The Arizona Theatre Company (ATC) was founded by Sandy Rosenthal in 1966 as the Arizona Civic Theatre.[1] It originally performed in the basement of the old Santa Rita Hotel in Tucson. In 1972, the company achieved full professional status and became a member of the League of Resident Theatres (LORT).[citation needed]
The company began presenting a portion of its season in Phoenix in 1978, and a year later, its name was changed to Arizona Theatre Company.[citation needed]
Tempe Center for the Arts, Arizona Theatre Company's home in the Phoenix Metropolitan Area
ATC has been performing full seasons in both Tucson and Phoenix since 1983.[citation needed] It has produced more than 330 productions in its decades-long history, with an emphasis on European and American classics, musicals, and world- and Arizona-premiere productions.[citation needed]
In May 2019, Sean Daniels became the company's artistic director.[2]
ATC offers both adult and student learning opportunities statewide.[3] Through school and summer programs, ATC focuses on teaching youth about literacy, cultural development, performing arts, specialty techniques used on stage, and dramatic literature.[citation needed]
