A prop-filled stage, costumed kids moving across it on cue, suspense one moment, laughter the next, feeding the energy of the performers — you’ve just imagined what happens in every performance by Prescott Valley Performing Arts (PVPA). It’s magical.
I’ve attended several of these, each one enchanting me into a fantasy world, leaving my stresses behind. I’ve always left feeling full of positive energy, with a smile on my face.
PVPA has been an important part of our community since 2004, a place for kids to gather, learn, work in teams, apply imagination, develop leadership skills, socialize in a safe environment, and build confidence.
Several years ago, at my teen’s first PVPA audition, we introduced ourselves to founder Clyde Neville, who smiled wide, opened his arms and gave us each a warm, welcoming hug. That’s how the group is, accepting, fun and warm. It is the kind of place you’re excited to go and hate to leave.
PVPA maintains four stage companies: Main Stage for adults 18+, Family for all ages, Teen for 13-19s, and Children/Youth for 13s and younger. They have performed Spook House, Lend Me a Tenor, Murder at the Malt Shop, Oklahoma!, Aladdin, Grease, Arsenic and Old Lace and many more under the mission, “a place where children, teens, and adults are encouraged to act out.”
The organization has been on hiatus for almost two years to build the new 5,800 square-foot Main Street Theatre, attached to Findley Toyota Center in Prescott Valley. It will seat 150 and feature state-of-the-art sound and lighting systems on a 24- by 36-foot stage. The theatre is in the final stages of construction, scheduled to open in March. Neville says its first production will be Gilligan’s Island, the Musical.
Working on the new theatre has involved many groups from the community helping with construction, and not just adults. Pre-pandemic it was common to see young people working on Saturdays.
Local businesses and individuals have donated generously to fund the project, some with equipment, many of their own time and labor. Any kind of help is invited and greatly appreciated.
PVPA needs to raise another $50,000 to finish the project, and right now all donations up to $10,000 are being matched. You can donate through the PVPA website, Facebook page (facebook.com/PrescottValleyPerformingArts), or by calling 520-249-4000. Anyone who donates $1000 or more will be recognized with a personalized brick in front of the Main Street Theatre. All donations are tax-deductible.
The over 300 active volunteers in the PVPA theatre family have a lot to offer our community, entertaining over 4,000 patrons annually in an average six productions and 48 performances. The group offers a comprehensive mentoring program with graduates, along with an Elective Learning Program teaching theatre in local schools and a community outreach program for those in need.
It’s a safe place for our kids to hang out and learn leadership, teamwork, communication and listening skills, following directions, self-confidence, and so much more.
