VPA Theatre
It's often said that theatre holds a mirror up to society. Imparting new perspectives on audiences, performers, and technicians alike, it strengthens the bonds of community and helps us better understand ourselves.
One of the longest-running in the state, the Phoenix College Theatre Program has contributed to the arts since 1928. Building on a tradition of innovation, student performers & technicians are trained to push their creative limits, collaborate earnestly, and communicate with conviction. As supporters of in-house and community projects, we explore a wide slate of genres including drama, musical theatre, and comedy. We're committed to bringing broader audiences to the theatre through projects like Spanish-language plays and theatre for young audiences.
This semester, let the world unfold in front of you: join us for a compelling performance; or support local arts by auditioning for a production. Students, employees, and community members are all welcome.
Ticketing & Venue
Join Us at the Theatre
Countless audiences have been entertained from Phoenix College's Theatre Building since its 1978 dedication. Home to two dynamic performance spaces, The John Paul Theatre and Geoffrey Eroe Black Box, it continues to serve as a community hub for creativity and innovation.
Join at the Theatre
Purchasing Tickets
Tickets are required for admittance to performances. The best way to reserve seats is to purchase them in advance, through PurplePass, the online ticketing platform. You can also buy tickets at the door, provided the show hasn't sold out.
Please see individual event pages for prices—which vary by performance—as well as direct links to the PurplePass sales area.
DISCOUNTS
Seniors, Students, Alumni, Staff & Adjuncts These guests are invited to reserve seats at discounted prices. Tickets will be sold at a reduced price regardless of whether they're purchased online or at the door; however, photo identification will be required for entry.
Group Rates The general public, in addition to those already receiving discounts, can save by purchasing individual tickets in groups of 5, or more.
Performance Spaces
Countless audiences have been entertained from Phoenix College's Theatre Building since its 1978 dedication. Home to two dynamic performance spaces, The John Paul Theatre and Geoffrey Eroe Black Box, it continues to serve as a community hub for creativity and innovation.
THE JOHN PAUL THEATRE
Recognized for unobstructed views of its modified thrust stage, the award-winning John Paul Theatre incorporates superb sightlines with advanced lighting, audio and video systems. The result is a superlative experience for audiences, and performers alike. A vital platform for artists across disciplines, the venue regularly hosts live theatre, music and dance events; as well as visits from distinguished speakers.
The John Paul Theatre is ADA accessible, and supports a seating capacity of 267. The venue is named in honor of John Paul, who in addition to teaching theatre and speech classes, directed over 60 Phoenix College productions between 1948 and 1983.
GEOFFREY EROE BLACK BOX
A flexible and intimate performance space, the Black Box hosts plays throughout the year. In 2021, the space was rededicated to honor Dr. Geoffrey Eroe, longtime director of Phoenix College's Theatre Program.
Getting Here
| THE THEATRE BUILDING (T) Productions are hosted from the Theatre (T) Building, which supports two distinct performance spaces: |
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| The John Paul Theatre at Phoenix College Geoffrey Eroe Black Box |
Enter from Theatre Building's west side, near the Gymnasium Enter from Theatre Building's east side, near the F Building |
NEARBY INTERSECTIONS & STREET ADDRESS Phoenix College's official address is: 1202 W. Thomas Rd., Phoenix, AZ 85013. Located in central Phoenix, campus is less than two miles north of the 7th Avenue exit on the Papago Freeway (I-10). We're situated between two major intersections: |
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| From the West From the East |
W. Thomas Rd. and N. 11th Ave. W. Thomas Rd. and N. 15th Ave. |
PARKING Free guest parking is available at: |
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| North Lot West Lot - Parking Garage |
Near corner of Flower St. and N. 11th Ave. Near corner of W. Thomas Rd. and N. 15th Ave. |
Contact Us
Pending availability, and other conditions, campus and community groups may rent The John Paul Theatre throughout the year. For more information, contact:
Dr. Julia Lougheed
Phoenix College Department of Visual & Performing Arts
602.285.7301 | julia.lougheed@phoenixcollege.edu
Past Performances
FALL SEMESTER
Esa Nena Rie, Esa Nena Llora, Esa Nena No Hace Nada
Exit, Pursued by a Bear
SPRING SEMESTER
Academic Programs
Academics & Leadership
Phoenix College's Theatre Program is rooted in the fusion of artistic expression, intellectual inquiry, and applied practice. With a curriculum that spans from script analysis and acting techniques to stage design and directing, students embark on a multifaceted journey through the world of theatre.
Take the next step in your academic journey: enroll today.
LEARN MORE
Academics & Leadership
Christina Marín, Ph.D.
Dr. Christina Marín brings a wealth of professional and academic experience to her position as director of Phoenix College's theatre program. An experienced instructor and stage director, she's lectured on a wide range of topics, including: surveys of theatre and cinema; performance techniques; and research-oriented topics, such as human rights in theatre.
Dr. Marín's Ph.D. dissertation focused on engaging Latina adolescents in theatre for social justice. Today, she's actualizing her passion for diversity by developing exchange programs, delivering Spanish-language performances, and more.