BUILDING A SHINING FUTURE for our youth | for our theatre | for the arts

Maureen Dias-Watson, Producing Artistic Director Savannah Thompson, Director of Education/Development 7020 E. 2nd Street, Scottsdale, AZ, 85251 BUILDING community | character | confidence | culture | careers 480.949.7529 | www.greasepaint.org BUILDING COMMUNITY Greasepaint is much more Our home base is the Stagebrush Theatre, a historic landmark in the heart than a stellar youth theatre. of Old Town Scottsdale. We’re proud to It’s a safe place, second be an integral part of the Scottsdale arts scene, and thrilled to be able to bring home and extended family Valley residents affordable children’s for thousands of kids. theatre that appeals not only to the little Every child needs a strong social niche ones, but to “kids” of all ages. outside the home: another place they feel And by attracting the crowds we do to safe and supported, and truly feel they our stage, we know we’re also helping to belong. Someplace that builds their self- ensure the fiscal health of a vibrant esteem and encourages them to dream. downtown. Somewhere they feel comfortable enough More than 500 kids grace the Greasepaint My son Sawyer did shows at Greasepaint to genuinely express themselves, and stage each year, and thousands more Youtheatre for six years, starting when he confident enough to spread their wings. delight in our shows from their seats in was 12. He liked to play the bad guy, but It’s there they can reach their full the audience. Our theatre virtually buzzes he learned so much good. potential. with activity throughout the year. Each He learned to walk in the shoes of the For over 30 years, Greasepaint has been season we produce six mainstage shows characters he played and think like that niche for thousands of kids and teens -- most of them musicals -- and each someone else. He learned about different between the ages of 6 and 20. We’re a show offers up six or more performances. “times and places. He learned to speak up, true community of youth actors. We’ve Every season includes one summer stand tall and to tap into his imagination crossed over the threshold of theatre to production for adults from our “Scottsdale long after most kids give it up. become one big extended family ... and Community Players,” typically cast with Sawyer learned what he was capable of we serve as each other’s biggest fans. college-aged alumni. if he stretched himself. He learned that it Ask around: Greasepaint provides the didn’t happen overnight, that he had to do We also feature an annual “Bare Bones best that youth theatre can offer. Our the work. And it was work - hard work - Production” for high school students who oganization is consistently designated and it was fun. He learned it could be both are very serious about their craft. In this as “Best in the Valley.” But we balance of those things. intensive program, they take the reins and our high production values with a family/ cast, direct, design and perform works of He learned how to improvise when thing friendly environment that is always bright, their choosing within a designated budget. went awry. He learned that he could fail, encouraging and fun. and the world wouldn’t end. He learned In addition, we offer numerous summer, Shakespeare said, “All the world’s a to try again. And then he learned to shine winter and spring camps and skill devel- stage.” We’re here to help kids take that without dimming anyone else’s glow. opment workshops in which youth learn stage by storm. Theatre is a metaphor for to sing, dance, act, improvise and shine Sawyer is now studying electrical life. We train actors. But more importantly, in every possible way on stage. And to engineering and math in college with we develop beautiful people who love ensure accessibility for everyone, each confidence and a sense of wonder. the arts and all their fellow players in this year we provide camp/workshop scholar- It’s because he fell in love in theater – world. ships to families in need, and also provide with the stage, with Shakespeare, with Greasepaint brings kids from diverse free programs to underserved communi- a girl. He fell in love with being a part of socio-economic backgrounds into an ties and schools. something good, even great, and how a inclusive culture where they learn to love A key goal of every program is to instill a cast and crew could become a family. one another not despite of but because deep love and appreciation of the arts that That doesn’t happen just anywhere. It of their differences. Rich or poor; black, our youth will carry with them forever ... happens in the theater. brown or white; gay or straight; liberal or and pass on for generations to come. conservative; timid or bold ... we teach ~Karina Bland them all to perform, and to always lead first with kindness.

