Saguaro City Music Theatre and its educational branch, Saguaro City Studio Arts, are changing the face of local musical theater now and in the future.
“It is very important to us to nurture young audiences,” said Dena DiGiacinto, managing director/director of education for the nonprofit theater company, which is premiering its third year of educational programming and productions. “Our educational programming is a priority since it gives kids of all abilities and their families increased access to musical theater. We also try to choose shows that are kid-focused and family-friendly and it is really exciting for us to see younger kids and their families coming to see our shows.”
DiGiacinto said Saguaro City is proud to be the only organization in the community to offer completely tuition-free and inclusive theater programs designed to break down barriers and equalize the field of opportunity for young students.
“Lots of theater companies provide scholarships if there is a child who wants to join, but we are actively encouraging kids of all abilities to come and be part of our programs and our shows completely tuition-free,” said DiGiacinto. “We have a high percentage of students that have a diagnosis or disability and that makes us unique.”
She said that in the past year, Saguaro City’s educational programming served 172 students; 41% of those have a declared diagnosis, and more than 30% would have been unable to participate if programs hadn’t been tuition-free.
“We connect the educational programming with our professional shows so kids have something to aspire to. We want kids to know there is a career in theater if they want one: We want them to see that theater is something they can be part of,” said DiGiacinto.
The children work alongside local and out-of-town actors, costume designers, lighting designers and other professionals in both the creative and technical sides of theater.
Currently, the organization is accepting registration for Showtime, a free educational program for youth ages 7 to 17. Showtime will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on three consecutive weekends beginning Saturday, Aug. 10, at the University of Arizona School of Theatre, Film and Television, 1025 N. Olive Road.
The shortened version of a musical theater show, in which participants will learn about the Little Mermaid, culminates in a performance for family and friends of participants.
“The kids take ownership of how it will go and what they will do in the performance. They create their own costumes, build their own props and learn and create so much in a short period of time: It is really impressive,” said DiGiacinto.
On the professional front, kids and adults will take the stage together during the production of “Wizard of Oz” beginning on Dec. 20 at Berger Performing Arts Center.
“This is a classic show that spans generations,” said DiGiacinto. “Having children in the ensemble is a great opportunity for our own students and for kids in the community who we don’t know yet who want to audition and work alongside professional actors in a fully professional production. Performing in front of a live audience of 500 people in Berger Performing Arts Center is an exciting opportunity for young performers in our community.”
At the other end of the spectrum, audiences can experience an all-adult cast in “Million Dollar Quartet,” which begins on Oct. 4.
The production is based on the true story of four music icons — Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins and Elvis Presley — who came together on Dec. 4, 1956, for a jam session at Sun Records Studio in Memphis, Tennessee.
DiGiacinto said the unique show features actors who play instruments live onstage as they perform their roles.
“Normally you would have an orchestra playing music in the pit, but all of the music in this show is played live onstage. The talent in this show is sure to have audiences dancing in the aisles, creating an experience that is truly magical,” said DiGiacinto
Ultimately, Saguaro City Music Theatre has found its niche in the arts community, according to DiGiacinto. She said that a core group of volunteers consistently help to bring educational programming and productions to fruition.
“The last couple of years have been a whirlwind,” she said. “At times it feels like the train has left the station and we are trying to keep up with it. At first it was a big risk to see if there was a place for us, but the community is embracing what we are offering and we are starting to feel that there is a real need for this in Tucson.”