managing Director, Operations, Yavapai College Performing Arts Center.   She was generally in charge of the nationally recognized filmmaker program at the Community College’s  Sedona Center when it was closed down in 2014-15 by then College President Penelope Wills.

According to the Festival website, it markets itself across  Arizona (focusing on Phoenix, Tucson and Sedona) and also in the New Mexico and Los Angeles area. Both the Sedona International Film Festival and the Phoenix Film Festival help getting the word out about the Festival. It receives a high level of support from the  Prescott community.

President says two (possibly three) ticketed programs and five free events scheduled for east side of County so far this fall; cultural activities a Community College priority

Among Arizona community colleges, Yavapai  has by far the largest and most modern theatre operation in the state in the   the Performing Arts Center.  Located at the Prescott Campus, most community college  have nothing approaching the grandeur of this  facility.

So far, the Performing Arts Center has announced it will host from October to the end of May over 30 live in-person events that encompass orchestral concerts, stage plays, and nationally known performers on its Prescott Campus.  It will also play host to more than 20 satellite live programs coming mostly  from New York and London, England. 

In addition to these programs, the Community College will host about nineteen  free special events on the Prescott Campus and about five special free events in the Verde Valley..

At the September 14, 2021, meeting of the Yavapai Community College District Governing Board President Rhine announced that there will be at least two live ticketed cultural events in the Verde Valley and at least five free events this fall. (See video below.)

Ticketed live cultural events October – June 8 at PAC Prescott Campus unless otherwise noted

 **October 15:  7:00 p.m. “Mission Joy – Finding Happiness in Troubled Times and “Under the Same Sky.”

**October 16:  4:00 p.m. “Cowboys without Borders,” “Women of the Sea.”

**October 16:  7:00 p.m.  “Rickshaw Girl,” “Margo Jam.”

**October 17: 3:00 p.m.  (Sculpture Garden)  Gourmet Boxed Dinners, catered by Chef Barry Barbe and Greenway Catering by El Gato Azul (advance purchase required).

**October 17:  4:00 p.m. Silent film with live accompaniment from the Mont Alto Motion Picture Orchestra : a five piece chamber ensemble (3:00 PM pre-show dinner)

October 23:  Bluegrass Mass

October 31:  Arizona Philharmonic: Brandenburg and Beyond.

November 12:  fundraiser presented with U.S. VETS – Prescott, four singing sergeants blend their voices in an evening of inspirational music to benefit comrades in local veteran’s programs.

November  21           1 p.m.  Wonderful Life Costume Parade, Performing Arts Center.

November 14:  Arizona Philharmonic: Sonoran Winds Quintet.

December; 2: Grammy/CMA nominee Josh Turner brings his “Holiday & The Hits” tour for one Yuletide performance.

December 4:  Handel’s Messiah (Community College and local residents)

December 5:  Handel’s Messiah (Community College and local residents)

December 12:  Prescott POPS Symphony. The Sound of Joy!

December 19:  Arizona Philharmonic: We Wish You Christmas.  Elks Theater (117 E Gurley St, Prescott, AZ 86301).

January 9: Arizona Philharmonic: ¡Andalusia!

January 14:  Remembrance of a folk-rock legend,  Croce Plays Croce.

January 16:  Yavapai Symphony Association 2021-2022 Classical Season, Steven Moeckel in Recital – violin.

*January 19: Dino-Light | Lightwire Theater. Phillip England Center for the Performing Arts (Camp Verde) Education series.

January 20: Dino-Light | Lightwire Theater. Education series. Performing Arts Center.

Jan 23    3 p.m.         Garrick Ohlsson Piano recital

January 23: Yavapai Symphony Association 2021-2022 Classical Season, Yefim Bronfman in Recital – piano.

January 29:  Arizona Philharmonic: Brahms Requiem.

*February 10: Call of the Wild: Illustrated Edition | Theatre Heroes. Phillip England Center for the Performing Arts (Camp Verde) Education series.

February 11:  Call of the Wild: Illustrated Edition | Theatre Heroes. Education series. PAC.

February 13: Prescott POPS Symphony: The Sound of Love.

February  17: Much Ado About Nothing | Utah Shakespeare Festival. For grades 7 and above. Education series. (Only at PAC)

February 20: George Li in Recital – piano.

February 27:   Arizona Philharmonic: Arizona Philharmonic Brass.

March 1:  The Very Hungry Caterpillar & Other Eric Carle Classics | Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia. Best for grades PreK-3 (Education series).

March  5 and 6:  The Voices of Dance. Ballet Victoria, with productions of The Nutcracker and Carmina Burana.

March 20. Yavapai Symphony Association 2021-2022 Classical Season, Daniel Hsu in Recital – piano.

March 27:   Arizona Philharmonic: James d’Leon Piano Quintet.

April 3, 2022: Yavapai Symphony Association 2021-2022 Classical Season, ASU Symphony Orchestra

May 1: 3:00 p.m. Yavapai Symphony Association 2021-2022. Classical Season, Yekwon Sunwoo in Recital – piano.

May 2:  Brian Regan, one of the best comics in the business.

* May 9: Doktor Kaboom! Look Out! Science is Coming! | David Epley. Phillip England Center for the Performing Arts (Camp Verde) Education series.

May 10: Doktor Kaboom! Look Out! Science is Coming! | David Epley. PAC.

May 15, 2022: Garrick Ohlsson in Recital – piano.

May 22: Prescott POPS Symphony. Prescott Pops Picks!

June 8: Boz Scaggs.