All show/production photos in this brochure courtesy of Laura Durant Photography Our daughter Alyssa was a part of the Greasepaint is a creative, safe haven for When we arrived for the first time at a Greasepaint family for six years. They our daughter that teaches her and many small theater in Old Town Scottsdale, we truly are a family that invests in every other young performers the craft of acting. had no idea the magic contained inside. child who walks through their doors. We Even more than that, it is a place where We had no idea the impact the people in have watched hundreds of children and these children learn to think for them- this building would have on our lives, in teens develop a true passion for the arts. selves, form deep friendships, and grow particular the lives of our children. It is so important that we pass on the love as performers and people. We were immediately embraced and “for the arts to our next generation. “Greasepaint never condescends to kids, “welcomed into the Greasepaint Family. On a personal level, Alyssa has learned but looks them right in the eye and We love that our children have an so much more than just acting. She has challenges them to find their truth. opportunity to be a part of the high quality learned about teamwork, commitment, High standards for emotional honesty productions at Greasepaint. But what we confidence and responsibility. All of these and focus on craft encourages these value even more is the exceptional staff attributes will be so important in whatever performers to go beyond simply putting that genuinely cares about each child that profession she chooses. on a show. They consistently rise to the comes through the door, whether they We feel so strongly in what Greasepaint occasion and the result is remarkable — have a lead role in the show or have been does that our family has made a serious performances that capture the heart, the cast for the first time. commitment to ensuring its longevity and true heart, of each story. The skills our children are developing at success. We invite others to make that ~Teresa Swingler Greasepaint will stay with them through- same commitment. out their lives, as will the friendships ~Luis & Christine Gonzalez There’s something so unique about made. We are so grateful we get to be a Greasepaint. It’s really everything that part of the magic. Greasepaint is a safe place to learn; that’s community theater should be: from the ~Kelli Sullivan why so many kids feel it’s their home. I’ve brilliant artistic staff to the intimate and gotten to improve my singing, acting, and loved location and the inclusive and dancing – but I’m just as thankful for the encouraging support offered to each and opportunities I’ve had to be behind the every performer. scenes working tech, where I learned to “Greasepaint instills so much confidence see theater from a different perspective, in its casts that I am always blown away “solve problems on the fly, get white make- by the quality of every show. It’s a truly up handprints off curtains every night(!), wonderful place for young people to and be part of the creative process in a flourish, and to give the best of them- new way. These skills are so valuable, selves, not just on stage and to their especially for an actor, and I’m grateful for audience, but to their community and every experience at Greasepaint. each other. ~Tatum Grell ~Steve Gleave (at right with family) BUILDING CHARACTER BUILDING CONFIDENCE & NOTABLE ALUMNI Greasepaint is incredibly proud of all of our alums throughout the years, who are now doctors, lawyers, en- CAREERSOur focus for younger kids is to create gineers, teachers and parents. Here Greasepaint is the best a nurturing environment where they can are just a few of those who chose to place in the Valley for youth explore basic acting skills in a completely pursue a career in the performing arts to learn the craft of acting. safe space. We work with more mature and what they’re doing now: We set high standards for excellence, youth to hone and perfect their craft, Asher Angel because we know kids continuously rise explore character development and Now starring in Disney Channel’s to meet and exceed expectations. Over movement, and tackle challenging scores Andi Mack and the DC hit movie, the years, Greasepaint productions have and scripts through which they can stretch Shazam their skillls and unlock talent they never garnered rave reviews and hundreds of Lizzie Baggleman dreamed was inside them. awards and nominations for excellence in Teacher - AZ School for the Arts theatre. Season after season, our shows For kids who prefer shining behind the Thomas Bigley sell out to full or near capacity due to the scenes, we also offer opportunities to help Associate Artistic Director, Porters of on tech crews, assistant direct or stage level of quality we bring to our stage. Hellsgate Theatre Company in Los Greasepaint is unique in that we hire manage, operate lights and sound, build Angeles sets, and serve as interns for our camps. outside professionals to lead every show Stefanie Brown Our objective is not just to train actors, but and workshop. Each year we contract Televison, Film , National Tour-Wicked with more than 80 of the Valley’s top to help create well-rounded individuals. directors, musical directors, choreo- The rigor of our classes and productions Nick Cartell graphers,set designers, stage managers, teaches teamwork and responsibility, as Broadway - Cirque du Soleil Paramour costume and make-up artists, builders, well as the importance of practice, hard National Broadway Tour - Les musicians and lighting & sound experts. work and perseverance. In addition to Misérables Not only does this bring a high degree of learning lines and hitting their marks, kids Natalie Charle Ellis quality and professionalism to everything learn to collaborate, communicate and Broadway - School of Rock we do, but also serves a dual purpose speak effectively in public. Broadway - Beetlejuice of supporting the careers of professional These life skills prepare them for what- Kimiko Glenn Valley artists. ever roads lie ahead. Many of our alumni Brook Soso - Orange Is the New Every one of these professionals brings have gone on to Broadway or TV, but Black and Broadway - Waitress; Pene diverse talents, experience and teaching many more apply what they’ve learned Parker - Spider-Man: Into the Spider- methods to their art. As a result, our youth to become respected professionals like verse are continually engaged by unique direc- doctors, attorneys and teachers. We get Mike Heslin tion and points of view. That helps them frequent reports about the accolades they Broadway Actor, Model, TV, Film - grow as both people and performers, and still receive for their top performances, be War Horse it in a board room, courtroom, operating grooms them to easily adapt to a wide Luke Kanter room, classroom or stage. variety of different environments. Drama Instructor, LA Music and Arts School Brett Moellenberg Managing Director at St. Thomas Playhouse; Co-Founder of The Spot Theatre Company Gabbi Ncube Los Angeles County Museum of Art Jennie Rhiner National Tour - Childsplay School of Rock Aladdin Greasepaint played a HUGE role in my My time at Greasepaint is some of my Performing in The Wiz at Greasepaint in life and helped shape my success in the fondest memories of theatre I have as 2010 was my first time doing a musical. arts. I spent a short amount of time there, a teenager. I learned so much, not only Growing up as a dancer, but loving acting, but feel I was born there. It all started about theatre and becoming a better I had a sense that musicals might be up with a few small Greasepaint workshops, performer, but about camaraderie and my alley, but I wasn’t able to exercise that when I was prompted to audition for working as a team. I made life-long friends theory until Greasepaint. It was such a Cinderella and then BOOM! I came back and truly wouldn’t trade that time for the safe environment to learn and grow, as to bend and snap for Legally Blonde. Now world. I also got to teach for the first time well as foster a love for musicals. I now “thanks to Greasepaint, I hope to touch “at summer camps as an older teenager, “live in New York City and am building a hearts with the gift of performing and which taught me leadership skills I still sustainable career as a dancer in musical making people laugh for years to come! carry with me today. I felt supported there theatre (national tours, a co-star on The ~Rachel Redleaf and guided by the creative team and staff, Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, currently per- Now appearing in Netflix series, “Atypical” and experienced playing a leading role forming at the Joyce Theatre), and still and Quentin Tarantino’s blockbuster for the first time (Gabriella in HSM) which maintaining friendships and connections I movie, “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood” was a huge moment that propelled me to made at Greasepaint all those years ago. choose doing theatre for a living. It’s a core belief of mine that the arts are a vital part of development in adolescence, ~Krystina Alabado and I owe part of mine to this theatre. Gretchen in ‘Mean Girls’ on Broadway ~Betty Weinberger Broadway National Tours, Co-Star on ‘The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel’

When I was a sophomore in high school, Greasepaint was casting Hairspray. I was terrified, but wanted to prove that my past failures did not define me. I auditioned, Most of my on stage experience has got cast, and met some of the best friends taken place at Greasepaint. I started at I have ever had. That show changed Greasepaint when I was 9 years old as everything for me! I joined the Bare Bones Gavroche in Les Misérables. I loved my Greasepaint provided the foundation from Acting Company and then was referred to experience of being in that show so much which I jumped when I entered the world “the Herberger Young Artists Competition that I returned to do multiple camps, and of professional acting. I was given the op- that helped pay for my college education. five more shows there before I turned 18. portunity to work on challenging material Today I’m a rising senior at NYU, studying I have learned so much, and made so like RENT and The Laramie Project that Drama with a minor in Producing. I just many lifelong friends and memories inside other theatres weren’t allowing teens to finished my first union Off-Broadway “ explore. I went on to pursue a BFA in Act- the Stagebrush doors. Getting to play so production and am looking forward to many different roles in a wide variety of ing & a BA in Africana Studies from UofA. what the future holds for my career. But “After graduating, I moved to Chicago, shows, directed by industry professionals, it all starts somewhere! Greasepaint at such a young age was so special. I am where I am currently working as a profes- became my theatre home and gave me a now joining the Original Company of sional actor, playwright and artistic direc- safe place to make mistakes, experiment, Almost Famous the Musical as William, tor of my own theatre company, The Story and truly grow as a performer. and have several stage, film, and TV Theatre. I am so grateful for the lessons I learned at Greasepaint! ~Arianna Williams projects in the works. Just wrapped the leading role of Robin ~Casey Likes ~Paul Michael Thomson in the Off-Broadway production Now playing William in the new Actor/Playwright/Artistic Director, of ‘Eco-Village’ Broadway musical, ‘Almost Famous’ The Story Theatre BUILDING OUR FUTURE Your contributions are essential to helping Greasepaint provide our youth with high TO MAKE A TAX- PLEASE quality theater experiences without having DEDUCTIBLE* DONATION: MAKE A to charge excessive fees or ticket prices. • Pick up and fill out a contribution As a non-profit community theatre, we envelope in our theatre lobby and rely heavily on donations. Ticket sales turn it in at the box office (or drop it DONATION cover only a third of our expenses. in the mail later); T O DAY. Each year we are only able to meet our • Log onto www.greasepaint.org and budgetary needs through the generosity click on the “DONATE” link; or of corporate donations and from families Give a little or give a lot, and individuals like YOU. • Call 480.949.PLAY (7529) and speak with one of our staff members but PLEASE DO GIVE. The amount we need to cover all of our (Maureen Watson or Savannah expenses is over $275,000 a year. We depend on YOU for Thompson) about how to become a Please open your heart and your wallet, VIP Donor or Corporate Sponsor. the funding we need to and make a donation to support our offer our quality shows, talented youth! With a $250 donation, you can become a VIP donor (see the benefits BECOME A VIP BEFORE camps and workshops. you’ll receive on the page at your right.) THE HOLIDAYS, AND Every dollar you provide If you can’t give that much, give what EARN AN INVITATION you can! TO OUR SPECIAL VIP will help! Your donation willl allow us to continue expanding our programming, offer CELEBRATION PARTY! Thank you! additional classes and workshops, provide free programs to underserved communities and schools, and support *To the extent allowed by law. Please consult with your tax advisor concerning full limits of our season productions. deductibility for your donation.

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Urinetown Madagascar Footloose TO MAKE A DONATION and/or TO BECOME A VIP DONOR: • Pick up and fill out a contribution envelope in our theatre lobby and turn it in at the box office (or drop it in the mail later); • Log onto www.greasepaint.org and click on the “DONATE” link; or • Call 480.949.PLAY (7529) and speak with one of our staff members (Maureen Watson or Savannah Thompson) about how to become a VIP Donor or Corporate Sponsor.

VIP DONOR BENEFITS Maureen Watson $250-$499 Producing Artistic Director • All VIP Donors enter the house and Maureen studied theatre at West Chester State choose their seats first ... prior to the University and at the American Academy of Dram- general public! atic Arts in NYC. She performed internationally with • A special new Greasepaint T-shirt! UWP in between schools. She also has a BLS from • Your name listed in all season production ASU. Maureen has been a Resident Artist, Director, programs, on our lobby display wall, and our Teacher and Actor in the Valley for years, working with Childsplay, Theatre Artists Studio, and others. website Maureen worked as AD in the early 2000’s at • Two complimentary tickets to any show in Greasepaint and returned in 2010. Greasepaint the season is home, and Maureen directs one to three shows each season. She has won multiple awards for $500-$999 direction at Greasepaint and Brophy College Prep • All benefits listed above PLUS: for shows including Heathers, Peter and the • Two additional (four total) complimentary Starcatcher, The Laramie Project and Our Town. tickets to any show in the season Maureen performs whenever time allows at Theatre • 15% discount on camps, workshops and Artist Studio, most recently in Pas d’Action. other educational programming $1,000-$2,499 Savannah Thompson • All benefits listed above PLUS: Director of Education and Development • Prominent listing on the lobby donor display Savannah is thrilled to be on staff at Greasepaint, • A poster from each production autographed the organization that served as a springboard for her career in the arts! She has performed on by the cast (upon request) Greasepaint’s stage in productions of Hairspray, • 25% discount on camps, workshops and Grease and Nevermore, but was more involved other educational programming backstage working on tech crews, stage manag- ing, serving on GP’s Alumni Board, and direct- $2,500+ ing summer camps. Those experiences ignited • All benefits listed above PLUS: her passion for a career in theatre management. • Two complimentary tickets to Greasepaint’s She graduated magna cum laude from Barrett, Annual Gala event. the Honors College at ASU, with a degree in Arts Administration and a minor in Theatre. While there, BECOME A VIP DONOR TODAY! she garnered professional experience through a We depend on the generosity of variety of jobs with local theatres, including Childs- families and individuals like YOU! play and Phoenix Theatre. She is now beyond grateful to be working at Greasepaint to do what she loves at her home away from home. YOUR DONATION WILL HELP ENSURE FOR OUR A FUTURE THEATRE! 2019/2020 SEASON

AUG 2-10, 2019 SEP 6-8, 2019 FRI & SAT 7pm, SUN 2pm FRI & SAT 7pm, SUN 2pm

OCT 11-20, 2019 DEC 6-15, 2019 FRI 7pm, SAT 2&7pm, SUN 2pm FRI & SAT 7pm, SUN 2pm

JAN 24-FEB 2, 2020 MAR 6-15, 2020 FRI 7pm, SAT 2&7pm, SUN 2pm FRI & SAT 7pm, SUN 2pm

TICKETS: $17 each www.greasepaint.org 480.949.7529 May 1-10, 2020 Historic Stagebrush Theatre FRI & SAT 7pm, SUN 2pm 7020 E. 2nd St., Scottsdale, AZ